Back To Basics: Tips To Improve Teen Skin (That Adults Could Learn From Too)
Skincare worries are a big deal for teens [Photo: www.gratisography.com via Pexels]
Oh the teenage years. Whether adolescence was but a distant memory or you’re currently wrestling with the hormonal craziness that encapsulates that unpredictable 13 to 19 timeframe, you’ll likely never forget the woes that come with being a teenager. From broken hearts to body-hate, when you’re in the midst of a hormonal hotpot, the world can feel pretty darned woeful. But there’s no problem tougher to handle at that age than the upset that comes with having bad skin.
From dealing with greasy T-spots and blackhead breakouts, to the stress of having a face-full of pussy pimples, skincare worries are a pretty big deal for teenagers. According to a survey by YouGov 42% of teen boys aged 15-17 and 55% of girls of the same age say they want clearer skin above any other facial improvement. And for the for the 80% of teenagers who struggle with spots, it can have a huge impact on their confidence.
Even if those anguish-induced teenage years are long behind you, the memories of waking up to a spotty chin the very day of the school disco, is enough to have you shuddering in horror-filled recognition. But self-confidence doesn’t need to start and stop with skin. And in fact there are some skincare basics that can make all the difference.
“It’s easy to think that problematic skin is just a phase of growing up, but there are always ways to manage it so that it doesn’t hold teenagers back at a time when they want to be feeling their best,” says Teen skin expert Abigail James who’s been working with Boots on a series of initiatives to give teens better access to skincare help which include introducing in-store trained skincare specialists and a pocket guide on how to identify your skin type.
“Even the basics of knowing your skin type will make a big difference. Getting this right on a daily basis will help teens feel more in control of their skin and confident that they are doing something to help improve their skin’s condition.”
And it’s not just teens who could benefit to going back to skincare basics. We’ve put together some tips for improving teen skin, that us grown-ups could learn from too….
[Photo: www.gratisography.com via Pexels]
Know your skin type
“Just because you are the same age as someone else it doesn’t mean your skin is going to be the same,” explains Skin expert Abigail James. “In your teens you may experience spots and breakouts but actually you might not, your concern may be sensitivity. This is going to make a huge impact on the individual product you choose to work for your skin.”
Grown up benefit:
“As we age its important to know our skin changes, so if you had spots as a teen, in your 30s you may now not need products focusing on oily spotty skin so keeping the same routine or types of products through you life isn’t necessarily going to work.”
[Photo: unsplash.com via Pexels]
Speak to an expert
Wading your way through the skin product minefield can be completely overwhelming, which is why you need to tap up the skincare bods in the know. “There are hundreds, probably thousands of skincare products to choose from, but an expert will be able to help guide you by looking at your skin, listening to your personal concerns and help you refine that choice to get the best products for your skin,” explains Abigail.
Grown up benefit:
Think the range of products available for teens is mind boggling? Wait til you get to proper adulthood. “Speaking to an expert about your skincare is a real benefit for all ages. Skincare specialists will be able to advise on products to buy and treatments you can do at home to improve the look and feel of your skin,” says Abigail.
[Photo: pixabay.com via Pexels]
Know your products
If you don’t already know your skin type, now is a good time to find out. While factors like weather and climate will have an impact on your skin at times, generally the types you’re looking at are dry, oily, combination (dry and oily in different areas of your face), and normal skin.
“Once you know your skin type its then easier to self-select products based on this,” explains Abigail. Because choosing the wrong products can have a detrimental effect on your skin and actually cause skin issues. “Using a cleanser that’s too harsh for your skin can make it dry and sensitive, so you may then be looking for products for dry sensitive skin, but you have created that condition through using the wrong cleanser for you,” explains Abigail. The same can be true of moisturisers. “If they are too heavy or rich for you they can bring on a spot breakout, so you then choose a cleanser that’s too stripping.”
Grown up benefit:
For both teens and adults Abigail advises making sure your cleanser is right for your skin type first. “Start with your cleanser, then look at your skincare products across your whole routine rather than just choosing a product because say it feels silky.”
[Photo: www.pexels.com]
Get in a skincare routine
Obvious, but oh so true. “The skin is the largest organ of the body functioning daily, so for healthy skin that looks vibrant a skincare routine is essential,” advises Abigail. The routine itself could be as simple as spending two minutes in the morning removing sweat and ensuring you start the day with a clean surface and two minutes in the evening, removing sweat, suncream, pollution and makeup. “That’s just 30 minutes across a whole week plus maybe a weekend mask or exfoliation.”
Grown up benefit:
Even the busiest of adults can spare a couple of minutes from their tech-filled lives to sort their skincare regime. A quick rinse in the morning and more thorough cleanse at night will do, but a daily routine should also include a moisturiser and SPF. More advanced skincare routines can include exfoliation once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells, clear away build-up and help your skin look brighter.
For more information on Boots teen skincare initiatives visit their website.
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