A cleanser containing glycolic acid (which you can get from a Dermatologist's office) can help rid skin of dead cells, and is particularly useful for teens who get a lot of blackheads, or clogged pores.
Exfoliating can become somewhat addictive for everyone, but especially teenagers frustrated by congestion and excess sebum. Glycolic acid, which I would recommend as a chemical exfoliant for most adults (except those with sensitive skin) can be too harsh for younger skin, which doesn't need it anyway.
At which age should one start using an AHA like a glycolic? Typically, a great age to consider adding a glycolic acid to your routine is in your early 30s. Dr. Love adds that glycolic acid can be used at any point to achieve a smoother, more even skin tone.
The same goes for exfoliation: Light acids like lactic and glycolic can be highly beneficial for all skin types, and although “younger skin is thicker, it can be more sensitive to harsh chemicals,” Nussbaum says.
Basically, if you're a human being you can probably benefit from Glycolic acid. The ingredient specifically treats wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, and acne prone skin, so if one or more of these is a skincare concern of yours, it's worthy of your top shelf. It takes that very top layer of the skin and removes it.
For people with acne, the benefit of glycolic acid is that the peeling results in less “gunk” that clogs the pores. This includes dead skin cells and oil. With less to clog the pores, the skin can clear, and you'll usually have fewer breakouts.
Acne and acne scars
Glycolic acid peels are effective for removing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples from skin. They also help to reduce pore size. Consistent and repeated use of glycolic acid peels have been shown to be effective for removing cystic lesions and acne scars from skin.
No, you can start using Vitamin C serum once you are 20. For now a mild face wash, tone, moisturizer, mild scrub & mask once a week; this will be great.
Moms of teens will remember that back in their day, a toner was usually a high alcohol content, tingly, burning affair that was used in the hopes of sopping up excess oil. Not only is that completely not what you're looking for here, it's actually very harmful to teenage skin.
You are too young to be starting to use toner/exfoliator. In fact, you don't really need to start washing your face until you are 11. For now, if you're really that keen, just wash your face with mild Cetaphil cleanser and then applying lotion.
Retinol, and prescription retinoids, are commonly used for getting rid of breakouts—especially in teenagers. Since retinoids are safe for acne-prone teens and their young skin, then retinol is safe to use when you are young before you see any signs of aging.
Anyone above the age of 18 can use Niacinamide, skin type no bar. However, if you have very sensitive skin or a lot of allergies, its best to do a patch test and consult your dermatologist before you give it a go.
Niacinamide is one of the most versatile skincare ingredients and is super easy to incorporate into your routine. Suitable for all skin types and all ages (from teens to mature skin) it can be used both morning and evening but remember consistency is key if you want to see results.
Glycolic acid is a mild peel that is safe for all ages and almost all skin types.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Daily Face Moisturizer may be used by people 13 years of age and older. This contains natural origin hyaluronic acid and 15 Mineral-Rich Vichy Volcanic Water to strengthen & repair your skin barrier. It will hydrate and plump your skin.
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical should not be used on a child younger than 12 years old.
Use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen to take care of your skin. If you have dry skin, choose a non-soapy formula and salicylic acid for oily skin. Choose moisturizer that is oil-in-water based or gel-based to make your skin grease-free. You can also opt for sunscreen - preferably aqua or gel-based ones.
So for teens, the ideal skin toners should be the ones that balance the pH level of the skin while keeping the acne away. If you are looking for toners that control oil, then you should look for toners that contain Salicylic acid, as they are known for controlling oil and giving the skin a balanced look.
Toner has an unexpected importance for our teenage skin, especially acne prone skin. Toner balances the PH levels in our skin, closes pores, and removes excess oils and dirt. It is to be used right after cleansing the face.
Is Glycolic Acid okay for everyday use? Depending on the concentration, yes, you can use Glycolic Acid every day. If you're new to chemical exfoliants, you should work up to using it every day slowly rather than overdoing it at the beginning.
One ingredient that can be layered with glycolic acid with no worry of irritation is hyaluronic acid as this humectant can instantly hydrate the skin and aid replenishment, this is an ideal teammate for glycolic acid as it avoids any chances of the skin feeling tight, dry or irritated.
No, glycolic acid is not a skin lightening (as in whitening) agent, so glycolic acid will not lighten or whiten your skin tone. Glycolic acid, however, does fade darks spots and hyperpigmentation making it a safe ingredient to brighten and even your complexion.
Blackheads can be solved with consistent – and gentle – exfoliation. And for gentle, effective exfoliation there is no better ingredient to use than glycolic acid. Glycolic acid banishes blackheads with a trifecta of blemish-busting properties.