Starting a skincare routine for tweens and teens can be a rather complicated task. During this puberty period, kids have to deal with acne, blackheads, oily skin, dry skin and not forgetting, lots of hormonal changes. All these can elevate the anxiety around their self-esteem because suddenly, their bodies are beyond their control.
Although acne happen at any stage of life, it is very common in teenagers. Acne is the most common skin condition during adolescence. As children grow, their hormone levels rise and their bodies will react to the change. While there are many factors that can influence acne such as stress, genetics and pore-clogging cosmetics, very often teenage acne is a result of hormonal changes. Hormones known as androgens trigger the increase in oil production in the pores. This can result in clogged pores and when that happens, it can cause acne breakouts like whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.
If you are a teen who is struggling with breakouts, you are far from alone. Although this common teen issue is frustrating, it is manageable with a good daily skincare routine. It can help to prevent new acne, help to keep breakouts under control and also remove excess oil at the same time. The important thing is to create a daily skincare regimen and stick with it.
How To Build A Skincare Routine For Acne Prone Skin
A simple skincare routine that focuses on the basics such as a cleanser, acne treatment cream or gel, moisturizer, and sunscreen is highly recommended. Basic skincare for teenagers with acne can help them to have clearer skin without additional stress on their busy schedules.
Ahead are some key steps to follow for daytime and nighttime skincare routine for teens with acne-prone skin.
Day Time Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Step 1 - Cleansing
Choose a gentle yet effective acne cleanser face wash. Those that contain beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid , niacinamide , and ceramides are effective and do not disrupt the skin’s natural moisture barrier. For those who have whiteheads and blackhead, a cleanser with salicylic acid is a good option. This type of cleanser is formulated to help clear acne, reduce blackheads and control the pores. For those with acne pimples, foam face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide is effective for treating them as it is known to reduce a type of acne-causing bacteria.
After cleansing, wipe your face dry with a Ditoi Disposable Face Towel instead of the regular towel. Re-using a towel can cause or exacerbate skin conditions. This is because the damp towel is the perfect place for bacteria to grow. The warm environment of the bathroom is the ideal place for bacteria and mold to thrive.
Ditoi Face Towels can be a hygienic and convenient alternative to regular towels. Designed for single-use, they can help prevent the transfer of bacteria and other germs. After washing your face, gently pat your skin dry with the disposable face towel so that the skin will still be damp when you apply the moisturizer, which is the next important step in the skincare regime.
Step 2 - Moisturizing
When you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, using a moisturizer may seem contradictory. However, a core step in any skincare routine is applying moisturizers. This action can help to seal in hydration, lock in moisture and help maintain the skin's protective barrier. It can also prevent dryness and irritation to the skin. On top of that, moisturizers can also help address the problem of dryness or flaking from using topical acne treatments. This is important for teens with acne because dry, irritated skin can lead to increased oil production that may trigger further acne breakouts.
Step 3 - Protect The Skin With Sunscreen
For daytime, a moisturizer that includes sunscreen in its formula is highly recommended. The sun can damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer at a later stage in life. It can also lead to an increase in oil production that make acne worse. Therefore, it is important to apply moisturizer with sunscreen in its formula to moisturize and nourish your skin while reflecting the sun's damaging rays. Another option is to put on the moisturizer and then apply a sunscreen as the last step in the morning routine. Choose a fragrance-free, hydrating and non-greasy sunscreen to protect your skin without clogging the pores.
Night Time Skincare Routine Acne-Prone Skin
Step 1 - Cleansing again
Wash your face again in the evening or before bedtime with a gentle cleanser. If your skin is feeling dry, opt for a hydrating face wash that consists of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to gently cleanse and refresh your skin without disrupting its protective barrier.
Step 2 - Apply an acne treatment
After cleansing, pat the face dry with disposable face towel. Then apply a topical acne treatment cream. This will offer gentle exfoliation and help to clear acne.
Step 3 - Use a light nighttime moisturizer
The following step is to apply a night time moisturizer that is suitable for acne-prone skin. Remember to look for moisturizers without sunscreen for nighttime.
With the right skincare routine, the right products and a few simple steps, it is possible for teens to have clearer looking complexion.
