5 Don’ts of Teen Skincare

Don’t Pop or Pick at Your Pimples

This is probably the most important rule of all. If you want clear skin, keep your hands off your face. You can aggravate your acne simply by touching your face with unwashed hands, and picking at your pimples or popping them is guaranteed to make the acne problem worse.

When you pop your pimples, you spread the germs across your face, which makes you break out more and leads to red and inflamed skin. Moreover, popping one’s pimples often leads to scarring, and acne scars take much longer to heal than actual acne.

Don’t Exfoliate Too Often

Teen skin is often oily because of all the hormones the body starts to produce during puberty. Trying to get rid of oily shine, some teenagers use harsh facial cleansers and exfoliate several times a week. Strangely not only doesn’t it help, it actually makes things even worse.

When you wash and scrub your face too much, you cause it a great deal of stress and strip your skin of moisture. In order to compensate, it starts to produce even more skin oil than before. As a result, your skin gets oily and dehydrated at the same time, which isn’t a great look on anyone.

To keep your skin mostly oil-free, wash your face once or twice a day using a foaming or gel cleanser, exfoliate once or twice a week using a gentle product that doesn’t scratch or irritate the skin, and blot your face with matting wipes or blotting paper during the day.

Don’t Share Makeup

Wearing makeup isn’t likely to be bad for your skin if you follow three simple rules: stay away from suspiciously cheap makeup products with comedogenic ingredients; always wash off makeup before bed; never share your makeup products with your friends.

While it may be tempting to try your BFF’s new eyeliner (because it looks amazing on her but it will undoubtedly look even more amazing on you), by doing so, you will share germs. For example, lip products can spread the herpes simplex virus type 1, which causes cold sores, and certain types of HPV (human papilloma virus). If you really want to a particular product, go to a store and get a free sample.

Don’t Use Anti-Acne Products Without Consulting a Dermatologist First

There are plenty of over-the-counter acne medications out there, but experimenting with random treatments is not a good idea, especially if you have highly sensitive skin or additional skin conditions like eczema.

A good dermatologist will know how certain medications can affect your skin and whether they will be of any help at all. They will consider many factors before choosing an over-the-counter or even a prescription medication that’s most likely to help with your acne and whatever other skin problems you might have.

Don’t Leave Your House Without Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t just for long days at the beach. UV rays (ultraviolet radiation) can damage your skin all all the year round, even when the weather is cloudy. They are one the main causes of undesired pigmentation (sun spots) and premature skin aging, not to mention the worst of all: skin cancer.

To protect your skin, you must always apply a lightweight, broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen before you leave your home. Yes, even if it’s not summer. Yes, even when the sky is cloudy or overcast. Sunscreen is a must, and the earlier you start using it, the longer your skin is going to look youthful.