Do Teens Need Facials?
"When should I start bringing my kids for a facial?"
This is one of our most commonly asked questions from anxious parents.
The truth is - it depends.
How Skin Changes During Puberty
Children have delicate and smooth skin - but congestion, roughness and oily shine can start when puberty hits and hormones go haywire. Increased testosterone (hormone) production causes the skin to produce more oil, enlarging our oil glands and therefore our pores. More keratin is also produced - making our skin thicker. The abundance of oil and keratin in our skin clogs pores - and creates the ideal conditions for bacteria to accumulate, causing inflammations... and hello pimple!
External Factors That Can Worsen Teenage Skin
When these natural skin changes are combined with poor skin hygiene or inappropriate use of skincare products - it can worsen skin condition and lead you down the long and tedious road to spotty, sensitive skin.
Lifestyle also plays a part in skin maintenance - if exam stress, late nights and unhealthy diet filled with sugar and fried food is a large part of your teenage life - it will often reflect on your skin as well.
So, Should Teenagers Go For Facials?
If the skin has started getting oilier and you're spotting some congestion, it's a good idea to do a simple pore cleansing facial every few months to help unclog pores and maintain skin health.
If skin is red, sensitive or irritated - look into the skincare products you're using. Too often - we pick out harsh products for oily skin but these can actually strip skin of its natural oils and damage our skin barrier. If you're looking at spot control, avoid products with benzoyl peroxide as the main extract for pimple creams - it can be too harsh. Young skin doesn't need complicated maintenance. If you’re dealing with skin sensitivity, consult your skincare professional for a simple barrier repair treatment, and seek their advice about switching to more appropriate skincare.
How Old Should I Be?
The age at which you start depends on your skin condition - if there's nothing wrong with your skin, then, by all means, save your facial budget and just invest in a gentle cleanser and a non-drying spot cream. A lightweight, non-comedogenic sunblock is also a good idea - especially since outdoor student activities are aplenty in our tropical climate. ☀️
