Go Back to School with Great Skin

 August is the time when most teens look forward to getting back to school. Summer has been fun, but it’s nice to reunite with friends and classmates that we haven’t been in contact with for a couple of months. It’s also good to get back into a regular routine and have a bit more structure after all of the freedom (and sometimes a bit of boredom) that this season provides. Of course, many adolescents may not be as anxious to be back at school because they are embarrassed by the condition of their skin. Perhaps over the summer vacation, there have been some changes and they find themselves suffering from acne or other skin disorders that make them dread seeing their friends.
Your teen may have already had acne and the sun and dry heat have caused darkening of old breakouts causing a clear face to appear scarred or infected. Some young people (as young as 10 or 11) are seeing the first signs of problem skin with congested pores that cause blackheads or whiteheads. They are tempted to pick or purge this congestion which can cause infection or scarring that will be permanent.
There are many products available for adolescent and adult acne, however most of them cause the skin to become dry and dehydrated. That can sometimes stimulate more sebum production, thus leading to more active breakouts. A dermatologist can prescribe medications to clear acne but many of them have long-lasting side effects and can’t be used over long periods of time.
For teens, good hygiene starts with cleanliness, but how do we get them into the habit of cleaning their skin when that often seems like a chore? Just like anything else, we need to show them how to become invested in themselves and help to give them positive self-esteem. It helps to make some of these “chores” fun and rewarding for young adolescents and teens, and once they get over the initial learning stage, these habits become part of their everyday life. The support of regular skin care by a licensed esthetician will help to not only improve the condition but keep it in check.
A trip to the spa for a deep cleansing facial is a perfect start. A good esthetician will also help to recommend products that address the needs of adolescent and adult onset acne and treatments that can also help to diminish the appearance of acne scars and discoloration of the skin.
For more information or to schedule a free skin consultation for your preteen, teenager, or yourself, contact Beyond Harmony Day Spa at 661-298-8008.