When it comes to caring for your skin during the teen years, navigating fluctuating hormones and other physiological changes that can affect the appearance of the skin can be challenging. Read on as we look at a few simple steps to help keep teenage skin healthy and happy.  

Keep It Simple  

Keeping things simple with a less is more approach is best. Avoid using abrasive scrubs or products that can leave the skin feeling stripped and dry as these can also contribute to compromising the skin barrier. Unfavourable skin concerns such as blemishes and breakouts, redness, and skin that is parched and flaky are all signs of a disturbed barrier and can be easily avoided with the right approach.   

Keep It Clean   

The skin’s naturally occurring acid mantle, which forms part of the skin barrier system working to keep vital moisture in and harmful bacteria out, is the skin’s first line of defence. Cleansing morning and evening with a pH balanced non stripping cleanser is important to preserve the integrity of the skin barrier whilst removing excess oil, dirt and blemish causing bacteria from the skin.   

All Alpha-H cleansers are affective at removing makeup and daily grime, and leave the skin clean and not stripped. Find your perfect cleanser match here. 

Sun Protection  

According to statistics Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australians aged 15-29 years. In addition to this frightening statistic, we know that too much exposure to the sun in the first 15 years increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life and causes cumulative skin damage that manifests as uneven skin tone and texture, lines, wrinkles, and redness providing more than one reason to ensure young skin is protected daily from the sun.   

Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ is our TGA-approved broad spectrum sunscreen that’s suitable for all skin types including teen skin and suitable for daily wear. Apply as directed to the face and neck each morning and reapply when appropriate. 

Tackling Breakouts  

Fluctuating hormones during teen years can lead to blemishes as an increase in sebum, the waxy oil secreted from pores in the skin mixes together with shedding dead skin cells forming a plug blocking the pore. Bacteria thrives in this environment causing inflammation and subsequent infection can follow which we know as blemishes. In addition to cleansing morning and evening to assist in reducing the spread of any harmful bacteria, targeted treatments that work to dissolve accumulated sebum and debris within the pore can help to reduce the occurrence of blemishes as well as help to clear any spots that might occur.   

Predominantly oily skin with persistent congestion and blemishes will find Clear Skin Tonic most beneficial. Start by applying on alternate mornings or evenings gradually building to daily use if required once your skin is responding favourably.   

For those with the occasional blemish and for those singular, often painful lesions that tend to occur monthly, Instant Action BHA Blemish Treatment can work wonders in helping to reduce the appearance of redness and decongest spots.  Keep on hand for when you feel a blemish starting and apply as needed.   

And Finally: Exfoliate  

For teens with oily and combination skin types that find blackheads occurring gently exfoliating once a week with a non-abrasive scrub such as Micro Super Scrub can really help. Do not overdo it though, keep it gentle making sure not to over exfoliate.