Hair and Skin Care Routine for Teens: Problems and Tips

Are you wondering why acne and pimples are common in adolescence? Adolescence is a time of great change, both physically and emotionally. One of the most noticeable changes is the skin. Teenagers are more likely to experience skin problems such as acne, pimples, and oily skin. They may also experience hair loss, especially teenage guys. This is why having a sustainable skin care routine for teens is vital.

According to the graph below, India is one of the top ten countries spending on beauty products. [Source]

Total annual spending on beauty products by country.

However, it’s important to understand that teenagers need to focus more on their skincare products than their cosmetic counterparts. After all, when the roots are strong, the plant stands tall.

Common reasons for hair and skin problems in teenagers

Teenagers often experience a range of skin and hair problems due to various physiological and hormonal changes occurring during puberty. 

Teenage skin problems - A young teenager worrying about his acne.

Some common reasons for hair and skin problems in teenagers include:

  • Hormonal fluctuations: During puberty, there is an increase in hormones like androgens, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
  • Increased oil production: The surge in oil production can lead to oily skin, which can contribute to issues like acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
  • Blocked hair follicles: The excess oil and dead skin cells can block hair follicles, leading to conditions like acne, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), and ingrown hairs.
  • Sweat production: Increased sweat production during puberty can contribute to body odor and potentially worsen existing skin conditions.
  • Hygiene practices: Teenagers might not always adhere to proper hygiene practices, which can exacerbate skin and hair issues. Infrequent washing, using harsh products, or not removing makeup before bed can lead to problems.
  • Diet: Unhealthy dietary habits can impact skin health. Consuming excessive sugary or greasy foods might contribute to acne flare-ups in some individuals.
  • Stress: Puberty can be a stressful time, and stress hormones can influence skin conditions. Stress may worsen conditions like acne and eczema.
  • Genetics: A family history of certain skin and hair problems can predispose teenagers to experience similar issues.
  • Hair changes: Hormonal fluctuations can also affect hair texture and oiliness. Some teenagers might experience changes in hair type, such as increased oiliness or frizziness.
  • Hair styling practices: The use of heat styling tools, hair dyes, and harsh hair products can damage hair and contribute to issues like split ends and dryness.
  • Lack of knowledge: Teenagers might not always be aware of proper skincare and hair care routines, leading to the use of inappropriate products or incorrect practices. 

According to a study, teenage girls possess more skin care knowledge and tend to practice it more compared to teenage boys. [Source]

  • Allergies and sensitivities: Skin and hair can become more sensitive during puberty, leading to reactions to certain products or environmental factors.
  • Environmental factors: Exposure to pollution, UV radiation, and other environmental stressors can impact the health of the skin and hair.

It’s important to adopt healthy hair and skin care routine for teens, maintain proper hygiene, and seek guidance from dermatologists or healthcare professionals if they experience persistent or severe skin and hair problems.

Indian teenage skin care routine

Here are some Indian teenage skin care routine tips, along with the CTM routine to help groom themselves with confidence: 

Indian teenage skin care routine.

  • Cleanse: Washing your face twice a day will help to remove dirt, oil, and sweat from your skin, which can clog pores and lead to acne.
  • Don’t skip the toner: Toning is an often overlooked step in the CTM routine, but it is important since a toner helps teenagers balance skin pH, minimize pores, and prepare the skin for better absorption of other skincare products.
  • Incorporate appropriate serums: Teenagers can use serums according to their skin concerns, provided they are approved by a dermatologist. Some commonly used serums by teens include: hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and niacinamide. 
  • Use a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic: This means that it will not clog your pores.
  • Exfoliation: Exfoliating one to two times a week will help to remove dead skin cells and prevent acne. 

According to several studies, consistent exfoliating can result in a more radiant skin appearance and boost the efficiency of skincare products applied topically by increasing their absorption capabilities. [Source]

  • Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days: Sun exposure can damage your skin and make acne worse.
  • Avoid picking at your pimples: Pimples can be annoying if we need to allow them to heal naturally. Picking them can make them worse and lead to scarring.
  • Get enough sleep: When you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces more oil, which can lead to acne.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to improve your skin health.
  • Manage stress: You may get the most expensive skin care routine for teens but will be stuck with dullness and other issues if you are always stressed out.  Stress can trigger acne and hair loss. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

Hair care routine for teenage girls and boys

Here’s a basic hair care routine for teenage girls and boys:

Hair Care Routine for Teenage Girls:

Girl with conditioner on her hair - Hair care routine for teenage girl.

1.Cleansing:

-Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type.

-Shampoo every 2-3 days to avoid over-drying your hair.

-Focus shampoo on the scalp and conditioner on the ends to prevent greasiness.

2.Hydration:

-Apply a moisturizing hair mask or deep conditioner once a week to keep hair hydrated.

-Use lukewarm water for washing, as hot water can strip natural oils.

3.Brushing and Detangling:

-Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to avoid hair breakage, starting from the ends and working your way up.

-Avoid brushing wet hair; gently pat it dry with a towel instead.

4.Heat Styling:

-Limit heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons to special occasions.

-Apply a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools to minimize damage.

5.Hair Ties and Accessories:

-Use soft fabric hair ties or scrunchies to prevent hair breakage.

-Avoid using tight elastics that can cause stress on hair strands.

6.Diet and Hydration:

-Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals for healthy hair growth.

-Drink plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.

Hair Care Routine for Teenage Boys:

1.Cleansing:

-Choose a mild shampoo suited to your hair type (oily, dry, normal).

-Wash your hair every 2-3 days to maintain scalp health without overstripping natural oils.

2.Scalp Care:

-Gently massage your scalp during shampooing to promote blood circulation and reduce dandruff.

-Consider using a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove product buildup.

3.Avoid Overwashing:

-Washing your hair too frequently can lead to excess oil production; find the right balance.

4.Hair Styling:

-Use styling products like gel, wax, or pomade in moderation to avoid clogging hair follicles.

-Wash out styling products before sleeping to prevent product buildup on your pillowcase.

5.Haircuts:

-Get regular haircuts (every 4-6 weeks) to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance.

-Choose a haircut that suits your hair type and personal style.

6.Healthy Lifestyle:

-A balanced diet and exercise contribute to overall hair health.

-Manage stress through relaxation techniques, as stress can affect hair growth.

Remember, everyone’s hair is unique, so it’s important to adjust these routines based on your specific hair type and needs.

How to stop hair loss in teenage guys and girls

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that can help to stimulate hair growth in people who are experiencing hair loss.

Platelets contain growth factors that can help to promote hair growth. PRP treatment is typically administered by a dermatologist or hair loss specialist. 

The procedure involves drawing blood from the patient’s arm and then centrifuging the blood to separate the platelets. The platelets are then injected into the scalp in the areas where hair loss is occurring.

If you are wondering how to stop hair loss in teenage guys and girls, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist to determine the cause of the hair loss and discuss treatment options. PRP treatment may be a good option for you if you are experiencing hair loss due to genetics, hormonal changes, or stress.

Unlock your glow with Zing Mode: Expert teen skincare services in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Zing Mode boasts a strong team of dermatologists in Jubilee Hills, that offers a variety of services for teenagers, like dullness, acne and acne scars treatment in Hyderabad

If you’re looking to reclaim your confidence, hit us up right away and we’ll schedule a one-on-one consultation with our top skin and hair care experts!