Teenage skin often suffers from blackheads and open pores due to changes in hormonal balance and increased sebum secretion characteristic of the growth period. These problems can be exacerbated by incorrect skin care and excessive cleansing. Pores on the cheeks are particularly visible, and daily care is important. Here, we provide detailed information on effective face washing methods and skin care tips for pore care so that teenage readers can practice proper care.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National Kumamoto University. After serving as the director of major beauty clinics in Japan, etc., he opened Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic in 2023. He is a professional in aesthetic medicine with a doctorate in anti-aging research and many years of experience. With the motto of "Toward the realization of cosmetic medicine without lies," he aims to be the "Only One" together with his patients.
Pore problems seen in teenagers and their causes
Teenage skin is particularly prone to pore problems due to rapid hormonal balance changes. Androgens (male hormones) secreted during puberty actively stimulate sebaceous glands to secrete large amounts of sebum, which can easily clog pores.
As a result, problems such as open pores and blackheads appear and are faced by many teenagers as skin problems. Here we will discuss in detail the pore problems specific to teenagers, their causes, and the factors that aggravate them.
Mechanism of pore opening and blackheads
The main cause of pore opening is increased sebum secretion. Because of the high concentration of sebaceous glands, especially in the cheeks and T-zone, pores widen when sebum secretion increases. Normally, sebum protects the skin and prevents external stimuli, but excessive secretion causes the skin around the pores to stretch, making the pores more visible.
In addition, when sebum oxidizes in the pores, it becomes "blackheads. This phenomenon occurs when sebum, sweat, makeup residue, and external dirt clog pores, which then combine with oxygen to oxidize and appear blackish. In particular, teenagers tend to have active sebum secretion, which easily clogs pores. Blackheads make pores appear even larger, so early countermeasures are necessary.
Reasons for prominent cheek pores
The prominence of pores on the cheeks is due to multiple factors. First, one reason is that this is an area of high sebum production. In addition, damage from ultraviolet rays also aggravates cheek pores. UV rays destroy collagen in the skin, reducing its firmness and elasticity. As a result, pores do not tighten and remain open.
In addition, the teenage years are a time when the body secretes large amounts of growth hormones and skin turnover is active. However, because the skin is unstable, its thickness and moisture retention capacity have not matured, leaving it vulnerable to external stimuli. When dryness, friction, and strong cleansing are added, pores easily enlarge and pore problems worsen.
Factors that aggravate pore problems
Pore problems in teenagers may be aggravated by the following factors
The first is excessive sebum secretion. At puberty, the secretion of androgens increases in the body, stimulating sebaceous glands. Teenage males are particularly affected by this, and sebum secretion becomes very active. The high sebum secretion easily clogs pores, leading to openings and blackheads.
Next is makeup residue and inadequate cleansing: more and more teenagers are starting to wear makeup, but in some cases, they do not know how to remove it properly, and it remains in their pores. When makeup or sunscreen residue clogs pores, oxidation occurs, causing blackheads and inflammation. In particular, foundations that contain a lot of oil can easily clog pores and cause pore problems.
Furthermore, the risks of inadequate and excessive cleansing of the face are also mentioned. Accumulation of sebum and dirt due to insufficient cleansing causes clogged pores and aggravates the problem. Conversely, however, excessive cleansing is also problematic. Using strong cleansing agents or scrubbing the face frequently destroys the skin's barrier function and leaves the skin dry. Dry skin reacts by overproducing sebum, resulting in a vicious cycle that further clogs pores.
Pores on the cheeks are more easily aggravated than in other areas of the body because they are more susceptible to the effects of the external environment. When the skin around the pores is damaged by external factors such as UV rays, air pollution, sweat, and friction, the pores are more likely to open up and accumulate dirt. Dryness and reduced skin elasticity also contribute to the appearance of pores. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to these effects because their skin barrier function has not yet fully developed.
Basic Pore Care for Teenagers [Facial Cleansing].
Daily face washing is extremely important for preventing and improving pore problems. Especially in the teenage years, sebum secretion is active and pores are easily clogged with dirt and sebum. Here we will explain in detail how to choose a suitable facial cleanser for teenagers, the correct way to wash your face, and how to adjust the water temperature to tighten pores.
