Welcome wonderful TeenCo parents old and new! If you’re like me and you’ve watched your beautiful teens and preteens embark on the exhilarating journey of self-discovery you’ll know that it’s a time filled with laughter, growth, and yes, a few skincare concerns here and there. As a parent, we know how important it is to support our young ones as they navigate the unique challenges of adulthood.
Our latest blog explores the intriguing world of different skin types. We’ll explain what each skin type is, go over some of the challenges faced with each skin type and discuss the best ways to care for each one because when it comes to our children’s well-being, we want nothing but the best, right?
Let’s start with Normal skin. What Is Normal Skin?
Normal skin is often seen as the desirable skin type with a harmonious balance that many aspire to. If your teen is lucky enough to have normal skin, they’ll notice a few key characteristics that set it apart. Normal skin is well balanced, it’s not excessively oily or overly dry. Instead, it strikes a harmonious equilibrium, providing a comfortable canvas for your teen to work with. When you touch normal skin, it feels smooth and soft to the touch. It’s not prone to the rough patches or flakiness often seen in dry skin with pore sizes being minimal with issues of blackheads and whiteheads being encountered less than other skin types. Overall, normal skin tends to have a healthy, even complexion and is less likely to experience redness, sensitivity, or significant breakouts.While having normal skin is a blessing, it’s not without its challenges. Teens with normal skin may take their naturally good fortune for granted, but it’s essential to remember that skincare is about maintenance and preservation so your skin will remain beautiful in the long term.
Caring for normal skin is about preserving its natural balance and ensuring it remains in tip-top condition. Encourage your teen to cleanse their skin daily with a mild, hydrating cleanser. This helps remove dirt and pollutants without stripping away the skin’s natural oils. Even the normal skin type can benefit from moisture. We suggest a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep skin hydrated. Instil the habit of applying sunscreen regularly as sun damage can affect all skin types. As Australians we love being active and being out in the sun is part of our DNA so living a healthy lifestyle is important to us. A balanced diet, regular exercise, sun protection and proper hydration are the ingredients to healthy skin.
The second skin type is oily skin, which has a tendency to produce excess sebum, a natural oil produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. While sebum is essential for maintaining skin hydration, those with oily skin produce an abundance of it. Oily skin often appears shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), where sebaceous glands are most concentrated. Having Oily skin can lead to enlarged pores and trap dirt and debris which can lead to acne breakouts and the texture of your skin uneven.
But fear not, while managing oily skin can be a bit more effort, the results are so so worth it! Encourage your teen to cleanse their face twice daily with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. This helps remove excess oil without over-drying the skin. A gentle, alcohol-free toner can help balance the skin’s pH levels and reduce oiliness however even oily skin needs moisture. Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic ( as this won’t clog pores) moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated without making it greasy. Exfoliation can help unclog pores and reduce blackheads and whiteheads. However, it’s essential to use a gentle exfoliator and not overdo it, as excessive exfoliation can worsen oiliness. Similarly to the cleanser, using oil-free products is the way to go, with sunscreen for example. A bonus tip is to carry blotting papers to absorb excess oil throughout the day.
Our third skin type is dry skin, which is also known as xerosis. Dry skin often feels tight, especially after cleansing or exposure to harsh weather conditions. One of the telltale signs of dry skin is flakiness. Your teen may experience dry, peeling patches, particularly on their cheeks, forehead, or hands which could be due to high levels of sun exposure. Dry skin can have a rough, uneven texture that feels less smooth than other skin types and is also more prone to redness and irritation. Over time, untreated dry skin may be more prone to premature aging, including the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
Caring for dry skin revolves around replenishing and retaining moisture, so encouraging your teen to use a mild, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils is important. Moisturise daily with a rich, hydrating moisturiser designed for dry skin and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to help lock in moisture. It is really important to avoid harsh skincare products, those that contain alcohol and even hot water showers as these can exacerbate dryness and irritation. Hydration is key along with keeping cool so lots of water to stay hydrated but also keeping skin cool and moist from the inside out.
The fourth skin type is combination skin which, as the name suggests, is a combination of different skin types on various areas of the face. Commonly, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oilier, produce excess sebum and appear shiny, while the cheeks and other areas may be normal, dry, or sensitive demonstrating tightness, flakiness or redness. Differences in skin texture between the T-zone and other areas can create an uneven appearance which can prove tricky when it comes to finding skincare products that balance the different areas of combination skin.
Caring for combination skin requires a tailored approach that addresses both oily and drier areas, so using a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to remove excess oil without over-drying the skin is useful, with a focus on the T-zone whilst being mindful of the drier areas. Applying a hydrating toner to help balance the skin’s pH levels and provide hydration with focusing attention to where your teen’s skin needs it most. Being smart when it comes to moisturising is key, opting for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser for the T-zone and a richer, hydrating moisturiser for the drier areas will see improvements. As with every skin type, exfoliate regularly, but not excessively. A gentle exfoliator can help keep pores clear without causing dryness. Make sure your teens apply an oil-free sunscreen, have a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and if acne is a concern, use spot treatments with acne-fighting ingredients only on the oily areas.
The final skin type we’ll cover is sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is determined by heightened reactivity to environmental factors, skincare products, or even changes in weather. Sensitive skin is often prone to redness, itching, burning, tightness or stinging sensations, especially after exposure to irritants such as certain fabrics, skincare products, fragrances or harsh weather like high heat and sun exposure, cold temperatures or strong winds. Having sensitive skin can lead to levels of discomfort, affecting self-esteem and overall well-being and finding skincare products that don’t trigger irritation can be a trial and error process.
Caring for sensitive skin revolves around minimising irritants and soothing discomfort. Using a mild, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleanser to clean the skin without aggravating sensitivity and steering clear of products containing alcohol, fragrances, and harsh chemicals, are important as these can exacerbate sensitivity. Similarly, using a gentle, hydrating moisturiser to keep the skin’s barrier intact and minimise dryness. When trying new products, advise your teen to patch test on a small area to ensure they don’t react adversely. Taking measures such as avoiding too much sun as sensitive skin is prone to sunburn and having lukewarm or cool showers is beneficial along with helping your teen develop stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or yoga can really help as stress can cause more reaction and if sensitivity persists or worsens, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalised guidance and potential allergy testing.
Whether your teen’s skin is normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, they deserve a skincare routine that caters to their individual needs. With this knowledge, they can embark on a journey toward a healthier, more radiant complexion and greater self-confidence.