What is second puberty? And what does it mean for my skin?
Puberty. For some, just thinking about it brings up very vivid images: stubborn acne, general restlessness, and the all-consuming crushes of high school. (I wonder what Brandon, my eighth-grade geography student, is up to these days?)
So when rumors of a “second puberty” circulated online, I cringed. Just a little. If you, too, make a big effort to have a happy, healthy complexion, you might also be wondering: What does this mean for my skin?
What is second puberty?
Well, the good news is that it’s not true. Somehow, it is. Let me explain.
While (first) puberty refers to the huge physical changes that occur during puberty, second puberty is a colloquial term with no medical basis. Second puberty is best described as the very common, very natural hormonal fluctuations that occur in your twenties and thirties. This is often exacerbated by life stages like switching or stopping birth control, which also often occur during this exploratory phase. (Our bodies are still growing, forming, and becoming what we’re supposed to be!)
(Sometimes there’s no way to know what’s going on with your body other than to consult a doctor, so if you’re experiencing puberty-like symptoms, we recommend putting down your Zappo and making an appointment.)
What does this mean for my skin?
Acne
Many factors can cause puberty-like pimples to develop in adulthood (whiteheads), including stress, poor diet, birth control, and health conditions like endometriosis or PCOS.
Here’s how you can help:
Use acne-fighting ingredients like willow bark extract (a natural form of salicylic acid) to deep cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Use chemical peels regularly to relieve congestion, and use a detoxifying mud mask 1-2 nights a week to push impurities to the surface and prevent recurrence.
Loss of Elasticity
Changes in skin elasticity are an inevitable part of the aging process, as our collagen levels slowly decline throughout adulthood. Dryness and dehydration often go hand in hand, as your skin becomes thinner and therefore produces less oil.
Here’s how you can help:
Use a hydrating serum on top of a nourishing facial oil to combat dry patches and protect the skin barrier from moisture loss. Finally, apply a firming face cream to visibly reduce fine lines and ensure your skin stays soft.
Vitamin A also boosts collagen production, which speeds up skin cell turnover. So it’s an effective option for anyone looking to reduce wrinkles, combat acne, and reduce dark spots.
Sun Damage
Since second puberty occurs a little later, you’ll have accumulated some sun damage, whether it’s accidental or not. As a result, your skin may develop more freckles, sun spots, or hyperpigmentation.
Here’s how you can help:
Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen every day (do we need to remind you?). Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your routine to fade dark spots, fight free radicals, and avoid potential damage from environmental pollutants.
Be sure to regularly monitor new and existing moles on your body so you can spot them at your next skin check and make sure nothing is turning ominous or cancerous.
Can I prevent a second puberty?
No. That’s okay.
While there are ways to take care of your skin and manage the effects of second (third, fourth, fifth…) puberty, your body changes as you age and so does the way it looks and feels.
It’s a privilege to know our bodies and be able to take care of them. At every stage.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
