Adolescents are more prone to acne than adults, mainly due to the rapid hormonal changes they undergo; as a result, many teens are concerned about the appearance of their skin. However, it is possible to improve it, with due care and by making a few simple changes in your lifestyle.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Taking Care of Your Skin
Step 1. Treat your skin gently
If you want to have a healthy skin, it is essential to treat it with care and in a gentle way. In this way, you improve the appearance and reduce the risk of developing dermatological problems in the future.
- Reduce the duration of the bath or shower. Excessive exposure to water can dry out and damage the skin. Try to use lukewarm, not hot water when you wash.
- Avoid harsh soaps. Very acidic cleansers dry the skin and remove sebum. Take only neutral products without too many ingredients and chemicals.
- Pat your skin dry after bathing. In this way, the skin is able to retain moisture; if you rub it, you just dry and irritate it.
- Hydrate it. Choose a delicate, fragrance-free product and spread it after every shower, physical activity and even before going to bed, in case the weather is dry, cold or if you have dry skin. Buy a cream that also protects you from the sun's rays.
Step 2. Wash your hands regularly
By keeping them clean, you contribute to skin health. The contact between the hands covered with bacteria and the skin of the face is a factor responsible for the development of acne.
- Wet your hands with clean water and add soap. Rub them together for 20 seconds to create a nice lather. To keep this time, you can hum "Happy Birthday" for two seconds. Remember to wash the area between your fingers, under your nails and the back of your hands well.
- Rinse them with clean running water and dry them with a cloth.
Step 3. Avoid tanning
Tanning beds are dangerous for the skin, especially for the vulnerable skin of teenagers. In some countries it is even forbidden for minors to undergo these aesthetic treatments. Natural tanning through the sun can increase the risk of developing various skin diseases, including melanoma (skin cancer) and premature skin aging. If you want to improve the appearance of your skin, consider using self-tanner sprays or a tinted moisturizer.
Step 4. Protect yourself from the sun
If you are outdoors in the sun, make sure your skin is well repaired. Excessive exposure to sunlight increases the risk of cancer and other skin diseases over time.
- Apply sunscreen. Choose a brand that guarantees an SPF of at least 30. If you spend all day in the sun, reapply the product every two hours.
- The sun's rays are most harmful between 10:00 and 14:00. In these hours, take shelter in the shade and wear protective clothing such as hats, scarves and long-sleeved shirts.
Step 5. Treat acne
If you are prone to acne breakouts, find a way to treat them effectively. You may need to try out different types of specific products before you find the one that fits your needs.
- When considering various treatments, ask your family doctor or dermatologist for advice. Both can recommend over-the-counter creams or prescription medications based on your skin type and medical history. You may need to try several before you find the one that works for your situation.
- Some lifestyle changes can prove beneficial against pimples. During the active phases of acne, try to use little make-up, as cosmetics can extend the life of the acne. Always wash your face after exercising. Don't let your hair, caps, or clothes come into contact with your face, as they can trap sweat and trigger breakouts. You should never squeeze or tease pimples, as this could cause scars to form.
Step 6. Choose the right tricks
Look for brands that offer light, oil-free products labeled "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic," which means they don't contribute to pimples and blackheads. Water-based or mineral-based make-ups are best for acne-prone scalps. You should always remove your make-up at the end of the day, before going to bed and before exercising to reduce the chances of clogging your pores. Wash your hands before applying make-up and store the brushes in a safe and clean place.
Part 2 of 2: Lifestyle changes
Step 1. Don't smoke
If you are a smoker, you should quit. Tobacco smoke not only harms health in general, but causes premature skin aging. If you smoke, make an effort to quit; talk to your parents, friends and doctor for advice and support.
Step 2. Eat right
Nutrition affects the health and appearance of the skin. A healthy diet helps wounds and scars heal quickly. Make a commitment to eat better if you want to be healthier and have more beautiful skin.
- A diet rich in vitamins A, C and zinc can help the epidermis. The foods that contain them are citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, dairy products and fortified cereals, red meat, shellfish, orange and yellow vegetables..
- Healthy proteins are capable of making the skin more beautiful. Legumes, eggs, milk, tofu, soy derivatives, and nuts are excellent sources of protein.
- Drink enough water. Many teens consume a lot of caffeinated drinks, but little plain water. Aim for 9-13 glasses a day.
Step 3. Exercise
Exercise is really good for the skin, just remember to wash after training. In this way, the blood flow to the skin surface increases, allowing nutrients to reach the whole organism better.
- Ideally, you should set aside an hour or more to exercise most days of the week. If you don't have the time or stamina to work out a full hour, try to organize several sessions per day. Train for half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening.
- Always drink plenty of water while exercising. This way, you replenish the fluids you lose during your workout.
Step 4. Manage your stress
Psycho-emotional pressure can interfere with general health and consequently with the appearance of the skin. If you are very stressed, you can suffer from acne and other skin problems. If you want beautiful skin, work to manage the emotional load.
- Practice yoga or meditation. Both help you focus only on the present moment and reduce stress in general. Look for some yoga or meditation classes in your city. You can also take guided online lessons.
- If you are having trouble managing stress, ask your parents to help you by making an appointment with a therapist. A capable psychologist can teach you how to cope with anxiety and emotional pressure. Your family doctor should be able to refer you to a specialist who exercises in the area where you live.
Step 5. Stay away from irritants
Watch out for anything that can irritate your skin. If you notice that a rash or rash is developing, stop using any skin care products, make-up, shampoo, or lotion you are using. If you notice an improvement, it means that these were damaging the epidermis. Switch to another type of cosmetics, creams, and cleansers.
