Puberty, or the teenage phase, is a time of continuous physical changes. While our body is going through all these changes, being an active teen athlete can be very challenging.
Usually training sessions take place outdoors; as a sports teen, you can’t really escape the harsh sun rays. Staying outdoors for long hours in training sessions can also lead to acne, acne scars, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation.
In 1997, a study from ScienceDirect stated a global shift in the skin care market; the demand surged by 42% for moisturizers, 24% for cleansers, 15% for acne treatments, 8% for soap bars, and 4% for facial scrubs/masks. A survey was conducted to study the teenager’s skin types; a lot of them struggled with acne, skin sensitivity, oiliness, and dryness.
Before jumping to buy any cosmetic product, it is advised to run an allergy test. In a few studies, it was found that children and teenagers might get affected by dermatitis. A few common allergens that teens get affected by are nickel sulfate, fragrance, wool wax alcohol, and cobalt chloride.
Scroll through the article to know more about how important a skincare regimen is for an active teen athlete and how to protect your skin from sun damage.
Why Is a Skincare Regime Important for Teen Athletes?
If you are a teen living an active life and are constantly exposed to the sun, remember that early morning sun rays provide vitamin D3, but staying outdoors for too long can lead to sun damage. Taking necessary measures to protect yourself from future sun damage is therefore essential.
Teens go through physical changes and hormonal changes that contribute to acne, scars, etc. That’s why it is important to focus on your skincare as a teen, because what you do to your skin now will have lasting effects in the future.
When Is the Right Age for Teen Athletes to Start a Skincare Routine?
There isn’t any exact survey that states the right age for teen athletes to start a skincare regime. Teens around and above 10 usually hit puberty, which contributes to hormonal and skin changes. Based on the dermatologist’s suggestions, teens from 10 to 14+ years can start basic skincare.
What is the Best Skincare for Teen Athletes?
Here is a comprehensive guide for a teen sports athlete to follow.
Cleansers: They are the best way you can wash off any dirt or sweat from your face. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove any dirt from your face and body that’s been collected from the training.
Choose cleansers that have active ingredients like
Salicylic acid (BHA): It exfoliates the face and removes gunk from your pores, clears blackheads/whiteheads, and controls oil.
Benzoyl peroxide: It effectively fights acne bacteria, removes dead skin, and is helpful for skin with rosacea or acne/redness.
Hypochlorous acid: It is an effective antimicrobial that soothes irritated skin and removes bacteria.
No B.S., here are a few cleansers you can consider (I’ve tried and tested them personally).
Cleanser: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Skin Type: It works well for dry, rough, and bumpy skin; skin with keratosis pilaris; and psoriasis-prone skin. It also suits normal skin.
Active ingredient: Salicylic acid
Fragrance-free: Yes
Sulphate-free: Mild surfactants exist.
Paraben-free: Yes
Actual Price: RS 1250
Cleanser: La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Skin Type: Sensitive and acne-prone skin (calms the acne skin and reduce acne scars)
Active ingredient: 2% salicylic acid
Fragrance-free: Yes
Sulphate-free: No
Paraben-free: Yes
Actual Price: RS 5,074.95
Cleanser: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Maximum Strength Antimicrobial, 5.5 Oz
Skin Type: acne-prone skin,
Active ingredient: 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Fragrance-free: Yes
Sulphate-free: Mild surfactants
Paraben-free: Yes
Actual Price: RS 876.55
Cleanser: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Skin Type: Sensitive, oily, normal
Active ingredient: 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Fragrance-free: Yes
Sulphate-free: Mild surfactant
Paraben-free: Yes
Actual Price: Rs 1,759.78 (150 ML)
Cleanser: CLn SportWash
Skin Type: Acne, bumpy, dry, sensitive skin
Active ingredients: Sodium hypochlorite and 0.5% salicylic acid
Fragrance-free: Mild
Sulphate-free: Yes
Paraben-free: No
Actual Price: RS 4,005
Moisturizer: It can be used right after using cleanser. Our skin usually feels a little dry after cleansing. So we need moisturizer to soothe the skin and keep it hydrated. if you are suffering from acne or irritated skin, you can prefer gel-based moisturizers that won’t clog your pores
Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Skin Type: Sensitive, dry skin, suites for acne skin too
Fragrance-free: claims to be fragrance-free yet possesses mild fragrance
Active ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
Alcohol-free: Yes
Key Benefits: Absorbs quickly, doesn’t clog pores
Moisturizer: Deconstruct Oil-Free Moisturizers
Skin Type: Sensitive, acne-prone skin
Fragrance-free: Yes
Active ingredient: NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factors) or Panthenol
Alcohol-free: Yes
Key Benefits: Absorbs quickly, doesn’t clog pores, vegan and cruelty-free.
