It’s never too early to start taking care of your skin. The earlier you begin a skincare routine, the easier consistency becomes. An effective skincare routine doesn’t have to be a complicated one!
Understanding your skin type is a great first step for deciding what products are best suited for you. What do you have?
Dry Skin. This skin type is often rougher, potentially itchy, and dull with smaller pores. As you’re shedding more skin cells and your skin fails to produce oils, your skin struggles to stay hydrated and plump.
Oily Skin. Just the opposite! Your skin is happily producing oils which in turn can clog pores, cause shine and breakouts, and bigger pores. Because oil production is affected by hormones, there are any number of things in a teens’ life that can trigger this excess.
Combination Skin. It’s just what it sounds like: a combination of the two. Your ‘T-Zone’ (forehead, nose, and chin) tend to lean more oily, while other areas of your skin are dry. You may need a combination of products to handle both skin types.
Depending on what type of skin you have, you want to tailor your products toward your needs, but regardless these three products are a recommended must for any teen skin: a cleanser, a moisturizer, and sun protection.
Cleanser
Cleansing is an important step for clearing the skin of dirt, oils, and any other daily pollutants or dry skin buildup. This will ensure keeping your skin clean and healthy, limiting breakouts and flare ups. We recommend cleansing 1-2 times daily for teen skin.
For oily or combination skin, a cleanser featuring salicylic acid will help with tackling acne. Avoid using harsh exofilants—many varieties are too abrasive and can cause unnecessary damage to skin.
Side note: if you’re a makeup wearer, you may need an additional step to ensure removal of waterproof products or heavy foundations. Some cleansers are up for the job, but it’s possible you’ll need to integrate a double cleanse into the routine. Products like Osmosis’s Lift Away are great options for dissolving makeup and hydrating the skin, followed by a gentle cleanse if needed.
Moisturizer
Hydration is a must! Our skin needs moisture and water to feel plump and function at its best.
If you’re dealing with dry skin, then you know how much hydration can help. Using a thicker, creamier moisturizer to lock in moisture (especially at night) is a great option to help support your face.
On the other hand, a more oily or combination skin type might seek out an oil-free, lighter moisturizer.
Sometimes, especially during hotter times of the year, using something lighter during the day but heavier at night may be a good option for any skin type. Plus, don’t forget to drink your water. Seriously. It’s that important to your skin health.
Skin Defense
Again, a daily sunscreen truly is one of the best products in anyone’s skincare arsenal. Especially for teens. If you start with proper skin defense early, you’re protecting your skin from one of the strongest contributing factors to skin aging and potentially dangerous sun damage.
Make sure to choose the right product for your skin. You’ll want to use something designed specifically for the face with at least SPF 30 so it both isn’t too heavy on and properly protects your skin. A proper coating on your neck is just as important as your face if you’re truly trying to reduce potential for sunspots, burning, and fine lines and wrinkles in the future.
What Else Might I Need?
Don’t start too complicated. You have plenty of time to add, adjust, and tailor your skincare for yourself over the years, so put a focus on establishing routine and choosing the right products. Sometimes this takes experimentation, not to mention your skin may and likely will change over your teen years, so don’t be afraid to adapt as necessary. You’re doing your best, and that’s what matters.
When in doubt, consult with one of our estheticians or your dermatologist for skincare advice.