Teen Beauty: 10 Secrets Girls Should Know
Gather around, girls! Today we’re sharing our best #advice for beauty secrets and healthy habits just for tweens and teens. We understand that you’re thinking about your appearance, and we know you want to look your best at school and around your friends. Looking good is a priority for us women too.
Whether you develop an intense beauty regimen, or you prefer a wash and go routine, here are a few beauty habits and tips that every young girl should know.
1. Less is more
One of the biggest mistakes that many tweens make is to overdo the #makeup. Here’s the key: Less is more. When you’re young, there is no need to wear heavy makeup. Too much can make you look like a little girl playing dress up. And who wants that?
All you really need is a great mascara, concealer for any blemishes, and lip gloss. Go for a natural look during the day and save the heavier makeup for date nights and special occasions like prom. Once your parents allow you to start wearing makeup every day, get a lesson from an expert so you’ll know about appropriate application and color choices. In the meantime, have fun practicing at home or with your friends at slumber parties for play.
2. Got Acne? See a Dermatologist, stat!
Chances are pretty good that you have some #acne. Acne is so common that it’s considered a normal part of growing from a kid to an adult. One simple way to combat acne is to keep your skin clean. And no matter how tempting it may be, don’t pop the zits!
Picking at acne can causes dark spots to form. Plus, the bacteria on your fingers can infect your skin and make the pimple worse. If your skin is blemish prone, use a medicated facial pad (like Clearasil) to wipe away the excess dirt and gunk. Then dab on a topical, over-the-counter acne medication containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
If you continue having breakouts, ask your mom to make an appointment for you with a board certified dermatologist. Getting rid of those pimples will be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
3. Wash your face every night
Remove your makeup every night—all of it. For real! Never go to bed without washing your face. That means leftover mascara, lip color—everything. Wash your face with a gentle #cleanser and use a toner for oily patches.
Why is facial cleansing so important? For starters, you are removing dirt, oil and other unwanted debris that collects on your face throughout the day. By properly cleaning your skin, you are decreasing the chances of a breakout.
All this talk about acne may make you want to take a Brillo pad to your face. But actually, your skin will be less likely to break out if you clean it gently, using your fingertips, not a rough washcloth. Exfoliate on a regular basis, but be careful not to overdo it. If you need help choosing an gentle exfoliant, ask your dermatologist for guidance.
4. Wear sunscreen
There is one product that everyone needs: #sunscreen! Never, ever, skip the sunscreen. Seriously! Always apply it, even if it’s cloudy or rainy outside. Sunscreen not only prevents sunburn, but can help prevent wrinkles when you get older. Even is your skin isn’t prone to burning, you need a good SPF to prevent skin discoloration and texture changes that are caused by sun damage.
Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or 45, and apply it evenly to your face and neck. If you wear a part in your hair, even with a ponytail or braids, put some on your scalp in the part. Stash a bottle of sunscreen near the door for when you go outside to play. Keep a small container in your purse, and even a small tube in your school backpack for sunny days on the playground or P.E.
5. Drink plenty of water
Pure, clear #water is the world’s best beauty elixir. Staying well-hydrated, especially during hot weather and when you’re exercising, helps your body function at its best. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the toxins in your body and can reduce the risk of pimples.
So how much water should you drink? Here is the recommended daily amount of fluids for adolescents:
- 5-6 glasses (1.4 to 1.6L/day) for 9 to 13 year olds
- 6-7 glasses (1.6 to 1.9L/day) for 14 to 18 year olds
- 8-10 glasses (2.1 to 2.6L/day) for adults
Pack a water bottle whenever you go out. In summer, put a frozen water bottle in your lunch box. Keep a bottle of cold water in the fridge in summer and drink warm water in winter. Water down juices and sports drinks. Use smaller glasses when drinking sugary beverages like gatorade, powerade, or soft drinks.
6. Get your beauty sleep
Sleep is another beauty elixir. A good night’s #sleep doesn’t just affect brain development, it also affects your appearance. Girls who don’t sleep enough usually show it, with dark circles under the eyes and sallow skin. When you do not get enough sleep, you are more likely to do poorly in school or have an accident while driving. Lack of sleep can even make you more prone to pimples and other skin problems. Seriously! So make it a priority to get your beauty sleep every night.
So how much sleep do you really need? Here is the recommended amount of sleep for adolescents need each day:
- 11-12 hours – Preschool-aged children
- 10 hours (at least!) – School-aged children
- 9-10 hours – Teens
- 7-8 hours – Adults (including the elderly)
7. Don’t let your nails go
The best place to express yourself without looking overdone is with a pedicure. Bright, unusual toenail polish doesn’t create as much of a distraction as heavy makeup.
Not into manicures and pedicures? No worries. Just keep your #nails clean and trimmed. If you paint them, be sure to remove the polish before it starts chipping and peeling away. Moisturize your hands with hand cream or cuticle oil every time you wash your hands
8. No B.O!
As you enter puberty, your body begins to change and develop. Your hormones are crazy during these years. You may feel self-conscious about your changing body, and that’s OK.
So how can you not be smelly diva? Bathe or shower everyday, and shampoo your hair at least twice a week. You may need to shower more than once in the course of the day, especially after exercising or taking part in an organized sport.
Also, pick out a #deodorant stick or anti-perspirant stick that you like. Look for a product that does the job, but won’t irritate your skin. Keep a travel-size deodorant in your purse or school backpack. And try not to go overboard on colognes or body sprays. A little bit goes a long way.
9. Take care of your hair
Wash your #hair gently with a shampoo and conditioner that is appropriate for your hair type. Your hair is particularly fragile when wet, so be careful with it. Using a wide-tooth comb, start from the bottom of your hair and detangle the last few inches. Next, detangle a few inches higher, working your way up to the top. Then let your hair air dry if possible. If you do use a hair dryer, use it on the lowest setting
If your #hair is long, it is very important to get regular haircuts in order to keep your long hair healthy looking. Regular trims will help prevent split ends and keep your hair neatly groomed and even. If you like to pull your hair back, use a soft scruncy instead of a tight rubber band. This will only cause breakage and damage your hair cuticles.
10. Remember: Beauty come from within
Let’s face it. None of us know how #KylieJenner actually got her pouty lips, and we may never know if she secretly got injections, had implants, or was stung by a bee. Let’s just accept that as real girls, we probably cannot keep up with the #Kardashians. And it’s time to love bodies we were born with!
Here’s the secret: True beauty comes from within. If you’re happy and smiling, you will be 10 times prettier than the mopey cheerleader sitting next to you in class. If you’re genuinely self-confident, you shouldn’t seek the approval of anyone, really, aside from maybe your parents and God. No amount of makeup, article of clothing, or bodily piercing, can tell someone who you truly are, so don’t worry about their reaction. Trust us (wink).
Share this post with your #friends and let us know if you have a good tip to pass along to other tweens and teens.
