The teenage years are a time of growth and change. Unfortunately, one aspect of this is the changes happening to the skin. These skin shifts are part of a larger picture, as hormonal fluctuations and lifestyle adjustments all contribute to your overall complexion. Understanding the reasons behind these changes can help teens manage their skin better and boost confidence as they navigate this stage of life. Let’s take a look at how changes in your teens affect your skin.

How Changes in Your Teens Affect Your Skin

1. Hormones & Acne

One of the most noticeable skin changes during adolescence is acne. Studies suggest over 80% of teenagers are affected by acne at some point. This is largely due to hormonal changes triggered by puberty. As your body produces more androgen hormones, your sebaceous glands go into overdrive, leading to an increase in oil production. When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, it can clog pores, resulting in inflammation and acne symptoms. At SkinBase, we offer a variety of acne treatments suitable for young complexions to ensure everyone feels happy and confident in their skin. Find out more in the acne hub.

2. Hyperpigmentation

Some teens may also suffer from hyperpigmentation alongside their acne, as dark spots/post-acne marks can be left behind after a breakout heals. When the skin is injured or inflamed, inflammatory cells are released, which cause melanocytes to produce more melanin. These dark spots usually fade with time, however, professional skin treatments such as SkinBase Microdermabrasion or SkinBase Hydro can speed up the process.

3. Changes in Skin Texture & Tone

It is common for adolescents to notice changes in the overall texture and tone of their skin. Hormonal changes, increased oil production and fluctuating levels of moisture can leave the skin feeling unbalanced. Therefore, some may experience rough patches, dryness, or oiliness.

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in how your skin behaves during the teen years. If your parents had acne or other skin conditions, you may be more likely to experience similar challenges. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, understanding your skin type and its tendencies will help you create and stick to personalised skincare plan.

The Importance of a Skincare Routine

With the skin going through so many changes, developing a simple but consistent skincare routine is crucial for teens. Cleansing, toning, moisturising, and protecting with SPF should become daily habits, to give skin the help it needs to remain healthy.

• Cleansing helps remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup that can clog pores.
• Toning helps to ensure the skin is fully clean, balanced the pH of skin where necessary, and allows for enhanced absorption of the moisturiser.
• Moisturising keeps the skin hydrated and prevents it from overproducing oil in an attempt to compensate for dryness.
• Sun protection is a must for preventing UV damage, which can worsen acne scars or cause premature ageing.

The SkinBase Essentials skincare range is gentle and high quality, and will support and maintain teen skin. Get your Essentials in the SkinBase shop.

Diet & Lifestyle Factors

Alongside a skincare routine, other apects play a part in adolescent skin, such as diet and lifestyle factors.

Diet

Your diet makes up the ‘building blocks’ of your skin. So, it makes sense that what you eat plays a big part in how it looks. Diets rich in sugar and dairy, for example, have been linked to increased acne flare-ups. On the other hand, foods high in antioxidants (like fruits and vegetables) and omega-3 fatty acids (like fish and nuts) can help reduce inflammation and promote clearer skin.

Lifestyle Factors

Alongside diet, sleep and stress management are also important. Lack of sleep and high stress levels can trigger hormone imbalances that worsen acne or lead to other skin concerns like eczema or psoriasis. Developing healthy sleep habits and finding ways to manage stress (through exercise, hobbies, or relaxation techniques) can go a long way in supporting your changing skin.

Professional Treatments

For many teens, acne and other skin concerns are temporary and will improve as hormones stabilise. However, those struggling with persistent or severe acne or scarring may benefit from professional help. A consultation with a SkinBase Therapist can help you determine the best course of action, which may include a course of SkinBase treatments.

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Find a Therapist

Believe in better skin. Find your nearest SkinBase™ therapist here.