Being a teen often means having acne, but it does not mean teens are doomed to having unhealthy skin. Although you are probably aware that you should clean your skin regularly, you may not know that some teens actually use soap too frequently. Paying attention to your skin type and making some other lifestyle changes could also make a dramatic improvement in your skin's appearance.
Gently Clean Your Skin
Wash with gentle soap and warm water no more than twice per day. Make sure that the soap you purchase is made for your skin type. For example, if your skin is acne-prone, you should get an acne cleanser. Alternately, if you have dry patches of skin as well as some acne, you may need a cleanser for combination skin. Wash in circular motions. Don't vigorously scrub. Scrubbing and washing too frequently can aggravate the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying a lotion that contains acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide after each washing.
Free Your Face
By touching your face with your fingers, leaning your cheek against your phone and letting hair oils touch your face, you are more likely to break out. Wash your hands before you touch your face. Occasionally, wipe down objects that touch your face, and wash your hair regularly. Wash it at least once a day if you have oily hair and two to three times a week if you do not. Keep it out of your face.
Use the Right Makeup and Moisturizer
Some teen girls do not realize that the makeup they use to cover up their blemishes is one of the main causes of their breakouts. The Discovery Health website recommends that the teens who use foundation on their faces should search for the wording "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" on the cosmetic labels. If you have an oily complexion you should not use moisturizers, but if you have combined skin, apply only "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" moisturizers to dry areas.
Reduce Sun Exposure
Use loose cotton clothing and a hat when you plan to be out in the sun for a long time. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Be especially careful if you use an acne treatment that makes your skin more likely to burn. Although a tan may make you feel as though your acne looks less prominent, enough tanning may cause your body to produce more oil, increase the amount of wrinkles your skin forms and increase your chance of having potentially fatal skin cancer.
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