Skincare for Teens: 6 Ingredients Teens Should Avoid

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Written By Margonoe Tumindax

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Teenage girls need a skincare routine. But should they use what their mothers use? No, because there are skincare ingredients that teens should avoid.

A proper skincare routine is not just for women above 20. It should also be followed by teenagers to manage skin problems, maintain skin balance, and prevent long-term damage. We know that excess sebum production can clog pores and lead to acne, a common problem among teenagers. Dry skin can become irritated without proper hydration. Undoubtedly, eating healthy and drinking enough water are great ways to take care of your skin. It is also necessary to stick to a consistent skincare routine from the beginning, as teenagers can learn the importance of healthy skin and self-care that will benefit them later in life. But there are some skincare ingredients that teenagers should avoid.

Do teenagers need a skincare routine?

Teen girls need a skin care routine because puberty causes significant hormonal changes that can impact the skin, says dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Aderao. These changes often cause common skin problems like acne or increased sensitivity. By using gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens, teens can manage these issues without overwhelming their delicate skin.

Teens need to follow a skincare routine. Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Teenage girls should stick to a simple and effective skincare routine, with products suited to their skin type:

1. For oily skin

  • Cleansing: You should use a gentle foaming or gel cleanser that helps control oil and prevents clogged pores.
  • Hydration: Even oily skin needs hydration, so it’s best to use a light, oil-free or gel-based moisturizer to prevent excess sebum production.
  • Sunscreen: Applying a non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 daily can protect against ultraviolet rays.

2. For dry skin

  • Cleansing: Using a hydrating cream cleanser will ensure that your skin is not stripped of its natural oils.
  • Moisturizer: Apply a richer, cream-based moisturizer with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides can deeply hydrate the skin.
  • Sunscreen: Choosing a hydrating sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 can prevent dryness.

3. For combination skin

  • Cleansing: Use a gentle, balancing cleanser to control oil in the T-zone—your forehead, nose, and chin—while maintaining hydration in dry areas.
  • Moisturizing: Have them choose a light moisturizer for oily areas and a slightly richer one for drier areas.
  • Sunscreen: Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen suitable for all skin types will provide protection without causing breakouts.

4. For sensitive skin

  • Cleansing: If your teenager has sensitive skin, let her use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that’s specifically designed for sensitive skin.
  • Moisturizer: Have your child choose a gentle, soothing moisturizer with ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides to soothe irritation.
  • Sunscreen: It will be helpful to use a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are less likely to cause irritation.

What are some skin care ingredients that teens shouldn’t use?

Teen skin is delicate, so it is essential to avoid certain harsh ingredients. Here are some of them.

1. Fragrances and perfumes

Fragrances are often added to moisturizers or cleansers. Fragranced beauty ingredients are one of the most common causes of allergic contact reactions, according to a 2012 review published in American Journal of Clinical DermatologyThey can cause allergic reactions or irritate the sensitive skin of teenage girls.

2. Parabens

They are commonly used as preservatives in creams and makeup. Parabens contain chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system and can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid, according to research published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2023. “Parabens can cause hormonal imbalances, especially in girls, so it’s best to stay away from them,” says the expert.

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3. Sulphates

Sulfates are often found in cleansers for their cleansing and foaming properties. But using them is a bad idea, because they can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and prone to irritation.

4. Retinoids

Retinoids have anti-wrinkle properties that strengthen the protective function of the epidermis and protect collagen from degradation, according to research published in the journal Advances in Dermatology and Allergology journal in 2019. “They’re effective for people looking for anti-aging ingredients, but they’re too strong for young skin. They can cause peeling skin and increased sun sensitivity in teens,” says Dr. Aderao.

Retinoids in adolescent skin care
Retinoids should not be part of a teenager’s skin care routine. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

5. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone may help prevent uneven pigmentation, according to research published in State Pearls in 2023. “It is a skin-lightening agent, but it is too strong for young skin and should be avoided unless recommended by a dermatologist,” says the expert.

6. Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid can be used to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and signs of aging, according to research published in Molecules journal in 2018. Alpha-hydroxy acid is often used in skin care to exfoliate and brighten the skin by removing dead skin cells. While glycolic acid can be helpful for some skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and uneven texture, it may not be suitable for teens, as it is too harsh for sensitive, developing skin. “It can cause irritation, redness, and even flaking, which can aggravate common teen skin concerns like acne or oiliness,” says the expert.

Which skin care ingredients are safe for teens?

There are several safe and effective skin care ingredients that are suitable for teen skin. Here are some of them:

1. Hyaluronic acid

It’s an excellent moisturizer that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and smooth without clogging pores. “For acne-prone teens, benzoyl peroxide (in concentrations of 2.5 to 5 percent) helps kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation,” says the expert.

2. Salicylic acid

Using salicylic acid up to 2 percent concentration can gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. It can help manage acne without over-drying the skin. But make sure the concentration does not exceed 2 percent, because it can cause skin irritation.

3. Niacinamide

It is a form of vitamin B3 that can help control oil on the face. Also, using Niacinamide is good for the skinas it reduces redness and improves the overall texture of the skin.

4. Aloe vera

Whether you’re a teenager or an older woman, aloe vera is beneficial for women’s skin of all ages. “It’s a soothing ingredient that soothes irritated or sunburned skin while providing hydration,” says the expert.

Avoid trendy products and stick to those with proven ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide for acne-prone skin. Teens only need a few basic steps: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It’s important to skip unnecessary steps like harsh toners or treatments unless recommended by a dermatologist.

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