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Sometimes it can be a hassle dealing with breakouts and pimples as a teenager. Even though acne affects like 9 out of 10 teenagers, it doesn’t mean you can’t be that lucky one without skin issues. If you follow the right skincare routine, you could easily get rid of skin blemishes in no time.
As an 18-year-old, your skin is still very resilient and because of this, treating skin issues is quite easy. To help you figure it out, we will show you just how you can maintain healthy and flawless skin as a teenager. We will take you through the journey of understanding your skin type and knowing the right products for your skin.
How Do You Compare Adult Skin With That Of An 18 Year Old?
As you hit adolescence, your body begins to experience certain changes. You must understand what level of development you have reached to know exactly how much your body has changed. For easy understanding, we will group these changes into two, structural and hormonal changes.
Structural Changes
Growing up as a child, you probably noticed that your skin seems to renew itself. This happens more frequently during your early teen years. Most teenagers have tough skin, which only keeps getting tougher as they grow, and it is even more resilient than an infant’s skin. During this development period, a teenager still has enough elasticity that allows the skin to regenerate fast. Teenagers can produce enough collagen, but as they grow older, collagen production decreases. They don’t have to deal with the challenges of adult skin like sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Hormonal Changes
In the case of hormones, teenagers have much to worry about. At this stage of growth, they begin to experience hormonal changes, resulting in an increased amount of sebum or oil on the skin. When the sebum builds up, it ends up clogging your pores and resulting in pimples. An eighteen-year-old will still struggle with acne, but the frequency of breakouts reduces as they reach adulthood. The only reason an adult will experience troubles with breakouts is if they have a health condition or they are not eating right.
Why Is Skin Care Important for An 18 Year Old?
Medical experts usually recommend that teenagers start early with a good health care routine. This is when the body changes, and it is also the best time to keep your skin in the best condition. An average teenager deals with skin problems like pimples, eczema, blackheads and other skin conditions. When teenagers maintain good skin, it helps reduce their chances of premature aging or aggravated skin problems. If they fail to treat their skin properly, it could cause damages like permanent scars on their faces.
All you need as a teenager is to begin your skin care routine using the right products. Your skin type will determine the type of products you will use, and it would be a great idea to learn the best practices that will help you achieve healthier and brighter skin.
What Are the Skin Care Products for Teenagers?
Here are some essential skin care products that will help you get beautiful and healthy skin as a teenager.
1. Cleansers
You will need a good cleanser for your face to help remove the dirt on your skin. It is better to go for a mild cleaner that would not dry out your skin oil or even cause irritation. When applying the cleanser, avoid scrubbing too hard but instead make gentle motions while cleansing your face. It is good to make a circular motion. That way, the cleanser can touch every part of your face.
When cleansing, you should avoid using body soap on your face. It is best to use soap specifically made for washing the face. Somebody soap can irritate and make your skin develop acne. If you have an oily skin type, mixed skin, or normal skin, you should use cleansers with salicylic acid. The salicylic acid helps to control the amount of oil your skin produces and also helps to keep your skin hydrated. It is also very effective in dissolving oil and dirt on your skin to prevent it from clogging your pores.
Another way to control excess oil on your skin will be to take supplements like Vitamin A or Zinc, which helps reduce the risk of developing blackheads.
2. Moisturizers
It is recommended that you apply moisturizers on your skin, preferably twice every day. Moisturizers help keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It also prevents you from having wrinkles or fine lines. When buying a moisturizer, teens are expected to use lightweight moisturizers and also oil-free ones.
If you have oily skin, using a moisturizer that isn’t oil-free will cause your pores to clog. Another option you can get is a gel-based moisturizer which also prevents your skin from developing acne. Some moisturizers come with broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh effects of the sun. This is especially good for teenagers with sensitive or delicate skin. If you have delicate skin, avoid using moisturizers with fragrance.
3. Exfoliators
Exfoliators help to keep your skin pores clean and free from dead cells. Many times, the dead skin cells clog your skin, causing acne and breakouts. The best exfoliators are the ones that have clay as a natural antiseptic and also as an astringent.
You can also get an exfoliator that contains salicylic acid or AHAs that will clean deep into your skin pores. You can as well make homemade facial scrubs out of honey and sugar as an exfoliator. For teens with sensitive skin, they can go for face scrubs made from a mixture of milk and honey.
4. Acne Treatment Creams
Breakouts and pimples are normal occurrences for 18-year-olds. This is because they are still in their teenage years and are still experiencing hormonal changes. It is important you don’t pick on your pimples because you will end up causing it to spread or even leaving a permanent scar on your face. The best way to treat acne and pimples is by using sulphur cleansers and masks. These products will help dry out the excess oil on the skin. Salicylic acid is also an effective acne therapy and feels gentler on the skin.
There are many acne treatments, and you can find the right one that works for your skin type. There are gels, creams, face washes, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatments made from Benzoyl Peroxide that is very effective for treating acne.
5. Sunscreen
Sunscreens help protect your skin from ultraviolet rays of sunlight. It is good to invest in a good sunscreen and the right type based on your skin color or pigmentation. A broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide and with an SPF of 30 or higher is usually recommended. Even when you have sunscreen protecting your skin, always keep your body, especially your face, from direct contact with the sun.
6. Oil-Free Makeup
If you have oily skin, it is recommended that you use oil-free makeup. This applies to your foundations, primers, eye makeup and powders. Ensure you practice healthy makeup habits by cleaning your applicator brushes after use to keep away bacteria from your makeup. It is also advisable not to share makeup with others. Get your makeup kit with all your essentials.
You will also need a makeup remover to clean off any makeup on your face before you sleep. It is not healthy to sleep with makeup, and it will end up causing breakouts. As well, you need to take care of your lips to prevent them from drying out. Apply a lip balm around your lips to keep them hydrated and smooth.
7. Hand Creams
Some people don’t really see the need for hand creams which is wrong. Your hands should not be neglected in your skincare routine. You must apply hand creams in the mornings and at night before going to bed. You should get a hand cream that contains a moisturizing agent. However, you shouldn’t apply excess cream on your hands, so it doesn’t get too slippery or oily. Also, avoid touching your face with your hands to avoid spreading oil and dirt on your skin, leading to breakouts.
Final Thoughts
The best way to healthy skin is by maintaining a healthy diet and keeping a good skin care routine. Teenagers should avoid eating food containing lots of sugars and oils because it would only worsen their skin conditions.
Eat healthy fruits and only healthy fats to prevent excess sebum production. It is also important to avoid stress as this only causes more hormonal changes. However, you can still get the healthy and flawless skin you want when you use the right skin care products. Hopefully, this article will help you decide what is right for you. Before you invest in any product, it is essential to know your skin type, which helps you determine the right product for your skin.