An astonishing 80% of sun damage to your skin happens before you turn 18. Habits like going to bed wearing make up or picking up at a pimple also wreak havoc on the skin.

Healthy skin and aging begin in the formative teenage years when establishing healthy habits carries forward, affecting one to health and appearance for years to come.

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your entire body? In most teens, more oil is produced through your pores on their face. Add to this make up, sweat, pollution, and not washing, and this leads to clogged pores, blemishes, and one unhappy teen.

Help your teen get on the path to beautiful skin by sharing the following guide.

1. Wash your face

Use a good cleanser every morning and night.

2. Moisturize

Everyone needs to treat and protect their skin. Is your skin dry? Does it get oily throughout the day on the nose and forehead? Remember that everyone’s skin is different, and you may not be able to use the same moisturizer as your best friend. What works great for her could cause problems for you.

3. Protect from the sun

Sun damage always shows up later in life. What you do today will greatly influence what your skin looks like down the road. Take a good look at someone in their 40s or 50s. Do they have small brown spots for fine lines and wrinkles? That’s caused by too much exposure to ultra violent rays (UVA and UVB) from the sun (or tanning beds).

If you’re going to be outdoors, whether walking home from school or playing sports, remember to wear a sunscreen with SPF 30. If you’re active and sweat a lot, choose a water resistance sunscreen that will last longer. Also, remember that just because it’s not sunny, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wear sunscreen. UVA rays can still penetrate the clouds and cause damage to your skin.

4. Exfoliate

Dead skin cells can clog your pores, leaving blackheads and pimples. So it’s important to remove them 2 to 3 times per week with a product that’s effective but won’t irritate your skin. If your skin is already a little irritated from breakouts, over scrubbing can make the problem worse.

5. Don’t pick

If you get a pimple, leave it alone or use a blemish control with with salicylic acid or tea tree oil. You could cause more damage by picking and the scars left behind could last a lifetime.

6. Visit a dermatologist

If your skin is not responding to home remedies and over-the-counter treatments after one month, good idea to see a dermatologist. Dermatologist consider several factors including age, skin type, and lifestyle before prescribing effective, individualized treatment.

Looking for a dermatologist? Visit the Medical Spa at PRO Medical.