The Importance of Facial Cleansing and How to Choose the Right Facial Cleanser for Teenagers
Facial cleansing is an essential step to remove residual sebum, dirt, and makeup from the skin and to prevent clogged pores. Teenage skin, in particular, tends to secrete a lot of sebum, so it is important to wash the face thoroughly. However, depending on the choice of facial cleanser, care should be taken as it may adversely affect the skin.
The best cleanser for teenage skin is one that does not dry out the skin while thoroughly removing excess sebum. Ingredients such as vitamin C derivatives, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid are recommended to control excess sebum while caring for pores.
On the other hand, those with strong cleansing ingredients or high alcohol content should be avoided, as they can dry out the skin. Choosing a cleanser that contains moisturizing ingredients will help keep pores clean while preventing dryness after cleansing.
There are various types of facial cleansers, including foam, gel, and cream types, but the foam and gel types are recommended for teenagers. The foam type is easy to lather and removes dirt without stressing the skin, while the gel type is suitable for skin with high sebum secretion and provides a clean and refreshing wash.
How to wash your face correctly
Washing the face is not just about washing the face; it is important to do it the right way. Teenage skin is especially sensitive, and scrubbing too hard can damage the skin and worsen pore problems. Follow the steps below to wash your face gently and carefully.
Always wash your hands before washing your face to remove dirt and bacteria from your hands. If your hands are dirty, dirt may re-enter your pores even after washing your face. It is important to foam the cleanser thoroughly before putting it on your face. Lathering prevents your hands from touching the skin directly and minimizes friction. The foam acts as a cushion and gently removes dirt from the skin. Using a foaming net makes it easier to create fluffy foam.
While washing your face, avoid scrubbing your skin. Areas with high sebum secretion, such as the cheeks and T-zone, should be washed gently in a circular motion with the belly of the finger. In particular, wash carefully around the nose and forehead, as these areas are prone to clogged pores. After washing, it is important to rinse thoroughly so that no cleanser remains on the skin. Residual cleanser can cause rough skin and clogged pores, so rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Particular attention should be paid to the hairline and under the chin, where facial cleanser tends to remain.
How to adjust water temperature to tighten pores
To prevent pores from opening, one must also be careful about the water temperature when washing the face. Washing the face with extremely hot water reduces the skin's barrier function and causes excessive sebum secretion. Washing the face with cold water also makes it difficult to remove oil from the skin, causing pores to remain dirty.
The ideal water temperature for face washing is "lukewarm". Specifically, 30°C to 35°C is ideal. By washing your face with lukewarm water, you can remove dirt from the pores while leaving the necessary moisture in the skin. This will tighten pores and prevent openings and blackheads.
In addition, rinsing the face lightly with cold water at the end after washing the face has the effect of tightening the pores. This will prevent the pores from widening and reduce the secretion of sebum. However, rinsing with cold water should be limited to a short period of time and should not be done excessively, as it can be hard on the skin.
Skin Care Methods to Prevent Teenage Pore Problems
The importance and methods of proper cleansing have been explained above, but to prevent pore problems at their root, the entire skin care process, not just cleansing, is essential. From cleansing to moisturizing, each step is important, and choosing the right items can greatly affect the condition of the skin.
The basic skincare procedure is "cleansing → washing face → moisturizing.
Skin care is divided into three basic steps. Each step is important to remove dirt from pores, condition the skin, and prevent pores from opening and blackheads.
Cleansing is the first step to thoroughly remove makeup and sebum clogged in pores. Teenagers in particular are active in sebum secretion, so even on days when they are not wearing makeup, cleansing is necessary to remove sebum, sweat, and external dirt. Cleansing oil and balm types remove makeup well, but if excessive oil is a concern, gel or water type cleansers are recommended.
After cleansing, wash your face in the correct way to thoroughly remove fine dirt and sebum remaining in the pores. The key is to wash your face gently with a foaming cleanser, and avoid scrubbing, which can remove dirt from pores without stressing the skin.
Moisturizing after cleansing is a very important step to prevent pore problems. Even in the teenage years, when sebum secretion is high, neglecting to moisturize can lead to dry skin and, conversely, excessive sebum secretion. Adequate moisturizing is necessary to keep skin healthy and pores tight. Moisturizing items that are effective for pores include those containing hyaluronic acid and ceramide.
