Back to school in teen skin

As back to school time approaches, it’s time for teens and families to get prepared – shopping for new supplies, getting favorite outfits and taking final summer vacations. But, what can you do to prepare your teen emotionally for the new year?

Research shows that troubled skin can cause anxiety and depression as well as low self-esteem and lack of confidence for teens. It’s an obstacle, and it makes the typical emotional and social stresses of adolescence even harder.

Relief for teens with troubled skin begins with education and skin health. During puberty, hormones become active and stimulate oil glands. Overactive oil glands and a build-up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria lead to inflammation of the pores.

Our body produces sebum, an oily, waxy substance that coats, moisturizes and protects our skin. The trick is to get the right balance between too much sebum and what is necessary. It’s essential to wash, especially after sweating or make-up use, but too much can lead to dry and irritated skin.

Here are my top four recommendations to navigate teen skin care:

1. Get educated. It’s important to understand skin type and how products can work with or against it. Know the purpose and source of ingredients in products. Acne hacks like Windex (think My Big Fat Greek Wedding), toothpaste and rubbing alcohol can be harmful, ineffective or cause more problems. I recommend a facial consultation with a skin therapist to discuss lifestyle choices, skin care routines, health history and current stress levels. By bringing products to the consultation, the therapist can assist your teen to find the correct routine for skin type and skin health. It’s a small investment for a wealth of information.

2. Take action. By waiting the acne phase out, your teen is at risk for side effects. Emotional and esteem issues can take root causing a teen to not fully experience life or their potential. This can weigh heavy even into adulthood. Permanent scarring is also an issue with some cases requiring cosmetic surgery. Teen facials are a great first step. They are designed to address the unique issues of teen skin. And, they are a great foundation for a lifetime of skin care which is not something to take lightly.

3. See a professional. Find a skin therapist or dermatologist your teen trusts. Feeling embarrassed, self-conscious or anxious is common for teens struggling with acne. Sometimes discussing emotional issues can be tough, even for adults. By teaming up with someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy and comfortable for your teen can make all the difference. I see myself as a mentor for my teen clients. We work together to get their skin looking healthy and beautiful.

4. Don’t forget the inside. Along with beneficial external treatments, treat acne from the inside out. Inflammation and hormonal imbalances are internal causes for acne. As teen bodies change and hormone levels increase, skin reacts with acne. In addition, the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that nutrition can also be a cause. Some studies show a correlation between acne and diets of high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates. They’ve also been looking at milk because of the large amounts of hormones given to cows. If you want to know more about diet and skin health, I suggest connecting with our partner Wellness Minneapolis.

The goal is to create a skin care routine to unclog pores, balance sebum, reduce inflammation and stimulate cell renewal. Although a teen may feel alone in the battle with acne, they’re not. I’m here to help make healthy, beautiful skin happen.

Give me a call (612.248.8939), stop by or go to lustreskincarempls.com to connect.

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