It's common for teenagers to experience skin problems like acne and breakouts soon after puberty hits. That's why physicians suggest starting a proper skincare routine from the age of 12 or as soon as any signs of puberty appear. Taking care of your skin early on can help prevent future skin issues and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
Skincare at 12 years old
The usage of skincare products can begin as early as age 12. However, because the skin concerns are not particularly complex, the products employed are typically basic.
Skincare at 12 can begin with a moderate formula facial cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and acne medicine to help acne recover faster.
Read more: Tips For Caring For The Skin If You Have An Inflamed Acne
Skincare product recommendations and benefits
Several skincare products are recommended for use depending on the age and skin demands, such as:
Vitamin C
Skincare products containing vitamin C should be started at least at the age of 18. These products have various benefits, including:
- Safe to use for all skin types
- Helps keep skin moisturized
- Brightens skin
- Reduces redness
- Reduces striped skin
- Reduces dark circles under the eyes
- Increases collagen production
- Prevents sagging skin
- Protects against UV damage, pollution, and free radicals
- Helps soothe sunburned skin
- Helps accelerate skin healing
You need a vitamin C product if your facial skin appears tanned spots, dull skin, redness, and acne does not heal quickly.
Hyaluronic Acid
You need skincare products containing Hyaluronic acid if fine lines form under the eyes. Skincare containing hyaluronic acid can be used at the age of 20.
Hyaluronic acid provides various benefits to the skin, such as:
- Helps skin become more supple
- Retains skin moisture
- Accelerates acne healing
- Softens the skin
- Helps treat eczema
- Prevents signs of premature aging
Retinol
Retinol should be used at the age of 25 when elastin production begins to decline. In general, retinol helps stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. Retinol also changes the behavior of aging cells and makes them appear younger.
Using retinol regularly provides a variety of benefits, such as:
- Retinol's anti-aging properties bind to retinoid receptors increase cell turnover, and stimulate elastin and collagen production
- Thickens the inner skin layers and improves the skin's ability to retain water
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful and radiant complexion
- Thins the uppermost epithelial layer to improve skin tone and texture
- Helps normalize oil gland and follicle function while controlling acne
- Helps soften fine lines
- Brightens skin hyperpigmentation
Read more: Getting To Know Bakuchiol, A Retinol Alternative To Prevent Early Aging
Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 protects skin cells against UV exposure and aging. This product is best utilized after the age of 25.
AHA
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of acids that can provide numerous benefits for the skin. They can help to soften the skin, reduce dark spots and acne, exfoliate the skin, and even reduce scarring. It is recommended to start using AHAs from the age of 25, as this is when the skin may start to become dull, sun-damaged, and develop a different texture.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim
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Annie Doyle (2023). 11 Reasons to Add Vitamin C Serum to Your Skin Care Routine. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-c-serum-benefits
Hana Ames (2021). 11 benefits of hyaluronic acid for the face and body. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyaluronic-acid-benefits
Rohini Radhakrishnan, ENT. What Does Retinol Do for the Skin?. Available from: https://www.medicinenet.com/what_does_retinol_do_for_the_skin/article.htm
Mayo Clinic (2020). Coenzyme Q10. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-coenzyme-q10/art-20362602
Beth Sissons (2021). What are the benefits of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alpha-hydroxy-acid