Spark Study Buddy (Challenger): Which skincare products should teens use? Dermatologists recommend this simple routine
Keep skincare simple with just a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, dermatologists say
Forget complicated skincare routines! Dermatologists advise simple, gentle products for preteens, focusing on cleansing, moisturising, and sunscreen. Photo: Shutterstock [1] Social media is filled with influencers promoting complicated skincare routines involving high-priced serums, mists and creams. But what is the right skincare routine for preteens? Simple is best, dermatologists say. Before puberty hits, most kids only need a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and sunscreen.
[2] “That’s it. Full stop. You don’t need anything else,” said Dr Sheilagh Maguiness, a dermatologist in the US state of Minnesota. She and other dermatologists around the US have seen growing numbers of teen and preteen girls using anti-ageing skincare products. Sometimes, the products, which are made for adults, can damage young girls’ skin.
[3] Many popular products from brands like Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe contain active ingredients like retinols and hydroxy acids. These are meant for mature skin and can irritate young faces and damage the skin barrier. Experts say they are not needed and are a waste of money for children. For teens, dermatologists recommend cleansers and moisturisers from brands like Cetaphil, CeraVe and La Roche-Posay, commonly available in drug stores.
[4] As puberty kicks in, teenagers might need to address skin issues brought on by hormonal changes. These could include acne, excess oil, dark spots, and blackheads. If a problem seems serious, it’s best to speak with a dermatologist. Go slowly when introducing a new product, especially if it contains a harsh ingredient.
[5] Signs of an allergic reaction range from redness, itchiness, flaking of skin, burning or stinging to patches of tiny bumps. “Those are all signs to stop using a product,” said Dr Carli Whittington, a dermatologist at the University of Indiana School of Medicine. Continuing to use products that irritate your skin can lead to more severe damage.
[6] According to Dr Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist in New York, children should not need more than five or 10 minutes for skincare. The focus on skincare does have one benefit, dermatologists said. “The one good thing that comes of this is wearing sunscreen to protect your skin. We are fully on board with that,” said Engelman.
[7] Many influencers and the kids who follow them apply sunscreen as the final step of their routine, unlike many of her adult patients. “These children obsessed with skincare have brought in that important step. So that is the silver lining of this trend.”
Source: Associated Press, September 3
Questions
1. How many skincare products do dermatologists suggest preteens need according to paragraph 1?
___________________________________________________
2. According to paragraph 2, children … use skincare products meant for adults.
A. should
B. should not
C. might
D. could
3. List three skin issues caused by hormonal changes mentioned in paragraph 4.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Based on paragraph 5, what should you do if your skin starts to burn after applying a new product?
___________________________________________________
5. Which phrase can replace “silver lining” in paragraph 7?
A. hidden potential
B. extra benefit
C. good luck
D. positive outcome
6. Cross out the word or phrase that needs to be removed for the sentence to be grammatically correct.
(i) Products from brands like Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe often contain ingredients which they can be irritating and potentially harmful to young girls’ skin. (ii) There has been a growing trend of teenage and preteen girls using in which anti-ageing skincare products, as noted by dermatologists in the United States.
(iii) Dr Engelman, a dermatologist, said that them children should not spend more than 10 minutes on their skincare routine.
Answers
1. three
2. B
3. acne / excess oil / dark spots / blackheads (any three)
4. stop using the product immediately
5. D
6. (i) they; (ii) in which; (iii) them