Three layers
What your skin
is made of.
Skin is your body's largest organ. It keeps water in, keeps germs out, helps control your temperature, and lets you feel touch.
Epidermis
The outer layer you can see. It constantly makes new skin cells and sheds old ones, and it's home to melanocytes — the cells that make melanin (skin pigment).
Dermis
The middle layer. It holds collagen (for strength), blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands, and oil glands.
Fat layer
The deepest layer (hypodermis). It cushions your body and helps keep you warm.
Key players
Four things
worth knowing.
Melanin
The pigment that gives skin its color. It absorbs some UV, but even the darkest skin can still be damaged by the sun — so everyone needs protection.
Oil glands
They make sebum, which keeps skin and hair moisturized. Puberty hormones ramp them up, which is one reason acne is common in teens.
The skin barrier
The outermost layer of skin cells and fats that holds water in and keeps irritants out. Over-washing and harsh scrubs can weaken it.
Cell turnover
Your skin constantly replaces itself, pushing new cells up from below. When dead cells don't shed properly, they can help clog pores.
Everyday care
Keep it
simple.
A basic routine is enough for most teens. Fancy 10-step routines aren't required.
- Cleanse.A gentle cleanser in the morning and at night, and after sweating.
- Moisturize.Even oily skin benefits from a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Protect.Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on exposed skin every day.
- Notice.Pay attention to how your skin reacts and to any spots that change.