“Cleansers with ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be very helpful for those with acne, but be careful as they can be irritating and drying.”
It's anti-inflammatory, unclogs congested pores with Salicylic Acid and, in our opinion, is home to some of the best teenage skin care products. Dermatologists and industry experts all agree that Salicylic Acid is the must-have ingredient you need to tackle spot-prone oily, combination and blemish-prone teenage skin.
1. Have your teen use over-the-counter acne products, and wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser twice daily. Look for products that contain topical benzoyl peroxide as the main active ingredient. Apply cleanser with fingertips, and rinse skin with lukewarm water.
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical should not be used on a child younger than 12 years old.
Use of salicylic acid topical in children younger than 2 years of age is not recommended.
Acids, Acne & Exfoliation
With that being said, in my opinion, salicylic acid, BHA, and mild AHA use is just fine for teens. BHAs and AHAs are the best topical treatments for most mild acne.
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.
Teach Your Tween Good Skincare Habits
If your child has inflamed pimples, have them use a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleanser once or twice a day. If these cleansers dry out your child's face, use a moisturizer after washing. Be sure to choose one that is oil-free and fragrance-free.
Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19. Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older. Acne often disappears when a person is in their mid-20s. In some cases, acne can continue into adult life.
Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually lasts for five to 10 years, normally going away during the early 20s.
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.
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.
What Causes Acne? Acne is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin and a buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, which leads to inflammation (swelling and redness) in the pores. Oil glands get stimulated when hormones become active during puberty. That's why people are likely to get acne in their teens.
Almost all teens get acne. It happens when an oily substance called sebum clogs pores. Pimples usually pop up on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne isn't a serious health risk, though severe acne can cause permanent scars.
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of isotretinoin in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established. This medicine should be used with caution in teenagers, especially those with bone problems or diseases.
Develop a 14-Year-Old Skincare Routine
Always cleanse first, then use any spot treatments, moisturize, and apply sunscreen in the morning. Don't get too overwhelmed about a tween skincare routine; the fact that you're taking the time now to learn how to care about your skin means you're already ahead of the game!
For teens with uneven pigmentation and dark spots, Sarkar recommends vitamin C, which is brightening, helps build collagen, and has antioxidant action which boosts the strength of SPF.
Rose Water Can Control Skin pH
Too dry skin can be itchy and easily irritated and may lead to other skin problems like dermatitis. Oily skin, the bane of teenagers, has its own problems, such as acne. Both teenagers and adults can use rose water to keep acne from developing.
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.
Out of all chemical exfoliants, glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size, meaning it is able to penetrate the deepest. At a 5% concentration, it's potent enough to exfoliate your skin on a much deeper level, and yield great and visible results, but not result in much irritation, which is great for teenagers.
Most sources suggest exfoliating 2-3 days a week, but no more than that. Exfoliating too much can hurt and irritate the skin regardless of what skin type teens have. Not only does this and the previous information apply to the face, but it also applies to the body.
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.