If you’re in your teen years and dealing with breakouts, oiliness, or dry patches. I know it can
feel like a lot. T aking care of your skin can be easy as pie once you know what to do. With just a
few good habits and a little science on your side, you’ll be glowing in no time!
The first thing you gotta do is know your skin type. It’s kinda like knowing your shoe size—once
you figure it out, things start to fit better. There are a few common types of skin:
● Oily: Shines like a skillet and gets breakouts often.
● Dry: Feels tight and might even get flaky, especially after washing.
● Combination: A little oily in some spots (usually your forehead and nose) and dry in
others.
● Sensitive: Reacts to just about anything and can get red or irritated.
Once you know what you’re working with, you can start using the right products. For instance,
oily skin folks will want something that won’t clog pores, while dry skin folks will need a
moisturizer that really packs a punch.
It’s tempting to scrub your face until it’s squeaky clean, but sometimes less is more. When it
comes to skincare, a gentle hand wins the race. A good routine looks like this:
● Wash: Clean your face twice a day with a gentle face wash that won’t strip your skin.
● Moisturize: Yes, even oily skin needs it! Just pick something lightweight.
● Sunscreen: Lord, if you take anything from this, let it be this—wear your SPF! The
American Academy of Dermatology says it’s one of the best things you can do to protect
your skin from sun damage and keep it looking young down the road.
Oh, acne—ain’t it just the worst? Pimples pop up at the most inconvenient times, like right
before the school dance. Acne happens when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria team up to clog
your pores. Hormones during your teen years can really make things worse, causing your skin
to produce extra oil.
So, what’s a gal (or guy) to do?
● Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient is a heavy hitter when it comes to clearing up acne.
Studies show it can kill the bacteria that causes breakouts .
● Salicylic Acid: This one’s great for clearing out blackheads and whiteheads by keeping
those pores clean.
● Retinoids: If you’ve got more serious acne, a retinoid might just be your new best friend.
Studies show that adapalene gel can help smooth out your skin and cut down on
breakouts .
● Watch Your Diet: Turns out, what you eat might be affecting your skin too! A study found
that eating too much sugar or foods with a high glycemic index (like white bread and
soda) can lead to more breakouts. So, cutting back on the sweet stuff might just do
wonders for your complexion .
I know it’s tempting to pop that pimple, but try your best not to! Picking at your skin can lead to
more breakouts, and worse, it can cause scars that’ll stick around longer than you’d like.
Instead, try a spot treatment and let it heal on its own.
You don’t need a bathroom full of fancy products to take care of your skin. Stick to a simple
routine and give your skin some time to adjust. If you switch things up too often, it can cause
irritation. Just take it slow, and you’ll start to see results.
Ever notice how you get a pimple right when you’ve got a big test or event coming up? That’s
because stress causes your body to release cortisol, a hormone that can make your skin oilier.
So, take a deep breath, try some yoga, or spend some time outdoors—whatever helps you relax
can do wonders for your skin too!
Skincare is a long game, so be patient with yourself. If after trying over-the-counter products
your acne still won’t budge, don’t be afraid to see a dermatologist. They’ve got stronger
treatments that can make a world of difference.
Y’all, taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be hard. With just a few simple steps and some
patience, you’ll be glowing from head to toe. Remember to love your skin, protect it with SPF ,
and embrace the changes that come with growing up. You’ve got this!

Crystal Shackelford, APRN
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