Teen Skin Care - Tips for proper Skin Care at Teenage

When a child reaches puberty- usually between the ages of 10 and 15- dramatic changes start to take place in the skin. There is a sudden increase in the production of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen, which surge through the bloodstream. Their most obvious effects for the skin occur in the sebaceous(oil-producing) glands. Stimulated by the hormones, these hitherto dormant glands become highly active.

Overactive Glands

  • Sebaceous glands are found in great numbers in the forehead, the nose, the cheeks, and the chin. When the glands go into overdrive, these areas of the face become shiny and oily as the sebum being produced comes to the surface through the skin's pores.

  • Teenagers may also find that the texture of their skin changes; in adolescent boys especially, it can become coarser. And because of the sensitivity of the sebaceous glands to male hormones, teenage boys are especially prone to severe acne.

  • Teenage girls are less susceptible to acne during puberty. This is partly due to the effects of the female hormone estrogen, which reduces the amount of sebum(oil) that is produced. However, during ovulation and just before or during menstruation, girls may find that their skin becomes oilier and they are prone to spots. This is because the level of female hormones drops during these times.

  • A teenager's scalp can become very oily, too, due to hormonal effects on the sebaceous glands there.

  • The apocrine glands in the armpits and groin start to become active. These are the sweat glands, which have lain dormant during childhood and now burst into life, releasing perspiration that can interact with the bacteria normally present on the skin to cause body odor.

  • As a result of these developments, and of their changing lifestyle, adolescents are prone to a number of different skin conditions. Some of the most common are acne and fungal infections, such as athlete's foot.

Top Tips For Teenage Skin

Most young people become highly aware of their bodies and their appearance during the teenage years. This is an ideal time for them to develop good skin care and health habits. Here's how:

  • Wash the face twice a day, using a suitable cleanser. Teenagers with oily skin should choose a preparation formulated for this skin type.

  • Eat a balanced diet, which includes lots of fruits and vegetables. There is no evidence that any particular food worsens spots or acne, but a healthy diet can improve the overall appearance and condition of the skin.

  • Have a bath or shower and use a deodorant or antiperspirant daily.

  • Wash your hair as often as necessary. Shampooing every day will not harm the hair or make the scalp more oily. Many shampoos and conditioners are designed for frequent use.

  • Take regular exercise, which can improve circulation and the condition of the skin.

  • Avoid thick, greasy cosmetics. There are many oil-free brands on the market, and teenagers with troubled skin should opt for one of these.

  • Remove makeup at night, using an appropriate cleanser.

  • Avoid picking or squeezing spots. This can lead to infection and also permanent scarring when the spot heals.

  • If you are using an acne preparation, apply it over the entire area that is affected.

Specialized sweat glands in the armpits, feet, and groin, known as the apocrine glands, become active during puberty.

Stretch Marks

Although more frequently associated with pregnancy, stretch marks are a common feature of adolescence- in both boys and girls. Boys tend to get them on the back, buttocks, and thighs, and girls on the breasts, buttocks, thighs, and occasionally the upper arms. The marks are associated with increased hormone production as well as excessive or quick weight gain. Although they are distressing, there is no way to remove them. Assure your child that the marks will fade over time and become less noticeable.

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