What are the main skin concerns for teens?
Oily skin is a common problem amongst teens because during adolescence our oil glands become overactive. Sebum is a natural moisturiser produced by your skin. When this is overworked, our skin becomes more oily than normal, which can in turn block pores and cause blackheads and pimples.
Each day our skin naturally loses billions of dead skin cells to stay refreshed and renewed! Because this balance is disrupted during adolescence too many cells can shed, which can also contribute to clogging pores and causing breakouts.
Another cause of teenage problematic skin is bacteria! Bacteria is found on every skin (even the cleanest!) but only causes problems during an acne breakout when the bacteria spreads and causes redness, inflammation and irritation.
Great skincare for teenage girls!
Although teenage skin concerns are similar across both genders, there are some products that I think work best for young girls.
The first is the Acure Facial Cleansing Gel which is a budget-priced, gentle foaming cleanser.
The main ingredients are Echinacea Plant Stem Cells and Superfruit extracts designed to wash away any excess oils from oily and combination skin types, leaving the complexion fresh and soft without any drying effect.
The Manuka Biotic Natural Facial Cleanser is a creamy foaming cleanser containing Manuka Oil, Green Tea & Witch Hazel extracts, known for their antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This formulation penetrates deep into the dermis drawing out impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
The Sanctum Moisture Balance - Oil Free formula is am an excellent moisturiser for teens with acne-prone skin. Containing 99% Certified Organic ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Oak Bark and Rose Flower Water, it leaves the complexion feeling cool, calm and hydrated. Anti-inflammatory properties also soothe, tone and balance the skin.
Your teenage girl will love Harmoni’s Kiss Deodorant! Not only is the packaging super cute, but its aluminium free formula is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Combining the powerful antiseptic qualities of witch hazel and citrus with the soothing benefits of lavender, and aloe vera, this deodorant will help keep your teenager feeling and smelling fresh all day!
To help treat breakouts in teenage girls, a very popular product is the handy little Necessity Zit Stik. This helps fight break outs as soon as they appear with its blend of essential oils such as Lavender, Calendula in a base of Jojoba, Shea & Rosehip. The naturally anti-bacterial essential oils help draw out impurities whilst the Jojoba, Shea and Rosehip may help to prevent scarring.
Great skincare for teenage boys!
For teenage boys the brand 808 Dude is specifically designed for their skincare needs. The 808 Dude Zit Free Face Wash is a natural cleanser that works to clear skin without any chemicals. It contains ingredients like guarana and ginseng botanicals that are full of minerals, antioxidants and antibacterial agents. All of these may help to balance acne-prone skin and reduce skin inflammation.
For teenage boys that suffer from occasional breakouts, the 808 Dude Spot Free Gel is great to apply to any blemishes. It encourages skin to balance itself and reduces redness and irritation too!
Let’s face it, teenage boys can get stinky! Help your little man beat bad body odour with 808 Dude Deodorant. The aluminium free formulation is combined with organic essential oils such as bergamot, cypress, petitgrain and cardamom, to not only be gentle on the skin, but ensure your dude will stay dry and smelling fresh all day long!
Skincare perfect for all teenagers!
Although some skincare products are designed for specific genders, most are not!
To keep problematic skin at bay I recommend using an exfoliator once a week to remove excess dead skin build-up and promote clear, healthy skin. For oily or acne prone skin I recommend using the Lavera Purifying Scrub because it’s very purifying and uses jojoba pearls to deeply cleanse pores. It removes trapped dirt, dead skin cells and other impurities to leave your skin glowing!
This can be used perfectly with the Acure Oil Control Moisturiser which is perfect for teenage skin because it focuses on balance. It’s an oil-control formula that may help keep pores clean and skin clear by providing hydration and controlling excess oil production. It is also full of beneficial ingredients like lilac stem cells that are said to reduce the look of blemishes!
A fantastic step by step system for all teenage skin is the Juniper teen range, available in a beautiful Packaged Set! This set contains a toning mist, lotion, cleanser and exfoliant, all gentle and soothing enough for young skin while also excellent at combatting ongoing breakouts!
To read more about the best natural products to treat hormonal breakouts, I have a whole blog post on that topic right here
