Teen Skin with Cerave and Dr. Michelle Henry

As part of my recent press trip to New York with Cerave, I got the wonderful opportunity to sit down with renowned and much loved Dermatologist Dr Michelle Henry to quiz her about teen skin. I have a daughter just entering puberty so oil and spots are starting to make an appearance here and there, so this chat was as much for me and it is for you dear reader.

Top tips from Dr Michelle

• Keep skincare simple

As young people start developing an interest in skincare, it’s important to take care and caution them against using extensive and expansive routines full of multiple steps and products. The skin is a self balancing organ so overloading hinders it from performing its natural functions effectively.

• Choose skincare carefully

Select products that are well tolerated as opposed to highly potent. Brands like Cerave are formulated for efficacy and results, so they look after skin health better over a longer term.

• Stay the course

Consistency is key and this can be hard in the short term for young people when instant results are the order of the day. However, we have to encourage them to stick to their skincare plan and give it a chance.

• Don’t chase trends

This is very hard when we are bombarded with trends, fads and hacks daily on social media. Fundamentally, skincare is healthcare so it’s important to keep it tailored. What works for one person isn’t necessarily going to work for your teen.

Top Cerave picks for acne prone teen skin

Cleansers

Blemish Control Cleanser - this is a daily use cleanser that helps you kiss good bye to greasy looking skin using oil absorbing technology that reduces shine. With 2% salicylic acid it helps to reduce blackheads, improve the appearance of pores and the addition of purifying clay will help to absorb excess oil too. This won’t strip the skin dry though because it protects the delicate barrier with key ceramides and skin strengthening ingredient niacinamide.

For skin that is experiencing more stubborn breakouts, Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser* is a robust option with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide. It’s designed to thoroughly dissolve dirt and excess oil. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides feature high on the ingredient list so it’s still soft and gentle on the skin!

Moisturisers

With breakout/acne prone skin you don’t want to introduce any extra oil, so an oil-free moisturiser such as AM Ultra-Light Moisturising Lotion SPF30* is a must. It’s a massive bonus that this has a matte finish whilst still having key skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to nourish the skin. Broad spectrum SPF30 will helps to protect from sun damage and premature ageing of the skin.

For night time, PM Facial Moisturiser* is a non-pore clogging option that is lightweight and hydrating for oily breakout prone skin. Really helps to keep young skin soft and supple.

Spot Treatment

Blemish Control Gel (salicylic acid, lactic & glycolic acid) has become a star product in my house, constantly changing hands between my daughter and I! I’ve been blown away by how fast acting it is. Literally an overnight miracle worker to calm down inflammation, flatten the offending spot (s) and prevent it spreading. We use as a targeted treatment, so after cleansing and moisturising we apply only to affect areas. This way any dryness is minimised. It’s oil free, does'n’t have any drying alcohol and has the usual ceramides and niacinamides to look after the skin gently.

* available in USA.