Minimalistic Skincare
- Apricity Articles
- Mar 2, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 20, 2023
Skincare is one of the most important parts of a self-care routine for teenagers and missing out on it can increase the possibility of skin issues such as pimples, acne, blackheads, etc. The following article is about simple, minimalistic, and genuine skincare tips that are easily followable. Happy reading!
Disclaimer: these are a few basic tips and based on your skin type there may be variations in the types of products you may need to use
The science behind teenage skin
In the teenage phase, sebaceous glands release sebum (hormone) whose main function is to secrete a mixture of oils, sweat, etc. through the skin. Their main function remains lubricating skin and making it impervious to moisture. Less or excess secretion of sebum causes fluctuation in the levels of oil in the skin. This is why different skin types are present. This also leads to phenomena such as breakouts, acne, blackheads, etc.
Important Tips
Use non-comedogenic products(a product that is free from ingredients that might clog or block pores) both for skincare and makeup
Use your fingers/hand to apply the product (after you wash them thoroughly with soap) any other material might irritate your skin
Visit a dermatologist once-twice in a year based on how your skin is
Do not keep touching your face/ breakouts/ acne
Make sure the products you use are paraben free
Just because a product is expensive doesn’t mean it's the best for your skin, good products are available at affordable prices too. Go through the ingredient list for the same.
Go for products that are fragrance-free. More fragrance, more artificial elements/preservatives
Whatever skin type you have, your t-zone is slightly oiler than the rest of your face. (t-zone: forehead-nose area)
Consistency in following the routine is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
You could get a test done to know your skin type as that`ll make it easier for you to choose a skincare routine for yourself
If you have any breakouts, acne, etc. always consult a dermatologist for the same
Always take a patch test on your wrist for a new product before you start using it on your face.
Basic skincare tips
1. Water:
drink around 2-3 liters of water per day as the end goal remains healthy skin, not just clear skin!
2. Have a simple routine
Skin care routines should be short and simple; more the steps, more the chances of an inconsistent routine.
Cleansing, Toning, and moisturizing should be your basic routine. You can make add-ons to these based on what your dermatologist suggests for your skin
A. Cleansing: Use a mild face wash/ cleanser that is non-comedogenic and paraben free. Cleansing is a very important step of skincare, especially when you've been out all day. Cleanse at least 2-3 times a day (cleansing before going to bed is vital). Here are a few cleansers/ face washes preferred by dermatologists:
Forest Essentials: Kashmiri saffron and neem face wash
Cetaphil daily face cleanser
Cerave hydrating/foaming facewash
Plum green tea pore cleansing facewash
Aureana pore cleansing facewash
Any other derm recomemended, nuetrogena
B.Toning: Toning isn't given much importance even though it is quite important. Toners basically work to maintain the pH levels of the skin and pore tightening. This helps in keeping the oil levels of your skin around neutral and this in turn reduces the chances of breakouts and acne. Many people prefer to apply toners using cotton pads but this way is not the best. After cleansing, your pores are open for a while, hence toning is done just after as your skin can absorb it well. If a cotton pad is used, the pores in the cotton pad will absorb the toner and the beneficial elements of the product will not reach your skin pores. Here are a few toners suggested by dermatologists:
Pixi skin treats (rose toner)
Aureana Pore cleansing toner (best for starters)
Forest Essential skin purifying toner
Biotique Pore tightening skin toner
Micellar water
Neutrogena
Rose water
C. Moisturizing: Moisturising is quite important for any skin type. It is a myth that people with oily skin shouldn`t use moisturizer but this is absolutely wrong. People that have dry to normal skin should use cream based (also known as oily) moisturizers while people with normal to oily skin should use water/gel-based moisturizers. The basic difference between these two types of moisturizers is that cream-based moisturizers are heavier and hydrate the skin. Water-based moisturizers are light and simply just maintain the hydration of the skin. Make sure that you use face moisturizers and not body lotions for your face. Here are a few face moisturizers suggested by dermatologists
Neutrogena hydro boost
Cetaphil Moisturising cream
Forest Essentials
The Face Shop rice and ceramide moisturizing cream
Aloe vera gel (organic and edible)
3. Sunscreen:
Make sure you wear sunscreen whenever you go out, even if it is winter. With the ozone layer depleting rapidly UV rays are not only harsh during summers but also during winters. Hence it is important to apply sunscreen to protect your skin all year round. However, use in fewer amounts during winter.
4. Clean pillowcases and sheets:
This point isn`t talked about much however clean pillowcases and sheets are essential, especially for skincare.
By the end of the week, your sheets/pillowcases are swarming with oils, dirt, and dead cells. Not changing/cleaning sheets/ pillowcases for days will trace these harmful elements back to your skin causing clogged pores (which result in blackheads).
If you have oily hair/skin type, you need to change sheets more often.
The material of your pillowcases/sheets also matters a lot. Silk or 100% cotton are the best options for any skin type (synthetic artificial materials cause the skin to irritate).
5. Have a balanced diet:
What you eat is very important for your skin.
The more fruits, veggies, and fresh food you have, the more radiant and healthy skin you`ll have.
Try to substitute fruits for snacks and smoothies/ fresh fruit juices for caffeinated/ aerated drinks (especially in summer).
Bananas, apples, papaya, mango, strawberry, and orange are some fruits that are extremely beneficial for your skin
6. Exfoliate:
Exfoliate once a week using a gentle face scrub.
I prefer Ubtan however any face scrub that suits your skin should help. Make sure you moisturize well after exfoliating.
In general people with dry skin types should exfoliate only once or twice a month and the same pattern should be followed by all skin types during summer.
7. Don`t sleep with makeup on:
Never sleep with makeup on as that leads to clogging of pores. Always cleanse before going to bed, even if it's just cleaning with micellar water.
I hope this gave you a brief idea about a good skincare routine and I hope you enjoyed reading it! Like, comment, and share, please! Have a great day!
Xoxo
Advika
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