As a teenager, your skin is going through all sorts of changes, and figuring out the right skincare routine can feel like a mystery. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dryness, or just want to keep your skin looking its best, this introduction to skincare is the perfect starting point. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your skin look and feel amazing!
Your Skin Type
First of all, you should figure out what skin type you have to create the best skincare routine for you. There are five main types, dry, combination, oily, normal and sensitive skin. To test this you can use the wash-and-wait method.
Wash your face with cleanser or a facial soap, dry it and then wait for thirty minutes.
If your skin looks shiny on your whole face, then you have oily skin.
If your skin is feeling dehydrated or flaky then you have dry skin.
If your skin only looks shiny around your T-zone (nose and forehead), then you have combination skin.
If your skin feels comfortable then you have a normal skin type.
For sensitive skin, it’s less about how your skin looks and more about how it reacts to products. If new products itch and burn when you try them, then your skin is probably sensitive. It can be classified as a skin type in itself, it can also go with any of the skin types above.
- Oily Skin
For this skin type, you should purchase products that are oil free or non comedogenic so they don’t clog your pores. When it comes to cleansers, CeraVe is a great place to start looking. Cleanse your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
If you’re looking to get a toner, then aim for one that helps slow down your skin’s sebum (oil) production.
Take note that oily skin needs moisturizer. Drying your skin out will lead to more oil production, so make sure you don’t skip this step. Select a lightweight one that provides hydration without putting too much product. Check out asian skincare brands, such as j-beauty products, they’re light and smell amazing.
- Dry Skin
This skin type produces less oil than others, so it can appear rough and flaky. When you choose products for this type, select ones that are hydrating and help your skin’s moisture barrier.
For your cleanser, choose a cream cleanser that is gentle on your skin and only use it once a day. Look for a toner with hyaluronic acid or a hydrating ingredient to lock in moisture before applying lotion. The moisturizer you choose should be thick and non-scented to prevent irritation to your skin.
Lastly, select an SPF to protect your skin barrier, you should look for a cream sunscreen as it holds moisture better.
- Combination Skin
Your skin is oily in the t-zones, and dry in other areas. So, you should use different products on different areas of your face. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day, and purchase hydrating toners and creams.
For SPF, look for non-comedogenic sunscreens, so they don’t clog your pores or irritate your skin. Gel based sunscreens are the best as they’re lightweight and get instantly absorbed into your skin.
- Normal Skin
Congrats! Your skin is neither oily or dry, so you don’t have to worry too much about a skincare routine. Simply go with a basic gentle cleanser to use twice a day, a hydrating cream, and a cream sunscreen with SPF over 30.
- Sensitive Skin
There aren’t any specific products to buy, but what I say is that you should use gentle products that are fragrance-free and don’t contain any harsh chemicals. Avoid hot showers and exfoliating your skin more than once a week. Mosizirze regularly to protect your skin and avoid wearing perfume that could irritate your skin.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and finding the right routine takes time and patience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with products and routines until you discover what works best for you. With a little effort and the right knowledge, you’ll be able to tackle any skin challenge that comes your way. So starting from today, take control of your skincare, and your future self will thank you.