How to Keep Healthy Skin Habits

Nobody said that growing up would be easy, and taking care of our skin is not any easier. We have acne, blackheads, oily skin, just to top the list of our teenager's skin complaints. To keep their skin healthy and glowing, there is some advice that we should all follow.

Hormonal surges lead to enlargement of oil glands, making teen skin oily and creating large pores and blackheads. Even though you and your friends are going through puberty together, chances are your skin is looking and feeling a bit different from your BFF's. That means the skin tip that works for her might not work for you. Fortunately, you can easily find the right skin advice to choose from to keep your skin clear.

Here are the top skin care tips for our teen's skin:

Cleanse Carefully. As previously mentioned in my earlier blog, if your skin is oily, you will probably do well with a foaming or gel cleanser for daily skin care. Cleanse morning and night, but especially at night to wash the makeup and sweat off from the day. When removing your makeup, remove the eye makeup first, then cleanse with your fingertips for the rest of your face and neck. If you play sports or work hard in physical education class, wash your face before you exercise. Carry facial tissues to blot your skin. For teens who have dry rather than oily skin, try a milky cleanser and moisturizer.

Rule No. 1 - Wash your makeup off before bed. Even if your best friend can sleep with her makeup on and look great, it is not a great idea. If you are simply too exhausted to tie your hair back, wash off your makeup, at least use a pre-moistened cleansing wipe to take off makeup, dirt, and oil. If you have a regular habit of sleeping in makeup, you can have an acne breakout or develop a bumpy rash calls perioral or periocular dermatitis.

Rule No. 2 - Controlling Oil. You want to keep down the shine without being harsh on your skin. There is a basic 3-step process to oil control: 1) choose a salicylic acid cleanser, 2) use an oil-free primer to control shine, and 3) blot oil during the day using specialized cloths or tissues.

Rule No. 3 - Exfoliate. You need to exfoliate only once or twice a week, using a relatively gentle product. Don't scrub (it won't help with acne or blackheads) and don't over exfoliate. If you are using a Clarisonic®, the rules follow for this as well. Clarisonic® also exfoliates the skin, therefore, if overdone, will cause irritation and production of more oils.

Rule No. 4 - Get the Right Acne Products. If you have breakouts, try this approach: wash your skin, use a toner, and then apply and medicated acne gel.

Rule No. 5 - Do Not Share Makeup. Do you want to share your friend's germs? It is especially bad idea to share eye and lip products. It may be tempting to try their new mascara, eye liner, or lip gloss, but get your own.

Rule No. 6 - Keep Your Hands Clean. One way to help your skin stay healthy is to protect it from dirt and too many germs. Wash your hands before you touch your face or touch up your makeup and regularly clean other surfaces that touch your skin, such as your phone.

Rule No. 7 - Choose Spray Hair Products. If you notice that your acne breakouts cluster around your hairline or places where your hair often brushes your skin, consider that your hair product might be to blame. Make a switch to spray products, which are less likely to cause breakouts.

Rule No. 8 - Wear Sunscreen. You want your skin to look healthy now and for decades to come. Using sunblock also helps keep your acne breakouts from turning dark. Pick an oil-free product, and look for cosmetics, like liquid foundation, that contain sunscreen.

Rule No. 9 - Avoid Tanning Beds. Get a healthy bronze glow with a self-tanner or an airbrush tan from a professional. Tanning beds and sun tanning can set you up for early wrinkles and increased skin cancer risk later on.

Rule No. 10 - Talk to a Skin Care Professional. Seeing a skin care professional about acne can make a huge difference, especially if you have red, pus-filled pimples or large lumps under the skin that are painful or leaving scars. Those can stay with you for a lifetime. You might benefit from prescription cleansers and acne medication that can clear skin faster and more effectively than over-the-counter products.

Growing up should be fun. Take charge of your skin care with these tips, and soon a clear complexion will put a smile back on your face. If you are still having issues, follow Rule No. 10. Contact a skin care professional today.