How to choose items that contain ingredients effective for pores
To prevent pore problems, pay attention to the ingredients contained in skincare items. In particular, it is effective to choose items that contain ingredients that improve pore size and blackheads.
The first recommended ingredient is vitamin C derivative, which is an excellent pore tightener. It suppresses sebum secretion and improves skin elasticity, making pores less noticeable. Since teenagers secrete a lot of sebum, incorporating a lotion or serum containing a vitamin C derivative can be expected to improve pore problems.
Salicylic acid also dissolves dead skin cells and dirt in pores and prevents clogged pores. Salicylic acid is a strong ally in pore care, especially for teenagers who are prone to acne. Selecting items containing salicylic acid, such as toners and creams that can exfoliate, will help prevent blackheads and open pores.
Other glycolic acid is used for regular peeling because it softens dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores. teenage skin is especially prone to clogged pores with sebum, so incorporating a light peeling item once or twice a week can prevent clogged pores and blackheads and keep skin bright. This will help prevent clogged pores and blackheads and keep the skin bright.
Habits to improve skin barrier function
In order to improve the skin's barrier function, not only moisturizing but also the entire daily skincare routine is important. The basic principle is to moisturize immediately after washing the face to prevent drying.
Adequate sleep and a well-balanced diet are also essential for barrier function. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps maintain skin health and prevent pore problems.
Common Pore Care Failures and Solutions
We have explained the correct skincare method and item selection to prevent pore problems. However, if the wrong care is taken in daily skincare, however, pore problems can be adversely aggravated.
In particular, excessive use of strong cleansers and pore packs, or going to bed without removing makeup, are the cause of many mistakes. Here are some common mistakes and how to prevent them.
Example 1|Skin damage due to excessive use of pore packs and strong cleansers
This is a common mistake that is often misunderstood. Many people frequently use powerful cleansers and pore packs in an effort to remove dirt from their pores all at once. Although these items can temporarily remove dirt from pores, overuse can put a heavy burden on the skin. In particular, pore packs can remove not only dirt from the surface of the skin, but also necessary sebum and keratin, which can lead to skin dryness and a reduced barrier function.
Of course, it depends on skin type and other individual differences, but if possible, it is recommended that pore packs and strong cleansing be used only once a week. If you are concerned about pores, it is more effective to keep pores clean little by little through daily care by reviewing your daily cleansing and cleansing routine. Choose a daily cleanser that is not too powerful and contains ingredients that are gentle to the skin.
Example 2|Pore problems caused by going to bed without removing makeup
As is often the case with women, when they come home tired or on busy days, they may end up going to bed without removing their makeup. This is one of the major causes of pore problems. If you sleep with makeup left on your skin, foundation and sebum can clog pores, oxidize, and cause blackheads. In addition, makeup residue interferes with skin turnover and leads to a buildup of dead skin cells, which in turn leads to pores that are more noticeable.
No matter how tired you are, it is fundamental to remove makeup thoroughly. If you are short on time, use makeup remover sheets or micellar water for easy cleansing. This alone will prevent clogged pores and skin damage.
Also, after cleansing, remember to wash and moisturize your face to protect the skin's barrier function. It is especially important to thoroughly cleanse the skin of foundation and sunscreen used during the day, as they tend to clog pores.
Cosmetic Medicine Options for Teenagers to Try
Chemical peels, for example, use the power of acid to remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface and unclog pores. This is a popular procedure for teenagers because it is less stressful on the skin and helps improve acne-prone skin. Acids used for peeling include salicylic acid and glycolic acid, each of which is effective for different skin problems.
Electroporation and ion induction are also recommended. This treatment uses a weak electric current to penetrate deeply into the skin with necessary cosmetic ingredients (vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, etc.). Vitamin C is expected to tighten pores and suppress sebum secretion, making it an effective countermeasure for open pores and blackheads. Ion induction is virtually painless and there is no downtime, so even teenagers can safely undergo this treatment.
summary
Teenage pore problems can be improved with daily proper cleansing and skin care. For blackheads and open pores on the cheeks, it is important to select appropriate items and continue gentle skin care. We also recommend that you review your lifestyle and consider cosmetic treatment options, and seek advice at a beauty clinic if self-care fails to improve the situation. Find a method that suits your skin and achieve healthy skin.
At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.
Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.