Better Skincare for Teens

With a few simple things you can do each day, everyday, you'll be on the road to a better complexion in no time at all.

What do you see when you look at your reflection in the mirror each morning? Clear, glowing skin that radiates your youth and inner beauty? Or, do you see a collection of red bumps and black specks, a sure sign that you have troubled skin? Well, if you're like 99.9% of all teens, your skin is going to go through periodic changes that are sometimes alarming and even emotionally upsetting. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to improve the condition and appearance of your skin that won't knock you out or drain your allowance in the process.

Having great-looking skin is not always a matter of luck, and there are no magical formulas that will transform you into the next Brittney Spears. But, there are a few simple things you can do each day, every day, to put yourself on the road to a better complexion in no time at all.

What's more, taking good care of your skin now will have a huge payoff in the years to come. There is an old saying that before the age of 20 you have the skin you were born with, but by the time you're 30, you will have the skin that you deserve. So, before you prematurely trade in your pimples for wrinkles, learn some easy ways to take good care of the type of skin that accompanied you into this world.

All about skin

Skin is pretty amazing. It's actually the body's largest organ, weighing in at several pounds and, if laid out flat, measures to an average of 20 square feet. A single square-inch of skin contains about 19 feet of blood vessels, 19 million cells, 65 hairs, 625 sweat glands and at least 90 oil glands. So there's a lot going on in there! Not only does your skin shield your inner organs and bones, but it also forms your first line of defense from bacterial infection and helps to keep your body temperature in gear.

The skin is made up of two basic layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the thin outer layer that we can see and feel, and mostly consists of dead skin cells that have pushed their way to the surface. These dead skin cells are constantly shed to reveal new skin underneath. The dermis is the thick underlying layer that delivers nourishment and removes waste from newly developed skin cells. The dermis also helps regulate collagen and elastin, protein fibers that keep skin soft, and help it to adjust its size to accommodate your growing body.

Skin eruptions, so common in the teenage years, are primarily caused by hormones. Androgens (male hormones) are surging during this time, even in girls. This flurry of hormonal activity sparks the sebaceous glands into action to produce excess sebum, the lubricating stuff that keeps the skin moist. Androgens are also responsible for the increased growth in body hair and an increased shedding of keratin, a protein that can block pores and the flow of sebum. If the pore is only partially clogged, the blocked sebum oxidizes with air and darkens in color, resulting in a blackhead. If the pore is completely blocked, it forms a whitehead. If the blockage runs deep, the hair follicle will sometimes balloon and form a cyst-like pimple characterized by redness and swelling.

Face facts

Okay, all that stuff about how a zit forms is interesting, but how can you keep them off of your face? Proper cleansing is, without a doubt, one of the best things you can do to keep your skin looking good. But, cleansing routines vary with skin type and even with seasonal changes. Here's a run-down of the best care regimens for the three basic types of skin: oily, dry and normal.

Oily Skin -- This is usually characterized by a glossy look, especially in the T-zone (the areas around the forehead, nose and chin.) Many people with oily skin think that stripping every bit of oil away several times a day is the way to prevent acne. But, this practice only stimulates the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive to produce more oil. In fact, drying out the skin in this way can lead to more oil becoming trapped to form pimples.

      To clean: Wash once in the morning and again at night with a water-based
   cleansing lotion or gel.

      To tone: Use a toner that contains witch hazel and be careful to wipe
   the skin in one direction to avoid re-depositing the oil being removed.

      To moisturize: Use a light, water-based formula. You may need a heavier
   moisturizer on the cheek area if it tends to feel tight and dry.

Dry Skin -- For you, two things should always be avoided: alcohol and soap. Both of these agents can be harsh on dry skin and rob it of much needed moisture. This skin type can improve greatly with proper cleansing and moisturizing.

      To clean: Wash each morning and night with a soapless cleansing lotion
   or gel. Avoid using washcloths and hot water. Use a soft, squishy sponge.

      To tone: Use an alcohol-free formula and apply immediately after
   cleansing.

      To moisturize: Apply a rich moisturizer containing natural oils while
   skin is still damp to help it retain more moisture. Especially lavish your
   face with moisturizer before going to bed at night.