Moisturizer: Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturizer
Skin Type: Dry, sensitive
Fragrance-free: Mild and slightly pungent
Active ingredients: Vitamin B5, vitamin E
Alcohol-free: No
Key Benefits: Strengthen skin barrier, doesn’t clog pores.
Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream/Lotion
Skin Type: Dry, Normal
Fragrance-free: Yes
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid
Alcohol-free: No
Key Benefits: Non-sticky, light weight on skin, best for winters
Sunscreens: Constant exposure to UV rays can damage the cells, leading to changes in the immune system, immunosuppression, and photoaging of the skin. According to Wolf et al., for athletes involved in outdoor sports, the maximum UVR exposure recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) should be less than 20 minutes.
According to international studies for outdoor athletes, there is less commitment to proper sun protection among outdoor athletes. Around 25% of the college athletes show less commitment to reapplying the sunscreen. An India-led survey found that although 75% of Indians are aware of sunscreen protection, only 26% use it, and 4% reapply it. This highlights the gap between awareness, application, and consistency.
The dermatologist suggests using a sunscreen cream/spray/lotion with SPF 30+ and PA++++.
You can choose between chemical and physical (mineral) sunscreen.
Physical sunscreen:
Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide
Skin Type: Best suited for the teens with acne/sensitive skin
White cast: Yes, on deeper skin tones
Chemical or mineral sunscreen:
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate,
Skin Type: Best suited for teens with normal skin and can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.
White cast: No
I recommend few tried and tested sunscreens that have worked for me during long outdoor activities.
Sunscreen: Athlix Sports Sunscreen
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond, zinc oxide, niacinamide
SPF: 40+
PA: +++
Filters: UVA, UVB
White cast: No
Sweat Resistant: Yes
Sunscreen: RE’ EQUIL Ultra Matte dry touch sunscreen
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
SPF: 50+
PA: ++++
Filters: UVA, UVB and infrared rays
White cast: It does not leave white cast instantly, but slightly gets greyish while sweating
Sweat Resistant: Yes
Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
Key Ingredients: Antioxidants, Helioplex XP technology
SPF: 50+
PA: ++++
Filters: UVA, UVB and blue light
White cast: It does not leave white cast
Sweat Resistant: Yes
Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios
Key Ingredients: Mexoryl 400, technologia netlock, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
SPF: 50+
PA: ++++
Filters: UVA, UVB, and infrared rays
White cast: It does not leave white cast
Sweat Resistant: Yes
Sunscreen: Dot & Key Swim + Sports Sunscreen
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Multivitamin E, B3 & B5
SPF: 50
PA: ++++
Filters: UVA, UVB, and infrared rays
White cast: It does not leave white cast
Sweat Resistant: Yes
Fungal and bacterial infection: As a sports person, you are prone to fungal or bacterial infection due to sweat, shared locker rooms, shared common bathrooms, and sweaty socks; all these factors contribute to ringworm or other fungal infections.
Cuts and wounds are common among teen athletes; any untreated cuts can lead to bacterial infection. Hence, maintain proper hygiene by cleansing and washing sweaty clothes and using antiseptic spray to protect your skin from rashes after your training sessions.
Inflammation and Chafing: Tight clothes or friction caused by repetitive movements during training sessions can result in chafing, redness, and itching. Consider using body lotion or moisturizing cream to prevent chafing and itching.
Final Words:
Skincare is not just to look good– it is to take good care of yourself inside and out to feel confident. We are constantly exposed to sunrays outdoors and even indoors. Staying protected from the sun damage is a must, especially when the summers are getting hotter each year due to constant climate change. Constant sun exposure can lead to skin cell damage; take necessary measures as mentioned in the article above to protect your skin from future damage.