Skin care basics we wish we knew as teenagers

Chances are, as a teenager, you took your radiant, wrinkle-free, almost flawless skin for granted. After all, when you're that old, it's hard to see what's behind the last school bell of the day. But as you age, you may be like us, wishing you knew the basics of beauty that could prolong your youthful glow for years to come. Of course, this would add another chore to us, but in the end, I think we can all agree that the youthfulness of the skin in the future is worth it. 

While you may not be able to go back in time, perhaps talking about what we wish we knew as teenagers can help the younger public in their skincare quest. So, without further ado, as modern day skincare fans, if we could go back in time, here's what we wish we knew as teenagers.

Cleansing goes beyond soap and water

Nothing against soap and water, but there are plenty of detergents on the market that can provide a satisfactory (and possibly better) clean. And knowing what we know now about the importance of daily cleansing, we would like to be more diligent about using gentle cleansers and ridding our skin of daily impurities, dirt, makeup and more.

Moisturizing is a must

Moisturizing is just as important as cleansing and is a must-have step in skincare if you want to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. And no matter what you think, all skin types need daily hydration...even those with excess sebum!

Toner is not the enemy

Toner is often neglected in skincare, but we'd like to think it's only because people haven't discovered the many benefits it has to offer. Some formulas can absorb excess sebum and remove all traces of impurities, thereby helping to make your skin even clearer. Cunning? Find the right formula, but of course!

…Sunbathing

We can remember our teenage days lying in the sun without a single dot of Broad Spectrum sunscreen on our skin. This idea makes us seriously cringe now. Spending long periods of time in the sun without protection is possibly one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Why? Because UV rays can cause premature skin aging as well as some types of cancer. So, lying on the beach without sunscreen, protective clothing, or shade may be nice for the moment, but you're likely to regret this decision as you get older.

Just because you can't lie down or go to a tanning bed doesn't mean you can't enjoy the soft golden glow. Just try a self-tanner like L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Tanning Serum. Consistent application three days in a row can help achieve a gorgeous natural glow without sun damage!

Exfoliation is a game changer

There are many ways to improve the complexion and get rid of dead skin cells, and we recommend this procedure to anyone who deals with a dull complexion. Whether you want to dry clean your whole body or stock up on face masks and peels, trust us, your skin will thank you.

Your neck, chest and arms deserve attention too

While it may seem like completing a skincare routine in your teens is a feat in itself, you'll love yourself for hydrating all over at an early age, especially on your neck, chest, and arms, as these areas tend to show signs of aging sooner. than the rest of your body.

You should always take off your makeup before going to bed.

When you sleep with your makeup on, you are allowing it to mix with the sweat, dirt, and debris of the day, which can lead to clogged pores and potential breakouts. Yes. If you're really sleepy and can't muster the strength to handle a full routine, simply run a make-up remover cloth or cotton swab dipped in micellar water across your face before going to bed. Keep these no-flush cleaners on your nightstand for quick access. No excuses!

Sunscreen is non-negotiable...even when it's cloudy outside

What?! Yes, it took us a while to figure it out too. Broad Spectrum sunscreen should be applied not only on days at the beach and during walks in the pool, but also any time your skin is exposed to the sun. This includes walking around the block, sitting by the window, or doing simple errands. Since the sun is a big cause of premature aging, without sunscreen, frequent exposure can make you look older than your years. When choosing a sunscreen, just make sure it's waterproof, with broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher, and reapply at least every two hours and as directed. Be sure to take additional sun protection measures, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak hours of sunshine.

Your skin care needs to go beyond the products you use.

Yes, not only products affect the appearance of your skin. You also need to take into account what your face is constantly in contact with. Your phone, your sheets, your pillowcases, all these things can be breeding grounds for grime and grime to get onto your skin and wreak havoc. Also pay attention to your lifestyle. Do you smoke or often sleep through the night? These decisions can also have implications for the overall appearance of your skin later in life. 

And here it is: nine easy-to-follow basics we wish we knew as teenagers that you can start applying to your routine to improve your complexion as soon as possible!