Teen Skincare: Fab or Fad?

Audience: Middle School and High School Students

Popular teenage skincare brand the Ordinary, showcases their popular products used by many teens. Photo by Getty Images from Unsplash

Skincare is the latest trend that has tweens and teens on a chokehold. One of the most sought-after items on Christmas wishlists is skincare. Popular brands like The Ordinary, Glow Recipe, and Drunk Elephant from stores like Target, Ulta, and Sephora are experiencing skyrocketing sales, due to young teens trying to get their hands on the latest skincare products. So why is teen skincare so popular right now? Ever since the rise of social media, specifically with teenagers, brands have sent their products to influencers to review and recommend. On the other side of the screen, teens can be easily influenced, and want to take part in having a “skincare routine” to avoid fear of missing out. These are some general reasons why teens are drawn to skincare, but there can be many other reasons, such as insecurities, pressure, etc.

What does teen skin need?

As most of us know, every teen’s skin is extremely different and has different needs, as well as major hormone fluctuations. Acne, breakouts, and excess oil production is completely normal in teens, and brands have started targeting their products as “solutions.” However, using these products might not affect  your skin at all. In fact, it could potentially make things worse. Here’s a good guide of what teen skin really needs: a gentle cleanser, gentle moisturizer, effective sunscreen, and acne spot control creams. That’s it! When it comes to teen skin, more is less. Products need to be gentle and effective. “Ten-step” skincare routines can end up destroying your skin barrier, so it’s best to use a maximum of five products.

Harms of teenage skincare products

Many anti-aging chemicals are in skincare products used by teens, which is completely unnecessary, because their skin is already full of those chemicals. Additionally, a developing skin barrier may not have the same resistance as that of an older person. Due to fluctuating hormones, teen skin has different needs at different times, and not many products can cater to that. Many companies have disguised harmful chemicals in their skincare like propylene glycol, oxybenzone, or aluminum. These ingredients are harmful because they can cause skin irritation, can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, or be absorbed into the bloodstream. Due to the rise of skincare in their influencer world, teen skincare invites consumerism, competitiveness, and jealousy, which is not what teenagers should be focusing on in terms of skincare. On top of this, skincare products are expensive. Many teens pressure their parents into spending their money on skincare which is ineffective or just a part of a marketing gimmick. Staying safe from the harms of teenage skincare products is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing skincare.

Benefits of teenage skincare products

While teen skincare might be less fun and more harmful, there’s also a positive side to it. First, it increases a teen’s motivation to take care of their health and personal hygiene, which is an important habit to develop at a young age. Additionally, some products do help clean skin, tame acne, and control breakouts. Instead of trying out different products, seeing a certified dermatologist and using products they prescribe/recommend can really help. That way, you know that you’re spending your money on products that have a high chance of being effective. Additionally, many middle and high schoolers turn to skincare and fun self-care routines to unwind and destress, which helps them prioritize and practice self-care. This can be extremely important for their mental and physical health.

Finding Middle Ground

In conclusion, teen skincare has its obvious pros and cons, but it’s important to find middle ground and remember that not all skincare is good for you, and less is often more when it comes to product usage. Like everything in life, balance is needed (especially in skincare). Remember to use what is safe for teen age, skin, and hormones, or anything recommended for you personally by a certified dermatologist. The future has many possibilities, and that includes creating personalized teen skincare. The future of science and skincare is very vast, and there’s a lot of things for companies and scientists to explore.

Bibliography

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