Everyone has different skin, and different reactions to products. Roughly 70% of women and 60% of men have sensitive skin. I myself have had my fair share of skin ups and downs, and over the years I’ve seen countless dermatologists and experts. And now at 17 years old, I’ve finally found a system that works for me. Here are some of the tips and tricks I’ve learned during my skin journey.

Tip #1: Avoid scented items.

When it comes to products you are using on your face, you should avoid anything with a scent. When a product has a scent, it also has many extra chemicals, which can be harmful to your skin. Skin on your face is far more sensitive than the rest of your body, so it needs more sensitive products. Also, the chemicals can cause a reaction on your skin, such as breakouts. 

Tip #2: Avoid harsh products.

Products that are believed to be good can actually be extremely harsh on your skin. The roughness of products can be because of the abundance of chemicals, or because of the tough consistency of the product, like a scrub. The skin on your face is delicate, and using a harsh scrub will only irritate it. However, scrubs are usually alright to on the rest of your body, as that skin is usually much tougher and less irritable.

Tip #3: Gently dry your skin.

Skin is easily irritated, and so it can be hard to avoid the irritation. However, one easy way is to think about the way you dry your skin. Roughly drying your skin by rubbing it with a towel can lead to irritation and redness. After washing your face, the best thing to do is to gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel, in order to avoid both the spreading bacteria and harming your skin. 

Tip #4: Natural products. 

Natural products are amazing for your skin. They are usually made of ingredients that are not harmful to your skin, without all of the nasty chemicals. One way to do this is to get rid of makeup wipes, and instead use  microfiber cloths. The cloths only require water, and are easy to use. They do a considerable job of removing makeup, even eye makeup, which is notoriously hard to remove. They can go in the wash, and are a significant alternative to makeup wipes. I personally use “Erase Your Face Cloths,” as well as some great natural brands such as Love Beauty And Planet, EcoTools, Raw Sugar, and Method. 

Everyone’s skin is different, and can be hard to find what works for you, especially as a teenager. Use these tips to keep your skin healthy and clear.