Lykkers, do you remember the first time you discovered that your skin needed cleansing, moisturizing, and maybe even makeup? Stepping into puberty and starting to care about skincare can be confusing, and we often don't know where to start.

Young skin can be vibrant, but it also faces its own set of challenges, like oily skin, clogged pores, and breakouts.

The Mistakes We Often Make

At this stage, it's easy to fall into skincare traps. One common mistake is trying too many products all at once, hoping for quick results. If we don't see immediate improvements, we might cover up the problem with makeup, which only worsens things over time. Many of us have been there—applying foundation and concealer to cover acne, only for our skin to react with more breakouts.

For example, 24-year-old Zhang Hong shared her story of constantly using makeup during her teenage years. She didn't remove it properly, and it led to frequent acne flare-ups. This cycle of makeup, acne, and more makeup can feel never-ending. But the good news is, we can break this cycle with the right approach!

4 Skincare Secrets for Young Skin

If you're a young person just starting out in skincare, here are four simple but essential tips to keep your skin healthy and avoid common mistakes.

1. Understand How Your Skin Works

Our skin goes through a regular renewal cycle, where new skin cells are produced and old, dead skin cells are pushed to the surface. This process helps to keep our skin healthy and repair any damage. For teens, this renewal cycle happens every 21 to 28 days, but as we get older, it slows down.

Because young skin renews faster, it doesn't need as many products or complicated routines. Keeping things simple and consistent is key!

2. Understand Your Skin During Puberty

During puberty, hormonal changes can lead to more oil production, clogged pores, and acne. So, while it's tempting to wash our face multiple times to deal with excess oil, it's actually better to maintain a balanced routine. Over-washing can remove our skin of essential moisture, making things worse. Keeping a balance of hydration and oil is essential for stabilizing the skin.

3. Stick to the Basics: Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect

We often hear about complicated skincare routines, but for young skin, the best approach is to focus on the basics: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.

• Cleansing: Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Don't wash your face too often, as it can leave your skin dry. Morning and night, use a gentle face wash that keeps your skin hydrated.

• Moisturizing: Moisturizing is crucial to keeping your skin healthy. Even oily skin needs hydration. If you have dry skin, go for a thicker cream, while lighter lotions work better for oily skin.

• Sun Protection: No matter what season it is, sun protection is a must! Before going outdoors, always apply a generous amount of sunscreen. Reapply every 2-3 hours for maximum protection to avoid sun damage and maintain skin elasticity.

4. Use One Intensive Product at a Time

Sometimes we want to tackle specific skin issues like acne or dullness. It's tempting to use multiple products at once, but it's better to stick to one product at a time. Overloading your skin with too many active ingredients can cause irritation or confusion. If you're dealing with acne, try a gentle acne treatment like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, and focus on one product to avoid overwhelming your skin.

Start with a simple routine and gradually introduce one targeted product after your skin adjusts.

Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple!

Remember, young skin doesn't need a complex, multi-step routine. Start with cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun. If you want to add a treatment product, start with just one, and let your skin adapt. The key is consistency and patience—skincare isn't a quick fix, but with the right habits, we'll see lasting improvements.

For Lykkers just starting with skincare, take it slow and enjoy the process. Start small, and as you learn about your skin, you'll naturally know what works best for you. Happy skincare journey!