Skincare tips for teens

Puberty is more than the physical act of growing up. It signals the beginning of many psychological and emotional changes as well. The hormones in our body regulate all these and sometimes there is an excess of one hormone over the other which causes a hormonal imbalance. That combined with increased oil production manifests as acne or pimples. 

Acne and pimples are very common but they are still challenging to deal with given the beauty standards of society and the pressure on teenagers to conform to them. This is when acne becomes more than a skin health issue. It inevitably affects the self-worth of young people in their formative years. It can continue to have effects well into their adulthood where they might not feel as confident as they should. 

How is a teenager’s skin different?

The teenager’s skin is markedly different from a child’s or an adult’s. A child’s skin renews itself quite often but as soon as we enter the teenage years, the frequency of renewal of skin starts to decrease. However, there is still a significant presence of collagen which keeps our skin firm and supple. As we grow older, the production of collagen dips and gives way to wrinkles and fine lines. 

Ways to battle acne and pimples

Maintaining clean and healthy skin is a commitment to a nutritious diet and a skincare routine fit for your skin type. The first step is to steer clear of junk food. This is mainly because processed food is adulterated with substances that aren’t entirely suitable for our bodies. For example, too much consumption of adulterated oil can lead to the formation of pimples on the face. 

In Ayurveda, it is believed that skin problems are a result of blood that is not entirely healthy. Thus, the advice is to eat food that is beneficial for the skin. This includes turmeric, neem, and manjistha among others. Having this regularly can prevent acne, pimples, and fungal infections of the skin. The benefits of skin detox are many. This Ayurvedic remedy is full of goodness for overall health as well. 

Honey is another great way to keep your skin nourished. Applying a layer of pure honey on your face and keeping it on for half an hour will make your skin glow. Honey has strong anti-inflammatory properties which help to deal with the redness that comes with excessive acne on the face. 

Amla is full of vitamin C which is extremely beneficial for the skin. Drinking a glass of amla juice every day will protect your skin from harm. It is a natural anti-oxidant which means it protects your skin from acne triggers inside and outside your body. 

Tulsi or basil leaves are replete with anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Applying a few crushed tulsi leaves to your face can help you with acne, blackheads, and skin infections. They are rich in Vitamin K and promote skin health by exfoliating it, deep cleaning it, and preventing premature ageing. 

Papaya can help in cleaning the skin and giving a natural, clear glow. The enzymes in Papaya — papain and chymopapain — decrease inflammation and are a major ingredient in many exfoliating products. Eating papaya regularly is one way to keep your skin healthy but it is also recommended to blend it in a paste with some water and then apply it to one’s face. After washing it off, your skin will feel cleansed. 

Develop a skincare routine that you can follow daily. Using a mild cleanser is good for your skin. Be very gentle with your hand movements. Massage your face with the tips of your fingers in a circular motion. Remember to moisturize your skin twice a day to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Exfoliate once a week to clean out your pores. Blocked pores have the potential to develop into acne or pimples. Lastly, always wear sunscreen before going out in the sun. We might not feel the damage now but it will crop up later in life.