No doubt, one of the most important prep tips I have when it comes to senior and teen photos is skincare. I even have a whole section on it in my Welcome Packet! But it’s not just for session prep- teens should be taking steps to create a skincare regimen for every day- not just special events.
Enter Maedeh Samimi, owner of Urban Skincare Clinic in Roswell. She specializes in acne and giving women and girls the best treatments for their specific issues.
She’s sharing her Top 10 Tips for teens to get started on their skincare journey and make it seems a little less daunting-
1. Keep It Simple
In the realm of skincare, simplicity reigns supreme, especially for teenagers. Resist the temptation to overload your skin with numerous products. Instead, opt for a basic routine consisting of a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These three pillars form the foundation of a solid skincare regimen that addresses the core needs of teenage skin without overwhelming it.
2. Cleansing
Cleansing is perhaps the most crucial step in any skincare routine, particularly for teenagers battling with oily or acne-prone skin. Opt for a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser that effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Remember to cleanse your face twice daily, in the morning and evening, to keep pores clear and prevent breakouts.
3. Hydration Is Vital
Contrary to popular belief, moisturizing is not exclusive to those with dry skin. Regardless of your skin type, moisturizing is a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine. Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates the skin without clogging pores. Hydration helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier function, keeping it soft, supple, and less prone to irritation.
4. Wear Sun Protection Even in The Winter
Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend, shielding it from the harmful effects of UV radiation, including premature aging and skin cancer. Make sunscreen a daily habit, rain or shine, by choosing a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of 30 or 50. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of your skin, including the face, neck, and hands, and reapply every two hours, especially when outdoors.
5. Hands Off!
One of the hardest habits to break for many teenagers is the urge to touch their face constantly. However, constantly touching your face can transfer dirt, bacteria, and oil from your hands onto your skin, potentially triggering breakouts and irritation. Practice self-discipline and refrain from touching your face unnecessarily. If you must touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
6. Don’t sleep in your makeup
Make sure to remove your makeup every night before bedtime, and don’t wait for bedtime to wash your face! Do your skincare routine earlier in the evening when you’re not too tired to splash water on your face.
7. Avoid picking, scrubbing and overdoing it with products
Over-exfoliating, popping pimples, washing your face too frequently, trying new acne products weekly all feel great in the moment but can lead to irritation of the skin and more breakouts. Avoid doing too much too fast as it can irritate the skin, cause allergic reactions and worsen acne. Picking or popping pimples is also a big no-no. This can lead to scarring and also take the pimple longer to heal.
8. Healthy Lifestyle Habits Matter
Skincare isn’t just about what you apply to your skin; it’s also about how you treat your body from the inside out. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to nourish your skin from within. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and aim for at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night to promote skin regeneration and repair.
9. Wash your pillowcase and sheets
Are you washing or changing the sheets and pillowcases once a week? If they aren’t laundered or changed regularly, a build of dirt or oil from the environment and your skin and hair is transferred back to your skin and can lead to breakouts.
10. Schedule an appointment with an aesthetician
An aesthetician who specializes in acne is happy to help every step of your skincare journey, especially the acne journey. Acne is really a journey, what works for you now might not work in a year. It’s important to see an aesthetician if your acne isn’t improving despite consistent over-the-counter treatment, significant flares or scarring is occurring or if it is affecting your self-esteem. Today, virtually all acne can be cleared. If you’re not seeing results on your own, an acne specialist can customize the right treatment plan for your acne type.
Navigating the world of skincare as a teenager may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right knowledge and habits, achieving healthy, radiant skin is entirely achievable. Remember to keep your skincare routine simple, prioritize cleansing and hydration, protect your skin from the sun, and practice healthy lifestyle habits. By incorporating these skincare tips into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to glowing, confident skin that reflects the beauty within.
Want to know more about Maedeh and what she does for teens?
urbanskincareclinic.com
Follow her on Instagram
