Choosing the Safest Teen Care Products: A Simple Guide

Children undergo internal and external changes during their teenage years. This emotional roller
coaster is often accompanied by skin changes that surprise youngsters. After a decade of
near-perfect skin, they have hypersensitive skin which may make them concerned at times.

They take a turn towards social media where Influencers talking about teen skincare give
conflicting alternatives, leaving behind a cabinet full of goods but not necessarily improved skin
which gets them all confused.
Since appearance is a big part of their self-esteem during this social pressure era, problematic
skin is typically accompanied by disturbed sentiments and comments from peers. In this post,
we will discuss teen skin care needs and tips to keep their skin glowing and healthy.

Understanding Teen Skin

 Hormonal levels in the blood significantly rise throughout puberty. This causes the development
& maturity of their skin's various structures.
These components include but are not limited to the sebum and apocrine glands in the face.

The oil glands swell and produce more sebum when exposed to these hormones. The
overproduction of sebum is the primary cause of oily skin and acne.
Redness, hyperpigmentation, and scarring are further issues brought on by acne.
Of course, acne isn't a problem for every teen. Some people struggle with ugly zits, while others
have skin irritation from weather changes or cosmetics, visible redness, or dryness which may
cause breakouts and other skin abnormalities which may make you more self- conscious.

In addition, many people experiment with new skincare products and techniques, often with
devastating results, owing to the widespread distribution of such information on social media,
further aggravating the condition by causing inflammation.

However this is not limited to puberty , signs of sun damage, including open pores,
pigmentation, and dullness, appear at the end of adolescence, even though the skin has an
exceptional potential to recover at this age.
Therefore, one should pay more care and attention to a teen's skin as they reach their 20's
which is rather necessary for the skin of a tween.

Teen Skincare

The most basic skin care routine for teens include cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Whereas toner, exfoliation, serum, and treatment are optional, depending on skin conditions
(like acne) and how your skin reacts to it.
Let's look at how to make the right skincare & product choices. Teen and tween skincare
products for each phase of a routine are as follows:-

#1. Cleansing the skin

Skin health starts with proper cleansing. Cleansers remove environmental contaminants, excess
oil, and product residues from the skin. Providing an active component is a secondary purpose.

In your routine, apply a cleanser once or twice daily, depending on time spent outside,
activities, and other products.

Cleansing products for teens should be moderate and should be chosen well keeping in mind
various factors.

For Example: They should have a neutral pH, should be skin-friendly, should not be too mild or too harsh etc.

More cleansing tips:

Teens should avoid strong surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. While the skin's ability to
recover is good, strong detergents might cause irritation and allergies.
Additionally gels and foams are better for oily skin than lotion and cream-based cleansers.

#2. Toning/exfoliating

When most cleansers are alkaline, toning balances the skin's pH. A toner restores the skin's pH
and mantle. Since most modern cleansers are close to the skin's natural pH, toners are not
required.

Toners with high alcohol concentrations are utilized to regulate skin oil production.

High alcohol concentration eliminates excess oil and the skin's protective oil layer, causing
dryness and irritation.
Teens and tweens should use a mild, moisturizing toner without alcohol to avoid greasy skin
rather going in for a high alcohol concentration toner.

More cleansing tips:

Try avoiding physical exfoliation, like abrasive walnut and apricot beads as they can exacerbate
acne and create irritation. Jojoba beads with softened edges are kinder on adolescents' skin.
Over-exfoliation exists. High-concentration chemical exfoliants will damage the skin barrier,
leaving the skin red and glazed and making it susceptible to other products and conditions.

#3. Moisturizing

Your skin needs a boost of hydration for the prevention of premature fine lines and wrinkles.
Baby, kid, teen, adolescent, all skin types and ages need different moisturizers. You should
choose a moisturizer that fits the age group of your child to see best results.

Applying moisturizer twice daily can help to keep skin hydrated plus it keeps away skin
problems like development of extreme dryness or oiliness.

Moisturizing tips:

 Moisturizers are an essential part of the routine, you may have to switch your moisturizer during
puberty if you have oily skin or acne. Acne treatments can also include moisturizers.
Inflammation causes acne, when acne is treated, and skin is dried out inflammation increases it
disrupts the skin barrier, worsening acne and redness.
So choosing a soothing non-comedogenic moisturizer is prescribed as a moisturizer speeds
wound healing and soothes skin irritation from acne, eczema, or other causes.
Make sure to use a lightweight and oil free moisturizer if you have oily skin to prevent clogging.
Gel based moisturizers work a wonder too, choosing the right moisturizer is essential.

#4. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a major part of any skincare routine, it should be in your luggage and skincare
cupboard year-round, whether it's sunny or foggy.
Research suggests that most people's lifelong sun exposure occurs in childhood. So it's an
important part of tweens' and teens' skincare routine.
Using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily minimizes skin cancer risk, slows aging, and reduces skin discolouration.

Sunscreen tips:

Always apply sunscreen generously, a half-teaspoon for the face and two tablespoons for the face and body. Re-apply every three to four hours as required.

For a beach day, use waterproof sunscreen and re-apply every 80 minutes.

Final Words

Healthy routines in childhood set the stage for healthy skin and body in adulthood.
While teen and adolescent skincare should be straightforward, you should remember to check crucial information and read the steps. Use the safest products while sticking to the essentials, don't explore, and be consistent.