As a teenager, chances are you took your radiant, near-flawless, wrinkle-free skin for granted. After all, when you’re that age it’s hard to see past what lays beyond the last school bell of the day. But as you age, you might be like us, wishing you had known the beauty basics that could’ve prolonged that radiant, youthful glow well into the years to come. Sure, it would have tacked another chore onto our day, but in the end, I think we all can agree that younger-looking skin in the future makes it all well-worth it. While you may not be able to go back in time, perhaps a conversation about what we wish we knew as teens can serve the younger public in their skin care quest. So, without further ado, as modern day skin care-obsessed aficionados, if we could go back in time, here’s what we wish we knew as teenagers. Cleansing Goes Beyond Soap and WaterNothing against soap and water, but there are tons of cleansers on the market that can deliver a satisfying (and arguably better) clean. And knowing what we know now about the importance of daily cleansing, we wish we had been more diligent about reaching for gentle cleansers and ridding our skin of daily impurities, dirt, makeup, and more.Moisturizing Is a MustEqually as important as cleansing, moisturizing is a non-negotiable step in your skin care routine if you want to maintain youthful, healthy-looking skin. And despite what you may think, all skin types require daily hydration…even those who deal with excess oil!Toner Isn’t the Enemy Toner is often neglected in a skin care routine, but we’d like to think that’s just because people haven’t discovered the many benefits it can offer. Some formulas can have the ability to absorb excess oil and ensure all traces of impurities are whisked away, thus helping deliver your cleanest skin yet. The trick? Find the right formula, but of course!…Sun-Bathing IsWe can remember back to our teenage days, laying out in the sun without a single dot of Broad Spectrum sunscreen on our skin. That idea makes us seriously cringe now. Spending prolonged amounts of time in the sun without protection is arguably one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Why? Because UV rays can cause premature skin aging, as well as some cancers. So, while laying out on the beach without sunscreen, protective clothing, or shade might feel nice in the moment, you will likely regret those decisions when you’re older.Now, just because you can’t lay out or go to a tanning bed, that doesn’t mean you can’t rock a soft golden glow. Just try a self-tanner, like the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Tanning Serum. Consecutive application three days in a row can help deliver a gorgeous, natural-looking glow without the sun damage!Exfoliation Is a Game-ChangerThere are many ways that you can help  your complexion and slough away dead skin cells, and it’s a routine we recommend to all who are dealing with a dulled-looking complexion. Whether you want to dry brush your entire body or stock up on face masks and peels, trust us, your skin will thank you.Your Neck, Chest and Hands Deserve TLC, TooWhile it might seem like completing a skin care routine is enough of a feat in and of itself as a teen, you’ll love yourself for hydrating all over at an early age, especially on your neck, chest and hands, as those areas tend to show signs of aging sooner than the rest of your body.You Should Always Remove Makeup Before BedWhen you sleep in your makeup you give it the opportunity to mix with the sweat, dirt and debris of the day, which can lead to clogged pores and potential breakouts. Yikes. If you’re seriously sleepy and can’t muster up the stamina to get through your full routine, simply swipe a makeup removing cloth or a cotton ball soaked in micellar water across your face before hitting the hay. Store these no-rinse cleansers on your nightstand for easy access. No excuses!Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable…Even When It’s Cloudy OutWhat?! Yup, it took us a while to grasp this, too. Not only should Broad Spectrum sunscreen be applied on beach days and during jaunts to the pool, but any time your skin is exposed to the sun’s rays. That includes walks around the block, sitting next to a window, or running a simple errand. Since the sun is a big culprit in premature aging, without sunscreen, frequent exposure can cause you to look older than your years. When choosing your sunscreen, just make sure to look for a water resistant, Broad Spectrum SPF 15 or higher, and reapply at least every two hours and as directed. Be sure to take additional sun protection measures as well, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.Your Skin Care Routine Should Go Beyond the Products You UseYup, it’s not just the products that make a difference in the appearance of your skin. You also need to take into account the things your face comes into regular contact with. Your phone, your sheets, your pillowcases, all of these things can be a breeding ground for dirt and grime and transfer onto your skin and wreak havoc. Also, pay attention to your lifestyle habits. Are you a smoker, or do you pull frequent all-nighters? These decisions can also have ramifications for your skin’s overall appearance later in life. And there you have it: nine easy-to-follow basics that we wish we knew as teens, that you can start implementing into your routine for a better-looking complexion ASAP!
