As a teenager, do you ever get the feeling that your skin has a mind of its own, not quite following what you want it to? Well, adolescence is a transformative period, marked by a series of structural and hormonal changes in both the body and the skin. But hey, no need to stress; we have all had our moments, and we want you to know it is perfectly normal—acne, breakouts, scarring, and all. For some friendly assistance, we have whipped up an expert-curated skincare guide just for you. Read on as we help you navigate teenage skin concerns and build your teenage skincare routine!
How is teen skin different from adult skin?
If you’re a teenager, there may be instances when adult skincare products seem tempting. However, it’s not recommended, given that the skincare needs of teenagers are quite different from those of adults and require a special skincare routine for teens.
Adolescence is a period marked by a series of structural and hormonal changes in both the body and the skin. Acne, per se, is a prevalent skin concern across various age groups, but it particularly affects teenagers most commonly. The onset of puberty triggers increased hormonal activity, stimulating oil glands. This heightened hormonal influence is a key factor contributing to the heightened susceptibility of teenagers to acne. Similarly, characteristics including increased sebum production, and faster cell turnover (quick recovery from breakouts), make it beneficial to follow a teenage skincare routine specifically designed to address these unique needs.
Common Skin Concerns Faced by Teenagers
Teens often face some unique skin concerns, so we’ve compiled the list for your consideration. And no need to panic—these are only natural, and we’ve got the best skincare products for teens to tackle these concerns.
Teen Acne
About 85 per cent of teens deal with acne of some severity. Hormonal changes contribute to the development of blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne lesions. Teen acne often results from overactive oil glands, causing a buildup of oil, dead skin, and bacteria in areas like the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Choose non-comedogenic formulations in skincare and makeup products, or opt for natural blends with ingredients like grapeseed, sweet almond, or hemp seed oil. If you are uncertain about the right treatment, consult a dermatologist.
Excess Oil Production
Oily skin can be influenced by genetics and hormonal changes, leading to excess oil production. The best skincare products for teens with oily skin involve lightweight, oil-free cleansers and face moisturizers. Incorporating face wipes or blotting paper at regular intervals helps absorb excess oil, preventing pore clogging and promoting a balanced complexion.
Excessive Sweating
Stress might be a factor. Take control by incorporating showers twice a day and using body talc, deodorants, or over-the-counter antiperspirants. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to allow your skin to breathe and absorb sweat. Reduce the intake of spicy foods, as they can trigger increased sweating. If your sweat levels exceed the norm, it could be hyperhidrosis—an excessive sweating condition. In such cases, consult a dermatologist for specialized guidance.
Cell Turnover Rate
Adolescent skin typically has a faster cell turnover rate, this can improve the complexion. However, this rapid regeneration process can also lead to the skin becoming more prone to challenges such as hyperpigmentation and scarring from acne.
Skincare Routine for Teenage Girls
Understanding the structural and hormonal changes during adolescence is vital for crafting a tailored skincare routine for teens. Teenage skin care should focus on gentle cleansing to accommodate skin sensitivity, maintaining oil balance, and incorporating targeted treatments, especially for addressing acne concerns if necessary.
Your teenage skincare routine can be as simple as a three-step CTM plus SPF, suited for all skin types and concerns. Start with the basics: cleanse, moisturize, tone and apply SPF. Once you’ve got these down, explore products for specific needs like acne, dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity. Take it slow; don’t overwhelm yourself with the plethora of skincare products available in the market. If a product doesn’t agree with your skin, a gradual approach helps pinpoint exactly what your skin needs and what it doesn’t.
As per Ayurveda, the transition into womanhood is marked when a young girl reaches the age of 13-15 and becomes a Yuvati. This pivotal period signifies tremendous growth, both physically and mentally, as she assimilates diverse experiences and navigates the world. Our Yuvati Selection embodies the essence of this transformative journey.
So, girls embrace this transition with our effortless CTM ritual, tailored to nurture and celebrate your teenage skincare needs.
Cleanse
Prevent sebum, sweat, dirt, and bacteria from clogging your pores. Make it a habit to cleanse your face in the morning and at night with an oil-balancing cleanser. Our Delicate Facial Cleanser, infused with Kashmiri Saffron and Neem, is a sulphate-free formulation that deeply penetrates the skin to effortlessly unclog pores and leave the skin feeling refreshed, balanced, and glowing while keeping acne at bay.
Tone
Toning is a key step in preventing excess sebum production and minimising enlarged pores. Toners work by shrinking pores, effectively managing sebum levels, and maintaining the skin’s pH balance. Additionally, they create a protective barrier, reducing the infiltration of contaminants. For both your AM and PM skincare ritual, we recommend you use our Shudhi Skin Clarifying Facial Spray is designed to tone the skin, eliminate toxins, lock in moisture and nutrients, strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and stimulate its innate antioxidants.
Moisturise
Remember to moisturise your skin both day and night to quench its thirst and maintain constant hydration. Moisturisers are key for balancing texture by reducing excessive oiliness or dryness. Keeping the skin hydrated promotes faster cell turnover, resulting in the formation of newer and healthier skin cells. Our Eladi and Kumkumadi AM-PM duo is uniquely tailored for younger skin to regulate sebum production, balance and hydrate the skin while brightening the complexion and reducing acne scars.
SPF
At any age, the significance of SPF is undeniable! Incorporating SPF into your daily routine, regardless of outdoor plans, helps prevent UV damage, sunburn, and premature skin ageing. Make it a habit to apply a minimum of SPF 30 every day.
