Taming Teenage Skin
Why is it every time there is a special occasion to go to; fi rst date, debs ball, party, wedding; (when you really want to look spectacular) it happens… the spot, or spots that erupt the morning of, or the day before the big event. No amount of concealer or make up is going to hide the large Mount Vesuvius that is glowing on the end of your nose! There are 101 reasons why we may break out, from increased amounts of adrenalin leading up to an event, surges of hormones at various stages in life or just poor hygiene of the skin. Most of us at some point will experience a form of acne, how we deal with it can impact skin far more than some could imagine. Having a basic understanding of the condition, what to do to prevent it and how to treat, could save a lot of heartache further down the line.
Teenagers in particular, can fi nd this stressful, some even cancelling plans or declining invitations on account of what their skin is doing at the time. Many are susceptible to feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem because they cannot measure up to the perceived ideal of air-brushed perfection. Our skin is what others see fi rst, and how we subsequently are assessed. Girls are luckier because they can cover up imperfections with make up, normally lots of it; teenage boys have a harder time. Spots of any description are not deemed attractive and in young minds are almost certainly going to lead to rejection.
Puberty brings the onslaught of hormones, primarily Testosterone. Testosterone produced by adrenal glands, testes and the ovaries courses through the veins targeting the hair follicle and sebaceous gland, result…lots of oil, more hair and the obligatory acne. Faces, backs and chests are the key areas of breakout, and normally the very areas we want to expose a little of when we dress for our special date or evening out. Acne comes in four grades and as puberty strikes there can be a variety of conditions that prevail, from grade one which is congested bumpy skin with blackheads and whiteheads to a grade four infected skin with boils and cysts. Being able to recognise a severe case and the best time to refer to a doctor is paramount; there is only so much we can do as skin therapists. Doctors and dermatologists can prescribe a variety of drugs that could save a potential grade four from coming to fruition.
Being confronted by one spot or a crop can create the same reaction, from disappointment to panic and despair. The solution for many seems to be
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attack, going in with the steaming kettle, the metal blackhead extractor and most conveniently the fi ngers; anything to get that spot out! The follicles that house the spot or blackheads are very delicate funnels that are designed to wick sebum onto the skin and lubricate the hair. Unfortunately the average teenager seems to think that a good squeeze is harmless and if blood is drawn the job is done. We need to get to this target market and educate them on how to handle their changing skins; hopefully by applying a few basic rules they can cut down the duration and severity of their acne.
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Prevention is better than cure…cleanse or wash the skin twice a day with a soap free cleanser that is acid balanced to the skin. Don’t use fl annels or harsh sponges or pads to wash with. Cleanse twice each time. Leave no area un-cleansed, rinse well.
• Do not use a harsh scrub, or scrub too heavily, especially over infected spots. Gentle hydroxy acids or micro foliants work best. Try to keep the skin calm, over stimulation will make the condition worse.
• Do not use harsh alcohol based toners or astringents after cleansing or periodically throughout the day.
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If skin is excessively shiny throughout the day use antibacterial cleansing wipes, acid balanced to skin. Re apply oil free moisturiser and sunscreen.
• Use an anti bacterial/hydroxy acid based spot treatment morning and night, apply to aff ected areas only.
• Apply oil free or treatment moisturiser and an oil free sunscreen to protect everyday.
• Wear only non comedogenic, mineral based make up or concealers free from artifi cial colour and perfume.
• Do not pick or squeeze, spots come and go, a scar is for life!
With these few golden rules the skin has a much better chance of surviving this diffi cult time. No skin care product is going to beat the dreaded hormones but maintaining a skin or helping to balance a disrupted one will go a long way to helping our teenagers hold on to their self esteem and give them confi dence at a time when they need it most.
Kindly provided by Neroli Beauty Salon 01786 821 818
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. fi
ona@thewireweb.co.uk
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