6 Things Every Teen Should Know About Their Skin
6 Things Every Teen Should Know About Their Skin
By Shammi Mondal
Your teenage years promise a time of excitement, but are also accompanied by random breakouts, and an oilier t-zone. It’s almost impossible to get through these years without a few skin complaints. We asked dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, about a skincare routine that will help set you on the right path
Understanding teenage skin
When you hit puberty, your hormone levels skyrocket, which often reflects on your skin as oiliness. “[Hence] Some of the major teenage concerns are dandruff and acne,” says celebrity dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad. Trust us, we’ve all been through this phase, and it’s not all that bad.
Here, Dr Jaishree shares an easy 6-step skincare guide to make your skin and life less stressful
Make cleansing a habit
Secret adventures with makeup, a long city commute or innovative workouts can all make you sweat and cause a build-up of oil on your skin. This ends up clogging your pores which results in random breakouts. So, should you clear out your schedule? Of course not!
Just cleanse. “Cleansing is not only a way of practicing hygiene, but it also deep cleans the pores of your skin. This helps control oiliness and acne,” says Dr Jaishree. No matter how lazy and tired you feel, cleanse your face before bed.
Recharge with a moisturiser
Washing your face with a cleanser might feel enough but skipping a moisturiser is not an option. Just like you have chargers for your smart phones, moisturisers act like chargers for your skin. To ease your concerns about greasiness, remember that moisturising does not make your face oilier. Instead, it helps control oil secretion. “Apply a lightweight, water-based moisturiser at bedtime,” says Dr Jaishree.
Stay protected with sunscreen
Don’t let your beach vacation or love for playing football get you sunburnt. “Even during your teenage years there is a high chance of sun damage being caused to your skin,” says Dr Jaishree.
The sooner you start adding sunscreen to your skincare, the better your skin will look over time. After moisturising, use a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen and embark on your sun-kissed adventures.
Go hands-free to beat acne
You might want to stop picking on those skin bumps because touching your face constantly germs from your fingers to your face. Instead of aggravating your skin, try a less is more approach. “Cleanse your skin religiously and use the right acne products and medication. Do not use too many cosmetics or home remedies for acne,” says Dr Jaishree.
Don’t be flaky for scalp health
We know how irritating an itchy scalp can be. This is often caused by sweat and dirt accumulation on your scalp, resulting in dandruff, flaky skin and itchiness. “Wash your hair at least 2-3 times a week. If you have dandruff, use a shampoo with 2% ketoconazole or a zinc pyrithione-based shampoo,” says Dr Jaishree.
Be kind to your body
Mid-night chocolate cravings and sneaking out at night with your friends is fun, but following a healthy diet and lifestyle is as important as a skincare routine. What you put in your body is what you get out of it.
So, eat healthy, occasionally ghost on your pastries and chips, exercise 5 days a week (even if for just half an hour) and see the change in your skin. “You must learn to sleep on time and follow the circadian rhythm so that your hormones function well,” suggests Dr Jaishree.