High Schoolers vs. Skin Battle of the Ages

By: Delani Beagles

High schoolers have been fighting their skin issues since the beginning of forever. In more recent years, the trend of skin care has evolved from just washing your face to a complex multi-step process for some. Walking into the beauty aisle of your local Target or Walmart can be overwhelming. Target alone sells more than 50 skincare brands so how do you decide what to spend your mom’s money on?  Most students at Springfield High School, specifically females, use skincare. Do they always know what they are getting or are they just buying whatever their favorite influencers are promoting?

Finding the right skincare regime is completely personalized based on your skin and desired results. So how do you know what is going to give you real results and what is just a fad being promoted by mainstream media? Well, to start, you should take a moment to understand your skin type. Is your skin prone to acne or does it get dry easily? Maybe your skin gets oily or is it just neutral? While there is no right type of skin to have, there are right products for you. Researching your skin type–  and maybe going as far as to go to a dermatologist– will help you better understand your skin. To get you started, here are a couple tips for deciding what products you may need based on your skin type. 

After figuring out what your skin needs, take a look at what your budget is: do you have CeraVe or No7 money? The most common problem when buying skincare products is grabbing expensive items that may not work. Given the fact that you are most likely on a teenager’s budget, staying on the cheaper side and being cost-effective does not mean you can’t still be functional. Though some brands may not be as reputable as others, some good dermatologist-recommended brands are CeraVe and La Roche-Posay. CeraVe is the number 1 recommended skincare brand among dermatologists in the U.S. As its products do exactly what is indicated on the bottle with no extra frills, you know what you are getting as soon as you read the bottle. La Roche-Posay is usually recommended for people with sensitive skin and caters to those with conditions such as eczema.

Your skincare process may not always be the problem as many factors play into its condition. It could be as small as your pillow case needing to be washed or seeking medication from a dermatologist. There are a thousand different reasons why you may be breaking out, but there are simple things to check off your list before you panic. Have you been drinking enough water? Drinking water helps to balance your oil and water content which prevents oil build-ups and breakouts. Makeup, while in desperation may seem like a good idea, it disrupts your skin barrier and allows unnecessary dirt and chemicals inside.  Lastly, instead of eating high-sugar foods try eating foods with high levels of antioxidants that promote smoother and softer skin. While these suggestions are not holy grails, they are a good step to try before worrying.

If you are an average teenager battling skincare issues, hopefully you have gained valuable insight on how to take care of your skin and also yourself. It is important to remember that acne is something many people experience. Every part of your skin is natural and your imperfections have undoubtedly popped up to someone else; sometimes it is just taking that extra step to get the right help. Skincare is more than a few steps you take to begin and end your day– it is a process meant to relax and soothe not just your skin but your soul. So make a special Target run and buy a new skincare product that helps you love the skin you’re in. 

Photo courtesy of Target Corporation