HOW TO ADDRESS COMMON TEEN SKIN CONCERNS

UNDERSTANDING THE TEENAGE SKIN TYPE

Hormonal fluctuations and lifestyle choices play a crucial role in the skin health of teenagers. Key factors that impact their skin during puberty include:

• Hormonal Changes: A surge of androgens during puberty stimulates a teenager's sebaceous glands, increasing sebum production and contributing to oilier skin and acne. Hormonal fluctuations related to menstrual cycles can also contribute to acne during adolescence.
• Diet: A teenager's typical diet of high fat and sodium can trigger inflammation and hormonal imbalances, which can also exacerbate existing skin issues.
• Sleep Quality: During sleep, our bodies work to regenerate the skin. Inadequate sleep can hinder skin recovery and health.
• Stress Levels: Elevated stress from school or sports raises cortisol production, further increasing inflammation and damaging the skin.

As a skincare professional, you must guide teens toward healthier habits that empower them to better manage these challenges.

WHEN SHOULD YOU OFFER SKINCARE FOR TEENS?

When should teens start a skincare routine? The answer is simple: as soon as they show an interest. Encouraging teenagers to take care of their skin at an early age establishes healthy habits while promoting self-care and confidence.

However, it's crucial to educate teens on the importance of easing into their first skincare regimen. Introducing too many products at once or using harsh ingredients can strip their skin of its natural oils, leading to further irritation and breakouts. Start with the basics: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. As their skin adjusts, you can gradually incorporate additional products like serums and masques.

COMMON TEEN SKIN CONCERNS & HOW TO ADDRESS THEM

If you work with teenagers, you've likely encountered some of these common skin concerns. Let's explore these issues and discuss how to effectively address them with skincare for teens.

ACNE MANAGEMENT

As mentioned above, teenage acne is primarily caused by an overproduction of sebum, which, combined with dead skin cells, clogs pores and leads to inflammation. To effectively manage this concern, recommend using non-comedogenic products that help balance oil production without drying out the skin. GlyMed's Acne Line is an excellent option for skincare for teens, with pharmaceutical-grade products that deliver more potent and visible results.

To remove excess oil and impurities, a targeted professional cleanser should be recommended morning and night. Teens with oily or combination skin would benefit most from our Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, a gentle yet effective formula that kills bacteria and prevents clogging in the pores. Some masques and serums can be added 2 – 3 times weekly to help reduce oil production and clear existing acne lesions. Mattifying Sulfur Masque is excellent for every skin type and doubles as a spot treatment.

TREATING ACNE SCARS

Acne scars can be a source of insecurity and frustration for teenagers. While they may fade over time, there are skincare treatments that can help accelerate the process.

Encourage teenagers to use products with ingredients like Vitamin C, Fulvic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid to promote collagen production and improve the appearance of scars. Our Restoring Fulvic Elixir is a great serum to incorporate into their routine to help reduce acne scars and prevent further damage.

OILY SKIN CONTROL

While oily skin is mainly caused by hormonal changes, other factors can contribute to excessive oil production. These include diet, genetics and the use of skincare products that strip the skin's natural oils.

Many teens with oily or combination skin tend to skip moisturizing, fearing it will make their skin greasy. Use this opportunity to educate them on the importance of balancing oil levels with a lightweight moisturizer, such as our Daily Repair Cream. Encourage teenagers to avoid heavy and pore-clogging ingredients and instead, encourage them with knowledge about skincare for teens.

DRY SKIN IN TEENS

While many teens struggle with oily skin, others may experience dryness due to a lack of hydration and essential fatty acids. This can result in flakiness, tightness and discomfort.

Recommend using products with Hyaluronic Acid or ceramides, such as Ultra Hydro Gel, to boost hydration levels and promote a healthy moisture barrier. Vitamin E is also an excellent ingredient for soothing and nourishing dry skin, making our Vitamin E Cream an ideal moisturizer for teens with this skin type.

ECZEMA AND DERMATITIS IN TEENS

Eczema and dermatitis are common skin concerns among teenagers, caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. As a skincare professional, it's essential to not only address the external symptoms with skincare for teens but also consider possible internal triggers like stress or diet.

Encourage teens with eczema or dermatitis to use gentle products without added fragrances or harsh chemicals. Our Comfort Cream with Aloe Vera is packed with soothing botanicals for immediate relief and hydration without irritation. Incorporating a gentler cleanser, such as ourMega Cream Cleanser, can also help manage flare-ups.

THE DANGERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA SKINCARE ADVICE

Many teens turn to social media for skincare advice, mistakenly assuming that influencers and viral trends offer qualified recommendations. However, experimenting with active ingredients without proper understanding or guidance on skincare for teens can cause irritation, damage the skin barrier and lead to breakouts and long-term skin issues.

Help your clients avoid the trap of trendy, viral skincare and advise them to instead focus on science-backed products and treatments that deliver real results. It's crucial for skincare professionals to educate teens on the importance of seeking expert advice and using products suited to their unique skin needs. To most effectively teach your younger clients, register to become a GlyMed Pro and gain access to exclusive education and world-renowned training resources.