If you are not a teenager right now, you have been one once. Most of us probably had acne at some point during these turbulent years, or knew somebody who had what is colloquially called teen acne. Just as there are degrees of severity for adult acne, there are also differences in teenage acne: mild, moderate and severe. There are also so many products on the supermarket shelves, for different skin types, scrubs, moisturisers and spot treatments, as well as a range of prescription products for treating more severe types of acne.
It all gets a little bit overwhelming. You go with your teenager to the dermatologist, and then you get told you can’t use this or that. All that research you did just goes out the window. What do you do?
The most important thing for teenagers is to keep it simple. Do not overload them with too many products to use. Also, let them be part of the decision-making, as it will help them feel more in control of their acne. A good place to start is to ensure they have a cleanser, an exfoliant and an oil free SPF.
So what skin care products should you chose? Firstly, it is important to get a proper skin assessment done, as each individuals face is different. Some teenagers may also be using prescription medications for acne, so some products may not be suitable (and even harmful!).
Targeted Products
These products help control oil and manage bacteria that contribute to acne. They gently exfoliate and may help to soothe irritated skin. Beta-hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid are a common choice, as are essential oils like tea tree and oil free SPFs. Dermalogica’s mediBac and Clear Start lines offer products for managing acne.
Products for use with Prescription Products
Many prescription acne products require a less aggressive approach when it comes to skincare. This is because the acne is often much worse to begin with, and some of these products make the skin far more sensitive. Always opt for gentle, soothing products and never exfoliate. QV offer a great range of gentle products for sensitive skin which are available at most pharmacies. Dermalogica’s UltraCalming range is also suitable for teenagers with sensitive skin.
On-the-Go Products
What are teenagers to do when they are short on time or at school or after sport? It is important to get rid of the sweat, bacteria and excess oil that has accumulated after exercise and teenagers might not always have access to wash facilities. Why not try a product such as a wipe?
Wotnot have wipes specifically designed for sensitive and oily skin. With essential oil ingredients such as pink grapefruit, petitgrain and rosehip, they are gentle enough to soothe irritated skin, manage bacteria and clean away excess oil. They come in a handy pack of 5 or 25, and since the wipes are made from natural fibres, they are even compostable!
Shaving
Teenage boys get the additional challenge of shaving. The last thing we need to do is to cause additional harm to the skin, which can lead the skin open to infection and make acne worse. We know that Dad is the closest person to teach the art of shaving, but make sure the technique is down pat so not to pass on any bad habits that could harm delicate teenage skin. Ask a barber, or check out a tutorial: Dad can refresh on his skills, and it could be a great learning experience together for father and son.
Look for products that protect the skin, such as a Dermalogica’s Pre-Shave Guard from the Shave range, and pick shave gels or creams without fragrance or artificial colours that can irritate the skin. You can protect the skin afterwards with a soothing (not an astringent) product.
If you have questions about how to care for your skin make an appointment to see our skincare specialists. Contact Us Today!
