Skin Care for Teens: What Ingredients Can You Use?

As you probably already know, teenage skin is highly prone to problems. Female teens are even more susceptible because of hormonal changes triggered by puberty. When you thought an oily T-zone was bad, you start developing zits on the said area. If it’s in your genes, you may have to deal with this issue for most of your adult life but keeping it in check in your teen years is still crucial. Here is some advice on skin care for teens.

During your teens, you may feel impatient about getting rid of pimples. You might also discover that acne is only one of the skin issues you'll encounter. A 2019 Journal of International Molecular Sciences study notes that you are prone to developing eczema, too. Peer pressure and unrealistic beauty standards promoted by social media and real-life influences may force you into fast-tracking your complexion's recovery. However, proceed with caution.

Teenage skin is highly sensitive to external aggressors and harsh products. According to a 2016 study from UC Berkeley and Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas, certain ingredients called “hormone disruptors” can interfere with estrogen and testosterone. Teens in this stage of rapid development go through hormonal changes that can make them vulnerable. The study warns teens and parents against using the following harmful chemicals when looking for products to treat skin issues:

Phthalates – Usually found in fragrance and nail polish

Parabens – Used in cosmetics like foundation, blush, and moisturizer

Triclosan – A common ingredient in toothpaste, deodorant, and antibacterial soaps

Oxybenzone – An ingredient in sunscreens

Note that these ingredients, apart from triclosan, are approved for use or limited use by the US Food and Drug Administration (companies cannot use triclosan in their products without a premarket review). Some adults will find them mildly irritating; others will have more adverse reactions. Others would find them okay. For teen skin, best to err on the side of caution to prevent potential side effects.

There are plenty of products that are specifically made for teens to address various skin issues. If you struggle with acne, look for milder options instead of trying to burn your skin with supposedly strong ingredients. Consult your dermatologist before using any product to determine the best course of treatment. Salicylic acid? Benzoyl peroxide? A one-two punch of both? Your doctor knows best. Meanwhile, here are some tips on skin care for teens.

You can't scrub acne away. If your skin is broken, avoid harsh, mechanical scrubs with rough grains that can further damage your skin. Go for a salicylic acid cleanser or toner to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and get rid of excess oil. You could also try Eskinol Deep Cleanser Mild for Teens, which has vitamin E, cucumber extract, and water minerals to cleanse and soothe young skin.

You don’t have to suffer for beauty. If it burns, it probably doesn’t belong on your skin. The last thing acne or eczema-prone skin needs is aggressive handling. In both cases, using a gentler touch works best. Instead of rubbing products in, try patting them on for better absorption and less friction. Do not prick or pop your pimples, or worse, try to extract them at home. It can introduce bacteria into your skin, which will only worsen it.

Use non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturizers for teen skin. Your sebaceous glands are very active, so you’re not lacking in natural oils. Thicker products can also be too much for your pores to handle, which can result in clogging and — you guessed it — more zits. Try POND's Watermelon Jelly Moisturizer, an oil-free gel moisturizer that has 100% natural origin watermelon extract and vitamin E. It will hydrate your skin and leave it looking fresh without making it greasy.

When it comes to skin care for teens, always consult with a dermatologist to avoid irritation and unwanted side effects. If you have sensitive or broken skin, go for mild, non-comedogenic formulas. And for your safety, use products from reputable brands and buy only from official sellers.