Each skin is our personal seal, marked by individual characteristics and needs that we meet during our lifetime. But at a very young age, when all the laws of skin care have not yet been learned, as well as what exactly it needs, it is good for teenagers to be introduced to that world by their parents. There is no exact rule or crucial age when cosmetics become necessary for children and young people, but it can be said with certainty that it is at the moment when they themselves see and feel changes such as heavy oiliness, blackheads or pimples that actually start to bother them. What is good to pay attention to, we list below.
Define skin type and condition
Each skin has certain characteristics, and these characteristics divide them into types - normal, oily, mixed and dry.
- Normal skin is neither too oily nor too dry. You can recognize it by its smooth texture without (major) irregularities and enlarged pores, healthy glow and uniform complexion. Normal skin is not overly sensitive to hormonal changes during the cycle, nor to, for example, weather conditions. Nevertheless, dryness can occur due to natural aging.
- Oily skin produces slightly more sebum (the hydrolipidic layer that forms the skin's protective 'barrier'). If you have oily skin, you surely recognize the shine that gets stronger during the day and also emerges through the foundation in the form of powder. She often has enlarged pores, especially in the area around the nose, and is somewhat more sensitive to hormonal changes. On the other hand, this type is still more resistant to the appearance of wrinkles.
- Dry skin produces less sebum than normal. Because of this, it retains less water in its layers, which makes it inelastic and more sensitive to external conditions. If you have dry skin, you are most likely accompanied by symptoms such as a constant feeling of tightness, redness, itching and flaking.
- Combination skin can be a combination of several skin types, from normal and dry to normal and oily. With a combination of normal and dry skin, symptoms such as dryness, redness and peeling are usually noticed on the cheeks, while the T-zone (forehead and nose area) is balanced.
Mixed skin, a combination of an oilier T zone and a normal rest of the face, is most common in the teenage group, and that's why it's important to choose lighter products intended for this type of skin.
Introduce basic products like cleanser and SPF
The Sephora Kids phenomenon, in which children roam the cosmetic shelves and independently choose and buy products with serious percentages of retinol and other active ingredients unnecessary in their routine, is certainly an occasion for true education. However, in the teenage years, it is necessary to introduce a basic skin care routine that primarily belongs to hygiene. Introducing sun protection at this age is extremely important because the skin is protected from the early days and thus prevents the accumulation of damage visible only in later years, and at the same time it creates a commendable habit and actually teaches about the dangers of unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Along with the regular use of SPF, but also increased oiliness of the skin due to puberty, comes the need for high-quality, thorough, but non-drying facial cleansing. And that's where the emphasis lies - since many pharmaceutical cleansing products offer formulations that excessively degrease the skin and actually strip it of its natural protective coating, leading to sensitivity, irritation and even the appearance of irregularities.
As the first protective product from the sun, it is good to choose a light formulation such as Professional Face Fluid SPF 30, which replaces the day cream and protects and nourishes on its own, while in the evening it is ideal to perform double cleansing with one or two selected products. For example, if lighter makeup is applied on top of the fluid, it will be necessary to remove these layers by double cleaning, i.e. by washing with Routeen reFRESH Gel Face Cleanser. In the morning, it is enough to wash your face with water and a little gel.
Choose treatment products as needed
If blackheads, acne, pimples are present, basic products will not be enough and it is necessary to introduce exfoliation. This word means the process of removing dead skin cells that often clog the pores and thereby, with the addition of sebum and bacteria, create a "fertile ground" for the development of skin irregularities. Salicylic acid in the form of Routeen reSTART BHA Face Serum with 2% of this active ingredient is an excellent addition to the routine because it gently exfoliates the skin and can be adapted to the routine itself, and it has a very pleasant and moisturizing texture. It is enough to apply it on the skin in the evening after washing and then apply the selected Routeen cream. As for the frequency of use, it is good to apply it twice to three times a week in the beginning, and if necessary and if the skin tolerates it, it can be used daily.
Don't forget about hydration
If you thought "Where's the cream in all this?" – you thought well! Adequate hydration is another foundation of skin care, and it is especially important for teenage skin due to exposure to various external influences, especially the sun. Also, here it is important to choose creams that are not greasy and do not contain nourishing oils and emollients intended for dry skin. The silky Routeen rePLUMP Silky Face Cream or the oil-free version of the Routeen deLIGHT Gel Cream in the gel type will be excellent options both independently and over the associated serum in the evening.
Present skin care not as an obligation, but as a long-term "investment" in yourself
We believe that many parents will find themselves in a situation of displeasure and persuading their children to introduce new obligations during the morning and evening, and cosmetics often become hated. However, it is necessary to change the perspective and explain that cleaning and massaging the face is part of hygiene, just like brushing the teeth, and it is precisely those few separate minutes in the day that will enable beautiful and healthy skin throughout life. Consistency in use and patience are important "ingredients" that may not sit on the shelf or in the bathroom cabinet, but are certainly indispensable parts of the routine.
