Teenagers have it tough. Their bodies are changing. Their emotions are changing. And their skin is changing. Fast. It’s getting oilier, and that means blackheads and blemishes. Yep, pimples and puberty truly do go hand-in-hand.
Even as an adult, a bad skin day can crush one’s self-esteem. Big time. So that’s why we’re delving deep into the three most common teenage skin problems – what they are and how to solve them. Because no teen deserves to suffer from bad skin during the awkwardness that is adolescence, even if they are a raging Bieber fan…
Teen skin issue #1: breakouts
Pimples and acne are the result of these raging hormones: androgens. Said hormones increase their productivity in both boys and girls during puberty, causing the oil producing ducts on your face, back, neck and chest to go into overdrive. This excessive oil then clogs your pores, causing pimples or full-on acne. And while around 90 per cent of all teenagers suffer from pimples, acne can be genetic, so it’s worth chatting to your parents about the skin problems they suffered from when they were a teen.
Solve it by: effectively cleansing, exfoliating and treating the skin on a regular basis. Blemishes and acne do not call for over-washing or harsh scrubs. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Over-washing and scrubbing will only irritate and dry out your skin, causing it to produce more oil – and more pimples – as a result. Don’t pick them either; this will only spread bacteria, cause further inflammation, and possibly lead to acne scarring. Do shower after exercise, though – perspiration can settle on the skin, trapping in pimple-causing dirt and bacteria, which leads to more blemishes.
Useful products:PuraSkin Deep Derma Cleanserand Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel.
Teen skin issue #2: blackheads
Blackheads – also known as open comedones – are more prominent during puberty because of a teen’s overactive oil glands. They occur when a widened hair follicle becomes filled with debris, bacteria and oil. The black hue is a result of said oil becoming oxidised, but they can also be yellowish in colour.
Solve it by: unplugging the pores and getting rid of the build-up. This does not mean squeezing the gunk out, though – it means making smart product choices. Look for products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These chemical exfoliators work their way into your pores to loosen the build-up in the hair follicles, unclogging them as a result. Better yet, they do so without causing irritation.
Useful products:Formula 10.0.6 Down To The Pore and Dermalogica Clean Start Wash Off.
Teen skin issue #3: excessively oily skin
Teenagers often suffer from overly oily skin because of their skin’s excessive sebum production. This natural lubricant produced by the sebaceous glands is often most prominent on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, and although you might be self-conscious of this issue now, those with oily skin are actually less prone to wrinkling as they age. Win!
Solve it by: not washing your face too much, and using oil-free products. Washing your face with harsh cleansers may be tempting, but it’ll only cause your skin to overcompensate and produce more oil instead. Oily skin does not equal moisturised skin either, so always apply an oil-free lotion after cleansing to hydrate your skin without making it oilier. Cleansers, toners, serums and moisturiser that help rebalance your skin’s oil production will also help to minimise excess shine.
Useful products:Janesce Clearing Rescue Serum and Papulex Oil-Free Cream.
A final note: don’t ever think you need to simply ‘put up with’ your acne or any other severe skin issues teenagers tend to suffer from. They are not a rite of passage – they are confidence shattering. Do visit a dermatologist to discuss correcting your skin concerns if regular over-the-counter products aren’t effective, because you deserve to have the best skin possible and the self-assurance that comes with it.
Do you suffer from any of these common teen skin issues? What are your tips for preventing and controlling blemishes, blackheads and excessive oil? Have you tried any of these skin-clearing products?
