Puberty is an exciting and challenging rollercoaster ride. Aside from the changes happening to your body, you’re also expanding your horizons and looking for your place under the sun. So it’s understandable why a pimple can sometimes make you feel less confident.

A clear and smooth skin is important in every stage of your life. Unfortunately, your hormones and changing physique can make skin care difficult but with the right knowledge and proper tools, you can come up with the best skin care regimen.

First, you have to determine your skin type. A cleansing routine that’s good for oily skin won’t be as effective on someone with combination skin. Once you know what kind of skin you have, it’s time for you to follow these tips:

Wash Your Face Thoroughly

Wash your face as soon as you wake up in the morning. You want to remove all the sweat and oil that have collected on your skin overnight but do not use soap or skin scrubs. Use a mild cleanser instead. Avoid rubbing your skin aggressively as it could lead to an increase in oil secretion or skin irritation. Look for a product with two percent salicylic acid if you have blackheads but make sure you consult with a dermatologist first.

Always Moisturize

Your skin needs to be moisturized regularly, even if it’s oily. Choose a skin cream that’s appropriate for your skin type and which addresses the problems you usually experience, like spots or acne. You can even choose the finish you prefer, like matte or glossy. Use a tinted moisturizer if you’re going out.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Now is a good time to get into the habit of wearing a sunblock. Apply a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 or a broad spectrum sunblock before leaving for school. Make sure you cover all your exposed skin. Always have sunscreen in your bag and reapply when necessary.

Check Your Diet

Pimples and acne are usually triggered by hormones, and rarely by food-related issues. That being said, your skin still needs several important nutrients to remain healthy. Follow a diet plan that’s beneficial to your health and skin.

If you do experience skin problems, like eczema, try to keep track of the food you eat. This will help you narrow down any food intolerance you might have. While dairy products are known culprits, don’t assume they’re the reason for your breakouts. It’s also good to have an allergy test done to rule out other medical possibilities.

Never Pop That Pimple

It might be tempting and satisfying, but never, ever, pop that pimple. Doing so could leave a scar on your face forever. You could even make it worse. That pimple could become infected if you squeeze it with dirty hands. A better solution is to directly apply a small amount of diluted tea tree oil on the pimple. It will kill any bacteria and clear up the skin.

Don’t Pile on the Makeup

A little bit of makeup is fine, especially if you never forget to clean your skin at night. A bit of mascara and some lip gloss is perfect for teens. Tinted moisturizer is better for young skin instead of foundation. But don’t use powder if you have oily skin. It will just clog your pores and cause your skin to look blotchy. Use a blotting paper or tissue instead. It will remove excess oil and control shine.

You don’t need to put on layers of lotions and serums to have good skin. However, you need to clean your face thoroughly and moisturize regularly. Eating healthy food, drinking a lot of water and a simple makeup routine will also help in maintaining naturally radiant skin.