7 Teen Skincare Tips You Might Still Need as an Adult ...

Maybe your skin was oily as a teen, but it’s dry now. No matter what, it’s always important to choose skincare products designed for your skin type. Just like when you were a teenager and first started buying products, now is a good time to assess your skin type again. Whether or not things have changed over the years, this allows you to find the best products for your skin.

If you were anything like me, you spend copious amounts of time trying to thoroughly cleanse your teenage skin. Even though you’ve grown up, it’s still important to wash your face every day, whether you suffer from breakouts or not. A good cleansing each day gets rid of bacteria, dirt, debris and germs that can clog pores and detract from the health of your skin. Wash before bed and again in the morning and you’re good to go.

No matter what your skin type is, you must moisturize your skin on a regular basis, teen or otherwise. A good facial cream or lotion hydrates your skin so that it stays healthy and supple. Dry skin doesn’t look or feel good, but it could crack (especially on your hands and feet), which allows germs and bacteria to get in, which can cause an infection. Wear lotion all over body and apply it a couple of times per day.

My teen years were a time of tanning and getting a dark golden glow, so sunscreen wasn’t even a thought. I cringe to think about all the unprotected skin damage I’ve suffered. Were you the same way? It’s not too late to start. Current recommendations for teens include wearing SPF on any exposed skin every single day and reapplying every couple of hours. That advice is the same for you as an adult, even if your time outdoors is relegated to the weekends.

Even if you’ve passed your teen years and are in the world of adults now, that doesn’t mean you won’t ever have another breakout or skin issue. Whether it’s acne, eczema or cracks, make sure you’re treating specific issues and working with your doctor to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.

As a teen, my doctor told me to start checking my own skin once a month so I could keep an eye out for any spots that might need attention. You should never stop doing this! As you get older, your skin changes and past habits (my tanning obsession) can lead to skin issues down the road. That includes skin cancer, which you definitely don’t want to deal with. Stand in front of a mirror and give your skin a quick once over. Take pictures of anything concerning so you can compare it next month. If anything worries you, make an appointment with your dermatologist.

My teen years weren’t admirable when it came to making healthy eating habits. My mom and my doctor told me that I needed to eat healthy foods to keep my skin strong and youthful. I might not have listened then, but I am sure doing it now. A diet made up of a variety of foods from each food group, as well as plenty of water is vital for healthy skin.

What’s your go-to skincare tip that you’ve been doing since your teens? I hope you learned something here today! Here’s to lovely skin for a lifetime.