Our Sun Fluid SPF 50 PA++ enriched with Coconut Water, fresh Basil leaves & cooling Aloe Vera shields the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun, hydrates the skin & prevents early signs of ageing.
While these steps are a good starting point, if you find yourself struggling with specific skin issues and product choices, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist for personalized skincare.
Skincare routine for teenage boys
Like girls, teenage boys often encounter a range of skin concerns stemming from hormonal shifts and increased oil production during puberty. These may encompass acne, hyperpigmentation, breakouts, and enlarged pores. Curating a skincare routine for teen boys should be straightforward, yet effective, tailored to address their specific needs. To help you get started, we’ve outlined a simple routine designed to meet the unique requirements of teenage skin.
Cleanse
Begin your skincare routine with a gentle facial cleanser, selecting a product tailored to your specific skin type—be it oily, dry, or a combination. Cleansing plays a pivotal role in eliminating dirt, oil, and impurities, leaving your skin feeling fresh and purified. Consider trying our Sandalwood & Orange Peel face cleanser, enriched with Nagkesar, Basil, and hydrating Coconut Water. This pure and natural moisturiser delicately cleanses the skin, effectively removing excess sebum and impurities for a revitalised and refreshed complexion.
Exfoliate
Incorporate exfoliation into your routine 2-3 times a week. This essential step helps shed dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and fostering a smoother complexion. Remember, moderation is key—avoid over-exfoliation to prevent skin irritation. We suggest our Glow Masque Yuva Lepa, a revitalising facial masque crafted specifically for men’s skin. Infused with Moringa Seed Oil and Manjishtha Root Extract, this formulation works to firm the skin, minimise pores, and visibly reduce pigmentation. Enriched with Varnya herbs, this masque clarifies the skin and enhances the overall complexion.
Moisturize
Ensure to include a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer in your daily routine. Regardless of your skin type, moisturizing is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Choose a product that offers hydration without clogging pores. We recommend trying our Facial Moisturizer Sandalwood & Orange Peel with SPF 25, which provides essential nutrients to the skin, restores its natural hydration level, and offers sun protection, guarding against potential sun damage. And young lads, never forget the sunscreen for a good one not only avoids shields the skin but also provides numerous benefits!
Importance of Teenage Skincare
Teenagers face distinct skin challenges, from common issues like acne, oily skin, and excessive sweating to the nuances of individual skin types and concerns. The significance of age-appropriate skincare cannot be overstated, offering teenagers a personalised route to navigate and cherish their evolving skin. It’s not just about products; it’s about self-care and establishing a lifelong relationship with healthy skin practices.
FAQs
At what age should I start my skincare?
Skincare specialists, including dermatologists and beauticians, recommend that the earlier one initiates a skincare routine, the higher the likelihood of maintaining a consistent practice for lifelong skin health. Ideally, starting around the ages of 12 to 14, at the onset of the teenage years, is the right time to begin.
Should a teenager have a skincare routine?
Having a skincare routine is a personal decision that can be made at any age, but the recommendation is to initiate a basic regimen during one’s teenage years. During this phase, the skin changes texture and oil production, making it a great time to establish good skincare habits for long-term skin benefits. A simple routine entails a CTM or Brightening ritual every week along with sun protection. Moreover, early skincare practices lay the groundwork for more targeted treatments as one progresses in age. However, it’s crucial to emphasise that it’s never too late to commence caring for your skin. Irrespective of age, maintaining a consistent and tailored skincare routine can enhance complexion, boost confidence, and foster a profound sense of self-care.
At what age you should start exfoliating?
When to start exfoliating is a subjective matter, dependent on individual considerations. However, as a general guideline, late teens to early twenties is a suitable timeframe. During this phase, the skin’s natural cell turnover process begins to decelerate, potentially causing a buildup of dead skin cells that lead to skin dullness and clogged pores.
The introduction of exfoliation to your skin care regimen at this stage helps in the removal of these dead cells, fostering a smoother complexion and preventing common skin issues like acne. It’s imperative to approach exfoliation cautiously and select products tailored to one’s skin type, as excessive exfoliation can lead to irritation. Like other skincare practices, it’s never too late to begin!
Can skincare slow down the ageing process?
Certainly, skincare has a substantial influence on diminishing visible signs of ageing. An effective skincare routine typically encompasses essential practices like cleansing, toning, moisturising, sun protection, and the application of specific anti-ageing ingredients. Adequate hydration and moisturisation play a vital role in preserving skin elasticity and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the diligent use of sunscreen serves as a protective barrier against harmful UV rays, a significant factor in preventing premature ageing.
While skincare cannot completely stop the passage of time and prevent the natural process of ageing, it can significantly contribute to nurturing a healthier and more resilient complexion. Moreover, it helps minimise the impact of external factors that hasten the ageing process.
At what age skincare is most important?
The importance of a skincare routine transcends age, and there is no one-size-fits-all regimen. You will constantly need to alter, change, tweak, add, or update it from time to time with your evolving skin and its infinite problems. Hence, the sooner you start, the better.
References
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-skincare-routine-for-teens.html
https://beminimalist.co/blogs/skin-care/the-best-skincare-routine-for-teens-advice-you-ll-thank-us-for
https://bareaddiction.com/blogs/blog/the-best-skincare-routine-for-teen-boys-a-comprehensive-guide-to-clear-healthy-skin
https://sublimelife.in/blogs/sublime-stories/what-skincare-routine-should-your-teen-follow-the-ultimate-guide