I’ve read some alarming articles about teenagers using harsh skin care products on their skin. The use of chemical acids, exfoliants, and retinol seems to have become common among teenagers thanks to Drunk’s renewed interest in his elephant-like Candy Cane packaging skin care brand. is. I conducted a quick survey of my friends who are mothers of teenagers, and found that girls in particular pressure each other to try and buy expensive skin care products starting in elementary school. I found out that there is.
No wonder the hashtag #teenageskincare has garnered over 26.4 million views on TikTok. A quick scroll and you’ll find petite beauty influencers, also known as “Sephora Kids,” sharing their 12-step skincare routines and ingredients.
Of course, as a mother of two teenage boys, ages 18 and 13, I know that teens naturally become more interested in skin care as they get older. And I remember that when I turned 13, I was also introduced to the concept of a skin care routine thanks to Clinique’s infamous 3-step cleanse, tone, and moisturize.
Plus, as a beauty editor, I know that teenagers should develop some kind of skin care routine. Hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your skin, causing age spots, oily T-zones, and skin sensitivities and reactions. However, you should prioritize basic hygiene instead of introducing unnecessary steps that are usually reserved for older skin. These can ruin and damage your skin in the long run.
And other experts agree. “What I feel very strongly about is discouraging the adoption of complex anti-aging routines that contain active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids and other exfoliating acids,” says Anjali, Consultant Dermatologist・Dr. Mahato explains. “Teenagers can be overly concerned about premature aging. I recently saw a 14-year-old in the clinic who was concerned about wrinkles around the corners of her eyes. She was definitely on social media and influencers. It was affecting me.”
So what should I use?
I always encourage my sons to wash their faces when they get home from school and before bed with a gentle facial cleanser from a dermatologist-approved brand like Cerave or Cetaphil. It is necessary to wash away the dirt and oil that has accumulated during the day, and if you go to bed with clean skin, rinsing with water in the morning is enough. And when my son experiences spotty periods, I switch to cleansers with milder active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that also help wipe away excess oil that causes stains. is recommended.
Teens are often afraid to use moisturizers because they think it will irritate their skin. However, using a lightweight, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturizer designed for oily or combination skin can help your skin function better. Science has proven that even if you have acne-prone skin, keeping your skin well hydrated will reduce the chance of breakouts. Again, we always recommend Cerave moisturizer because it is fragrance-free, suitable even for very sensitive skin, and developed by the experts who know best: dermatologists. Use a moisturizer with SPF when playing sports outdoors during the summer. It’s never too early to introduce sunscreen.
I always give the same advice to my son’s friends, both girls and boys. A simple cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting routine is usually all you need. If you wish, we can also introduce other spot treatments to target individual spots. Acne stickers from brands like Starface World are always fun and prevent the temptation to peel them off and pick at the stain (which can lead to scarring). I also remember loving luxurious face masks when I was a teenager. So, if you’re tempted, avoid using masks that contain high-strength actives like retinol. This will only damage your skin. Bubble has great services for teens.
And lastly, remember, it’s not just skin care products that keep your teen’s skin healthy. Drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating fresh, home-cooked meals packed with vegetables can work wonders. It’s also important to remind teens to wash their pillowcases regularly and to keep their hands and hair away from their faces. Oil and dirt that gets onto your skin through things like fingers, hair, and grease from old pillowcases can increase age spots or worsen existing skin problems.