How to Teach Your Teen a Healthy Skin Routine

Now that your teenager is settled into their back-to-school routine, it’s a great time to teach them to make a daily skincare regimen part of that routine.

“Teenagers can spend as much as 30 minutes a day in front of the mirror getting ready for school or for weekend events,” says Richard Price, M.D., of Price Skin Care Clinic in Ridgeland, MS. “Now is the perfect time to teach your teen the importance of practicing a regular skincare routine that promotes healthy skin.”

Keep reading for five essential components of a skincare routine for teens that will help your teenager prevent clogged pores, acne breakouts, dry skin as well as sunburns, and skin cancer.

Don’t Touch
Acne is the bane of many a teen’s existence, but there are some things your teen can do to help ward off outbreaks. They should avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples, which can lead to scarring and more acne. We also advise that teens keep their hands and phone screen clean, since they can harbor bacteria that can transfer to the face.

Keep It Clean
It’s important for your teen to clean their face twice each day: once in the morning and once before bed. We recommend that he or she use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. Cleaning the face regularly helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup, which helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts of acne.

Drink Up
While you probably know that hydration is key to healthy skin, your teenager might not yet know that drinking plenty of water helps maintain the elasticity of the skin and prevents dryness. We also recommend that your teen use a moisturizer that’s appropriate for their skin type.

Cover Up
Perhaps nothing is more important than your teenager learning to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even when it’s cloudy outside. With the popularity of tanning and many teens’ love for the outdoors, this healthy habit can’t be learned soon enough. It helps prevent sunburn, premature aging, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

Eat Your Veggies
We know that many teenagers like sugary drinks and greasy foods, but these can aggravate acne, causing flare-ups. We recommend that teens maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods high in antioxidants, like vitamins A, C, and E, can promote healthy skin.

Skin For Life
There’s no better time for your teenager to learn to take care of their skin than now. After all, with all the changes that will come their way, their skin will be with them for life.

If you have questions about your teenager’s skin health or would like to schedule a skin screen exam for your teenager, please give us a call at: 601.992.3996.