Vitamin C and retinoids have become favorites of dermatologists and consumers. But should adolescents really use them? We spoke to experts to find out the answer.
Should teenagers use vitamin C and retinoids?
In our teenage days, it was enough to adopt the classic CTM (Cleansing, Toning, Moisturizing), but in today’s flourishing world of skin care, the scenario and methods have changed. Whether you’re into 10-layer skincare right now or you’re just a girl who just washes her face and goes out, you can’t deny the appeal of dreamy skincare content. And unsurprisingly, it also captivated the hearts of teenagers. Now, they’re increasingly into multi-step skin care routines that include ingredients like vitamin C and retinoids. But do they really need them? To find out the answer, we consulted Pooja Nagdev, aromatherapist, beautician, and founder of Inatur.
She says, “Many teenagers are confused about what to use on their skin. Vitamin C and retinoids have become a favorite of dermatologists and consumers alike.”
But questions remain. Should teenagers use vitamin C and retinoids? Let’s find out.
She further adds, “Teenagers can develop acne scars and age spots and even develop uneven skin tone from exposure to outdoor activities. Vitamin C is an excellent skin lightening agent and should be used regularly. This helps even out the skin and removes blemishes and marks.”
“It has the effect of increasing collagen in the skin, which helps keep the skin radiant, radiant and youthful,” she further said.
Benefits of using vitamin C
Brightens the skin: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten and even out skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Promotes collagen production: Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm, plump, and youthful. Vitamin C reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin by promoting collagen synthesis.
Protects against sun damage: Vitamin C has photoprotective properties and helps protect skin from UV damage caused by sun exposure. Neutralizes free radicals produced by UV rays, preventing premature aging and sunburn.
Fading dark spots: Vitamin C inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. By slowing the production of melanin, vitamin C fades age spots, age spots, and sunspots, resulting in more even skin.
Improves skin texture: Vitamin C promotes cell metabolism and exfoliation, resulting in smoother, softer, and more radiant skin. It helps to even out skin texture, minimize pores, and improve overall skin clarity and brightness.
Is vitamin C safe for teens?
On whether it is safe for teenagers, Pooja Nagdev says: “Teenagers have sensitive skin, and using active ingredients can cause their skin to react more. Most teens suffer from acne, and using vitamin C on acne-prone skin can cause rashes. “Many teens start using active ingredients like glycolic acid and salicylic acid along with vitamin C, but these can have negative effects on teen skin and can cause acne and inflammation.” It can increase inflammation,” she added.
So she advised teens to seek professional advice before applying active ingredients to their skin. If you want to incorporate vitamin C, it should be in low concentrations, between 5% and 10%. You should also do a patch test to see if it suits your skin. “For teenagers, the best way to use vitamin C is once a day, by applying moisturizer and then sunscreen,” she said.
Benefits of using retinoids
Improves skin texture: Retinoids, such as retinol and tretinoin, promote cell turnover and exfoliation, resulting in smoother, softer, and even-toned skin. These reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and rough spots, leaving your skin with a smoother, more youthful texture.
Stimulates collagen production: Retinoids stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity. By increasing collagen synthesis, retinoids improve skin firmness and reduce signs of aging such as sagging and loss of elasticity.
Reduces hyperpigmentation: Retinoids are effective at fading age spots, age spots, and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Evens out skin tone and reduces discoloration, resulting in more radiant, even skin.
Prevents acne breakouts: Retinoids are commonly used to treat acne due to their ability to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and regulate oil production. It helps prevent acne breakouts by keeping pores free of debris and reducing the formation of comedones (clogged pores), whiteheads, and blackheads.
Promotes skin regeneration: Retinoids accelerate the skin’s natural renewal process by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells and the formation of new, healthy skin cells. These help rejuvenate your skin from within, resulting in a fresher, more youthful appearance and improved overall skin health.
Are retinoids safe for teens?
Pooja Nagdev says, “Retinoids are very powerful and can affect the skin if not used in the right amount. Therefore, before you start using active ingredients such as retinoids on your young skin as a teenager. It is best to consult a dermatologist. It can also make your skin very sensitive and cause irritation and photosensitivity again.”
She said skincare trends are great as long as you’re conscious of what’s best for your skin. All skin care ingredients have their pros and cons and are suitable for different skin types and ages. So don’t jump on her trend and use your skin as a guinea pig. As long as you keep your skincare routine as simple as possible, you’ll be fine.
