Shine Bright this School Year: Teen Skincare Tips

Make A Routine

It is essential to take time to care for your skin. Creating a good skincare habit is crucial to having youthful, glowing skin even if your day is extremely busy with classes, or extra-curricular activities.  A routine can help you avoid painful blemishes and breakouts.

** If you wear makeup keep in mind cosmetic products have expiration dates. It is common for eye makeup and lip products to grow bacteria that can become harmful, so be sure to toss out products past their date and never share products. 

Do Not Pop!

Though it can be tempting to pop a pimple, popping your pimples can lead to scarring and the spread of acne-causing bacteria leading to more breakouts. Instead, wash with a good cleanser and use topical ointments to reduce the size. They won’t magically disappear overnight, but you will notice a reduction in redness and swelling. By using products regularly, you can also fight off future breakouts and pimples.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is key to healthy skin as it works to remove dead cells, bacteria, and debris from the surface of your skin and keep your pores clear. Do not use an exfoliator that is too rough (gritty material) to exfoliate because it can irritate, damage, and dry out your skin.  If you have sensitive skin exfoliate once a week.  Normal to combination skin can exfoliate twice a week. 

Rest

During sleep, the body works to refresh and repair any damage accumulated throughout the day. Skin is the same.  Make sure you give your body time to rest.  

Shower Daily!

Avoid HOT baths and showers.  The temperature can upset the skin’s balance by stripping away oils that keep skin hydrated and healthy. It can also lead to inflammation, redness, dryness, and itchy skin.  

Eat right

Junk food or eating unhealthy food, in general, is a BIG acne trigger, and with busier schedules, it can be difficult to grab a healthy choice over.  Avoid foods such as high-glycemic carbohydrates, dairy, saturated fats, and trans fats.

Reduce Stress Levels

School can be overwhelming; it is essential to be mindful of your stress levels for both health and skin! Start good habits such as getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet, and don’t forget a skincare routine is key to healthy skin.

Get A Facial! 

Combat clogged pores and acne caused by hormonal changes and diet by scheduling a routine facial.  Facials are key in maintaining healthy, vibrant, glowing skin.  

For more information on skin care tips or to schedule an appointment, please contact Megan Murphy Skincare today at 310-623-7962 or email megan@meganmurphyskincare.com

Great Ingredients for Teens Skincare:

• Salicylic Acid: (also known as BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid): “Unlike abrasive scrubs that can be damaging to the skin, salicylic acid mimics skin’s natural exfoliation process by helping it to shed built-up dead skin cells while unclogging and clearing pores. 

• Niacinamide: (also known as vitamin B3): Along with regulating oil production and helping pores appear smaller and smoother, niacinamide is a potent skin-restoring antioxidant that helps younger skin protect itself against daily environmental stressors. It’s great for all skin types.

• Azelaic Acid: This multi-tasking ingredient targets a variety of skin care concerns common to teens including blemishes, bumps, and redness as well as the discolorations often left behind after a blemish is gone.  For anyone dealing with a variety of skin concerns, this gentle, go-to ingredient is a must-have.

• Zinc Oxide/Titanium Dioxide: skin’s upper layers to fend off the sun’s harmful UV rays which can lead to discoloration, uneven skin tone, and more. Both have minimal to zero risk of irritation making them a great option for sensitive, reactive, and even blemish-prone skin types.

Ingredients to Avoid:

• SD Alcohol (also known as denatured alcohol): Denatured alcohol robs the skin of natural substances that keep it hydrated and healthy. This can lead to surface dehydration and dryness and even increased oil production as the skin tries to protect itself.

• Essential oils: When applied to the skin, essential oils contain compounds that can irritate and damage the skin. While irritation may not be noticeable right away, damage can be occurring below the skin with each use.

• Menthol: This naturally occurring ingredient derived from peppermint is known for its cooling and analgesic properties. Menthol can trigger sensitivity and irritation on the skin and eye area.

• Formaldehyde: This ingredient is mostly found in products and is used to control bacterial growth. However, if an individual is exposed to high amounts of this ingredient, it can cause skin irritation, breathing difficulties, asthma, and may even lead to certain cancers with time.
• Phthalates: A harmful chemical that can cause reproductive problems, congenital disabilities, and hormonal problems. 

• Parabens: A big no-no in skincare, have been found to cause endocrine disruptions. Such hormonal problems eventually lead to infertility and other imbalances. 

-Make sure to look for paraben-free items for your skincare routine.

• Mineral Oil: one of the most harmful skincare ingredients, A by-product of petroleum, mineral oil, is found in cleansers, SPF, and makeup products. like formaldehyde, this product also contains carcinogenic chemicals that can put you at risk of developing cancer.

• Coconut Oil: Can cause breakouts because it is comedogenic — it blocks the pores and causes acne and blackheads. 

• Fragrances: They can cause headaches, dizziness, allergies, skin irritation, cough, and hyperactivity.

• Toluene: Hair dyes and nail polishes are filled with this chemical ingredient. This ingredient can cause congenital disabilities and toxicity of the immune system.