Teenagers are at an age where they are exploring their identity, including how they express themselves through their appearance. Beauty routines can be a fun way to experiment with personal style, but they can also lead to some common mistakes that can impact skin health, cause frustration, or even have long-term effects. From using the wrong products to overdoing certain steps, here’s a look at some of the most common beauty mistakes teens make and how to avoid them.

1. Over-Exfoliating the Skin

Exfoliation is a great way to remove dead skin cells and achieve a glowing complexion, but it’s easy for teens to overdo it, especially with the abundance of harsh scrubs and exfoliating products on the market. Over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even more breakouts.

• Why It Happens: Teens often think that scrubbing away acne or oily skin will result in clearer skin. However, excessive exfoliation can actually worsen these issues by irritating the skin and triggering increased oil production.
• How to Fix It: Instead of scrubbing your face daily with rough exfoliators, try to exfoliate gently 1-2 times a week. Use products with mild exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) that dissolve dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing.

2. Using Harsh Acne Treatments

Acne is a common concern during the teenage years, and while it’s tempting to fight it with strong treatments, overusing harsh products can irritate the skin and cause more harm than good. Many teens reach for acne products that contain strong ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, thinking more is better.

• Why It Happens: In an attempt to clear up acne quickly, teens may apply acne treatments too frequently or use products that are too strong for their skin.
• How to Fix It: Instead of overloading your skin with harsh products, use acne treatments sparingly. Apply them only to affected areas and follow the instructions carefully. Start with a product that contains a lower concentration of active ingredients and increase it gradually if necessary.

3. Skipping Sunscreen

One of the most overlooked steps in a teen’s beauty routine is sunscreen. Many teens skip this step, either because they don’t think it’s necessary or because they’re worried it will make their skin oily or break them out. However, sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing premature aging or skin damage.

• Why It Happens: Teens often don’t realise the long-term impact of UV exposure and the damage it causes to the skin, such as wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancer.
• How to Fix It: Make sunscreen a daily habit, even if you’re indoors or it’s cloudy outside. Opt for an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen if you’re worried about breakouts. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it every 2 hours when spending extended time outdoors.

4. Using the Wrong Foundation Shade

Choosing the right foundation can be tricky, especially when a teen’s skin tone may change with the seasons or due to breakouts. Many teens opt for foundation shades that are either too light or too dark for their skin tone, creating an unnatural look.

• Why It Happens: Teenagers are still learning about their skin tone and may buy foundation shades based on what looks good on others or what they think will help cover imperfections.
• How to Fix It: Choose a foundation that matches your natural skin tone. Test the product on your jawline or wrist to find the most suitable match. If you can’t find an exact match, consider mixing different shades. Always blend foundation well into your neck and chest to ensure a seamless, natural finish.

5. Not Removing Makeup Before Bed

It’s easy to skip the makeup removal step when you’re tired or in a rush, but going to bed with makeup on can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and skin irritation.

• Why It Happens: Teens may be more concerned with applying makeup to look good for social occasions and forget to take it off properly at night.
• How to Fix It: Make it a habit to remove your makeup at the end of every day, even if it’s just a quick cleanse. Use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water followed by a mild cleanser to ensure your skin is completely clean. Don’t forget to wash your pillowcases regularly as well, as they can collect makeup, oils, and bacteria.

6. Using Too Much Product

Less is often more when it comes to beauty routines. Applying excessive amounts of skincare products, makeup, or hair products can lead to clogged pores, product buildup, and a cakey appearance.

• Why It Happens: Teens may assume that using a lot of product will give them better results, especially when trying to cover acne or achieve a flawless makeup look.
• How to Fix It: Start with a small amount of product and build up as needed. For makeup, use a light hand when applying foundation and layers of makeup. For skincare, choose products suited to your skin type and avoid layering too many products on top of each other.

7. Not Moisturising Enough

Many teens with oily or acne-prone skin skip moisturiser because they believe it will make their skin even oilier or contribute to breakouts. However, moisturising is important for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.

• Why It Happens: The misconception that moisturisers only benefit dry skin often leads teens to skip this essential step.
• How to Fix It: Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Hydration is crucial for keeping your skin balanced and healthy. For dry skin, choose a richer moisturiser to lock in hydration and keep the skin soft.

8. Popping Pimples

Though it’s incredibly tempting, popping pimples can make acne worse, leading to scarring, infection, and further breakouts.

• Why It Happens: Teens often want immediate results when dealing with breakouts and think popping pimples will help clear them up faster.
• How to Fix It: Resist the urge to pick or pop pimples. Instead, apply an acne treatment to the spot and allow it to heal on its own. Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products to prevent further breakouts.

9. Neglecting Hair Care

Hair care can be overlooked when teens are focusing on their skincare and makeup routines. However, not taking proper care of your hair can lead to dryness, split ends, and scalp irritation.

• Why It Happens: Teens may be more focused on styling their hair than on maintaining its health, using products with harsh chemicals or skipping regular trims.
• How to Fix It: Take care of your hair by using a gentle shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type. Avoid excessive heat styling and harsh chemical treatments, and get regular trims to keep hair healthy and strong.

10. Relying Too Much on Heavy Makeup

Heavy makeup can sometimes mask skin issues or be used to cover up insecurities. While makeup is a great way to express creativity, it’s important to remember that the goal should be to enhance natural beauty, not hide it.

• Why It Happens: Teens may use heavy makeup to cover acne, blemishes, or imperfections, thinking it’s the only way to achieve a perfect look.
• How to Fix It: Embrace lighter makeup or go makeup-free from time to time to let your skin breathe. Focus on skincare routines that promote clear skin and opt for minimal makeup looks that enhance your natural features.

Conclusion

As teens navigate their beauty routines, it’s essential to adopt healthy habits and avoid common mistakes that could harm their skin or hair in the long run. By focusing on gentle, balanced skincare, choosing the right products for your skin type, and embracing your natural beauty, you can develop a routine that supports healthy skin and boosts confidence. Remember, beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin, and learning to care for it with love and patience.