Skin Care Products for Teens

Because of hormonal changes in the body, the teenage years are often fraught with embarrassment. This is especially true concerning the skin. Whether oily and pimply or dry and flaky, teens’ faces can represent what’s going on inside the body, and what’s going on isn’t always pretty. Luckily, stores carry a plethora of skin care products that promise to treat most problems. To determine which products to use, one must first determine the state of one’s skin.

Skin that is oily, shiny and susceptible to breakouts: This type of skin is often riddled with pimples, which can be quite embarrassing for teens. The forehead, nose and chin are often shiny and oily and may be blotchy as well. Ideal skin care products are those that are specially formulated to treat acne-prone skin and those that contain no oil. Recommended products include cleansers, astringents and acne treatment. Try: Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser, Clean & Clear Oil-Fighting Deep Cleaning Astringent and Clearasil Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream.

Skin that is dry, flaky and tight: Dry skin is often rough and flaky, and feels as if it’s stretched tightly across the face. Pimples pop up occasionally, but acne usually isn’t a problem. Teens with dry skin need to know one word: moisturize! A light-weight moisturizer with vitamins and some level of SPF will soothe and soften skin. An ideal cleanser will clean the skin without over drying it. Try: St. Ives Apricot Foaming Facial Cleanser and Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15.

Skin that is dry in some spots and oily/prone to breakouts in others: This is combination-type skin. The T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) are oily, but the cheeks are dry. Finding products for combination skin can be tricky; the products need to be balanced for this delicate skin. Many brands have developed products for combination-type skin, and these products range from cleansers to acne creams. Combination skin usually requires a cleanser, an astringent, a moisturizer and an acne treatment. Try: St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub, Dickinson’s With Hazel Formula, Clean & Clear Shine Control Moisturizer and Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment.