By Emily Do
Even as a teen, I personally am tempted to buy the various anti-aging products lining the shelves of Sephora or Ulta. While some say that using anti-aging products at whatever age can be a good prevention tactic for future wrinkles, there are certain concerns to keep in mind before stacking your skincare routine with these products.
Before buying the newest, trending skincare products, it’s useful to know that adult skin is different from teen skin. This means that many products marketed towards adults may be too strong for teens, such as products containing retinol acids or glycolic acids. These products could have undesired effects on skin, including breakouts, contact dermatitis (a fancy term for an itchy rash) and even premature aging.
According to experts, simpler skincare routines are better – one cleanser is enough for teens; elaborate regimens may even have the unintended effects of causing breakouts.
It’s also important to know that the Food and Drug Administration does not rigorously vet many cosmetics, which means that claims beauty companies make may not be the most reliable.
Are there any good anti-aging products for teens? Sunscreen. Protection from the sun not only safeguards against skin cancer but is also one of the best and safest ways for teens to prevent premature aging. When you’re tempted to reach for that retinol at Sephora, try going for the sun protection factor (SPF) product instead.
Teenagers don’t have any real need for using harsh anti-aging products. But the news around anti-aging products isn’t all bad; many recommend starting to use anti-aging products in your 20s as a preventative, as they may train your skin over the years to stay healthy and hydrated.
A recurring theme of these articles on safety in personal care products is - research, research and more research. The best thing you can do for yourself is to thoroughly vet whatever products you may want to use, and over time develop the skincare routine that works for you.