Teen’s Guide to Basic Skin Care

Part of the rites of passage for most teens is that of acne, or at least somewhat pimply skin, and zits coming out at just the wrong time. Even though it is a rite of passage that nearly 80% of teens suffer through, does not mean you should not do anything about it. The following is a look at some skin care options for those pimply teenagers:

1. Products.
It is important to use a skin care product of some kind to cleanse the skin and help it be pimple free. Skin irritation, zits, pimples, etc. are all caused by dead skin cells and oil blocking pores and follicles. A cleaner helps get rid of these so that nothing block or clogs anything else, and you can have clear skin. When you choose your skin care products, do not do it haphazardly. Choose very mild products. A teenager’s skin is sensitive, and harsh products can irritate the skin and instead of helping rid the teen of acne, it can actually do just the opposite and lead to more.

2. Be consistent.
Skin problems are common in teens, but that does not make them any less embarrassing or frustrating for the teen. One great thing you can do is consistently cleanse the skin. This means get in a daily routine of washing your face. This is important, as it helps regulate the oil production, and rid the skin of dead cells. In addition, it treats already infected and inflamed areas, helping them not to spread. Your doctor or another skin care professional can educate teens about the importance of good daily skin care. Help your teen learn what signs to watch for that point to over-washing, and what signs indicate not enough.

3. Prevention.
Avoid things that cause breakouts. For example, getting a sunburn can lead to breakouts because the skin sheds faster than normal, so basically, when you get sunburned you are adding to the amount of dead skin cells there are that could be causing zits.

Shower after you workout. The act of exercise can be very good for your skin, and help to rid it of bacteria, etc. however, if you do not shower right after, and instead allow the sweat to get dry and gross, you are going to add to, not subtract from the problem.

Try not to touch your face, pick, pop, or squeeze existing acne. Touching your face leads to spreading bacteria, and forcing bacteria into your pores. So, whenever possible, avoid touching your face. In addition, when you have a zit, let it run its natural course. If you insist on picking at it, you may continue to inflame it and irritate it, and it may never go away. Popping them also often shoves the bacteria deeper into the pore so it will just resurface again later.