With so much information out there on how to look after teen skin, it can be difficult to identify what is true and what is false. This blog will debunk some common skincare myths to help you confidently make the right choice when it comes to teen skincare.
Myth: Popping spots and pimples will help them heal faster.
When you squeeze a spot it can make them worse as you risk pushing bacteria deeper into the skin, which can lead to an increase in inflammation and potentially cause scarring. When it comes to spots, it’s best to leave them to heal on their own.
Instead, focus on managing excess oil, bacteria and clogged pores without irritating, drying or stripping the skin. Look at using a gentle cleanser, toner or spot treatment for the skin (either salicylic acid, glycolic acid (which is found in our Exfoliating Tonic with AHA & PHA) or benzoyl peroxide), and a gentle, calming moisturiser.
Myth: Oily skin doesn’t need a moisturiser.
Moisturisers are important for oily skin as they help with hydration, which all skin types need. If you skip the moisturiser it can cause the skin to become dehydrated, this then causes an increase the skin producing oil to help hydrate.
Instead pick a lightweight moisturiser that will help to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
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Myth: Exfoliating every day is good for the skin.
Although exfoliating is an important step in a skincare routine to help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores from excess oil and bacteria, over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage the skin barrier. This can cause irritation, sensitivity and redness.
Instead, pick a gentle exfoliant and limit its use to 2-3 times a week. Our Lucy Bee Exfoliating Tonic contains gentle PHA, as well as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.
Myth: Acne is caused by poor skin hygiene.
Acne isn’t primarily caused by poor skin hygiene or dirty skin. In most cases it is caused by hormones, genetics and excess oil production.
Instead, whilst it is important to cleanse and keep you skin clean, as mentioned above excessive scrubbing, washing or exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, and lead to dryness, irritation, sensitivity and excess oil production. Pick a cleanser that is non-stripping and will help keep your skin balanced.
Myth: Alcohol in skincare will help dry out acne and spots faster.
High alcohol-based skincare may initially dry out spots, they can also strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to irritation, redness and breakouts.
Instead opt for skincare that focuses on gentle, hydrating ingredients, picking targeted treatments for breakouts. If you feel burning, stinging, intense discomfort or excessive dryness from a product, it might be too harsh for your skin.
Myth: Social media advice is always reliable.
Skincare advice on social media platforms is huge, from trending products to viral skincare routines, it can be hard to know what to trust and believe, especially as lots of advice doesn’t come from experts. Just because something is trending doesn’t always mean it will work for your skin, what works for one person might not work for another.
Instead look for advice from a dermatologist or skincare professional. Always be cautious when trying a new product or routine based on trends.
Myth: The more products you use the better the results will be.
It can be easy to think that the more skincare products you use, with a variety of actives in them can target and help your skin and make it look better. However, using too many products can have the opposite effect and can damage your skin barrier, leaving it looking and feeling dry, easily irritated, sensitive and an increase in breakouts.
Instead, stick to a simple teen skincare routine using a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF. Include targeted treatments when needed.
Myth: Products can instantly change and solve any skin problems and concerns, if they don’t work straight away you should swap to new products.
Skincare and its beneficial impact on the skin can take some time to show their results. For teen skin a complete skin renewal (where skin cells travel from the bottom layer of the epidermis to the top layer of the skin) can take around 28 days. This is how long it takes for your skin to get used to your skincare products and respond to them. So, it can sometimes take weeks or months to see visible improvements, especially in the case of acne and other skin concerns.
Instead, stick to a consistent skincare routine and trial to see how it works for your skin, switching up and changing products frequently means that your skin won’t get used to them. Be patient, consistency is key when it comes to a skincare routine.
Myth: Stress doesn’t affect your skin.
Stress can impact your skin and its appearance. When stressed your body produces more cortisol, this is a hormone which can increase oil production and can cause clogged pores and breakouts. Stress and cortisol can also impact your skin in other ways, including inflammation which can make certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea worse, it can also make skin more reactive and sensitive.
Instead, during times of stress try and find ways to manage stress where possible, whether that’s through exercise, meditation, speaking to a friend, or doing an activity that you enjoy, along with getting enough sleep.
Myth: A skincare routine is only needed if you have skin problems.
A skincare routine can be beneficial for anyone and can help maintain healthy skin. It can help to prevent breakouts and protect the skin. A skincare routine with a gentle cleanser, moisturisers and SPF is great for helping to maintain skin health.
Get to know your skin
What works for one person may not always work for another, which is why it’s important to understand your skin and its needs. Debunking these myths can help you make an informed decision on your personalised teen skincare routine.
If you want to learn more about caring for teen skin, check out our comprehensive guide on teenage skincare here. Along with dos and don'ts when it comes to teen skin here.
Are there any myths that you can think about, comment below!
If you have any specific skincare concerns it is always best to speak to a healthcare professional or a dermatologist.
Lucy Bee Skincare Routine Guide
Cleanse
Pick between our two gentle cleansers.
Hydrating Foam Face Wash
With a silky mousse consistency, cleanse the skin and remove dirt, grime and daily impurities, it is a rinse off formula. This has been created to be non-drying and doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. With hydrating ingredients like ginseng, calendula, glycerin and rose flower water.
Shop our Hydrating Foam Face Wash here
Reviving Cleansing Cream
A creamy, unscented cleanser that removes dirt, grime, daily impurities and makeup. The texture of this cleanser leaves skin hydrated, nourished and soothed once removed with a damp flannel. With soothing and hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, turmeric, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Shop our Reviving Cleansing Cream here
Moisturise
Radiance-Boosting Face Cream
An unscented moisturiser which helps to reduce the appearance of redness whilst soothing the skin. It contains hydrating ingredients to help provide and lock in moisture, whilst reducing oiliness on the skin. Perfect to use both morning and evening. Key ingredients include turmeric, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, apricot oil and sweet almond oil.
Shop our Radiance-Boosting Face Cream here
Exfoliate
Exfoliating Tonic with AHA & PHA
Containing AHAs including lactic and glycolic acid and a gentle PHA, these acids work to remove dead skin cell, enhance cell renewal for a brighter complexion. With soothing aloe vera and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Use 1-3 times a week as a targeted product, can be applied with a damp cotton pad.
Shop our Exfoliating Tonic with AHA & PHA here
All products above are 100% Palm Oil Free, Vegan, Cruelty Free, COSMOS Organic or Natural, as well as dermatologically approved for sensitive skin.
Daisy, Lucy Bee
