Everywhere you look on social media, there are thousands of posts with teenagers showcasing complex skincare regimens. Glass skin, slugging, layering, the sandwich method, and skin cycling are hot topics as well as combining numerous products that they swear by. But how many products does a typical teenager actually need in a good skincare regimen?
What The Teenage Skin Needs
The truth is that non-acne prone teenagers needs only three, . . . yes three, products for their skin. There is no need for complex regimens in this population. During the teenage years, the skin has an abundance of collagen which translates to excellent skin firmness and elasticity. This is why their skin heals so well after acne breakout, for example. This is also why pre-mature skin aging shouldn’t be the focus of a teenage skincare regimen. It simply isn’t needed. When it comes to teenage skin, less is more.
We recommend focusing on three basic skincare essentials during the teenage years:
- Sunscreen – If there is any anti-aging product that is appropriate for all ages, it is sunscreen. This helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer over the years, and this is a great age group to help establish the habit of regularly applying it. Sunscreen may also prevent hyperpigmentation from sun exposure and keep discoloration from acne lesions getting worse.
Look for two types of sunscreens. One made especially for the face, and another multipurpose one that can be used on other areas of the body. Don’t forget to re-apply it every two hours while in the sun or more frequently when sweating or swimming.
2. Moisturizer – Non-comedogenic moisturizers are designed to hydrate and protect the skin, which is especially important during the winter or after significant sun exposure. Look for two types of moisturizers; one made specifically for the face and another for body application.
3. A gentle non-soap cleanser – These types of cleansers are formulated to be less drying and more suited for sensitive skin or skin prone to dryness. We recommend cleansing twice a day; once in the morning and again in the evening, especially to remove makeup that may have been applied during the day.
Social media can be a great tool to help share skincare knowledge. Unfortunately, it can also be utilized by paid influencers and marketers to promote expensive as well as excessive products by creating a sense of fear of aging in the younger population. Trying new skincare products can be fun, however choose carefully as products intended for mature skin anti-aging can often be irritating for teenage skin and expensive as well.
These tips are useful for all teenagers, however if you or your teen suffer from acne, our skincare recommenations may differ. Early treatment is best. Don’t delay an evaluation if acne is present. There are many treatments available for this common condition.
Can The Derm NP Help with Acne?
The short answer is – yes! We offer treatments for acne. The Derm NP is staffed by a dermatology certified nurse practitioner with over eighteen years of experience and ready to help you attain clearer skin using prescription medications custom chosen for your unique skincare needs. Contact us at (630) 233-9767 or thedermnp@thedermnp.com for an appointment to help you clear up resistant acne or other skin conditions and become the best you possible.