Understanding and Respecting Teen Skin Microbiome

Understanding skin has always been paramount in the beauty industry. And while adults often make up the main demographic for many skincare products, there's another group whose skin demands equal attention: teenagers. Their skin, often perceived as the epitome of youthful radiance, faces a myriad of challenges that differ from their adult counterparts.

The physiology of teenage skin is inherently different from that of adults. Hormonal fluctuations, school stress, and the pressures of adolescence play a significant role in the complexion and overall health of a teenager's skin. Let's take a closer look at the intricacies of teen skincare.

The Basics of Teenage Skin

Teenage skin is primarily influenced by puberty, which results in hormonal surges. Lucy Xu, Treatment Director at Premier Laser & Skin Clinic London, notes the challenges that arise: "With teen skin, you have the typical skincare concerns like zits and oily, acne-prone skin. Hormonal changes during puberty can drastically affect the skin."

According to Xu, teenage girls can start a skincare regimen as early as 11. However, simplicity is key. "Keep the routine short and sweet. With early wake-up times and bedtimes, it's best to stick to cleansing, moisturizing, and daily SPF protection. Also, incorporate exfoliation once a week for smooth, soft skin," she suggests.

When discussing the difference between skincare products for teens and adults, Xu highlights the unique needs of each group. For teens, products should address blemish control and excess oil, focusing on clean, organic ingredients. Adults, on the other hand, have broader concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, necessitating more potent formulations.

A Delicate Balance in the Teen Skin Microbiome

Teen skin has what many adults desire: high collagen and elastin production. Respecting this physiology is paramount. Reena, co-founder of teen-driven indu skincare, emphasizes the importance of the teen skin's microbiome.

She says, "All of our products contain blends of pro, post, and pre-biotic that help to respect the teen skin’s microbiome, keeping it happy and healthy." To maintain hydration, which is vital for a healthy microbiome, indu skincare utilizes ingredients like hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom, and squalene.

More targeted products in their range incorporate botanicals such as bakuchiol, birch extract, and willow bark to reduce sebum production, purify the skin, and enhance texture and complexion. "We also made sure to include soothing ingredients like panthenol, ginger, and bisabolol to keep teen skin calm," Reena adds.

One of the most researched topics concerning the teenage skin microbiome revolves around the role of Propionibacterium acnes (recently reclassified as Cutibacterium acnes). While this bacterium is a natural inhabitant of the skin, imbalances in its populations can be associated with the development of acne lesions.

This bacterium becomes particularly noteworthy during the teenage years when hormonal changes lead to increased sebum production. An imbalance in its population can contribute significantly to the development of acne vulgaris, a common concern during adolescence. The bacterium's ability to cause inflammation and its propensity to form biofilms in the skin can exacerbate acne conditions, making some cases resistant to standard treatments.

Keeping it Simple

Both experts advocate for a simple approach. Reena offers foundational advice: "Wash your face, use a clean towel, moisturize even if you feel your skin doesn't need it, and always apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or above."

It’s never too late to start caring for your skin, with Xu sharing that it can be helpful to establish a basic routine as early as 11 years old. "I would recommend keeping their routine short and sweet. With early wake-up times and bedtimes, there’s not enough time to get all steps in, so I would suggest having 3 e.g., cleansing, moisturizing, and using SPF protection daily. Additionally, incorporating exfoliation once a week is crucial, as it removes dead skin cells and promotes soft and smooth skin. However, it's important to avoid popping zits, as it can worsen the problem. Instead, use spot treatment and practice patience for better results”.

It's clear that teen skincare requires a tailored approach, understanding the unique challenges and benefits of their skin physiology, and brands like indu-skincare are leading the way in addressing the struggles faced by young skin. As the beauty industry evolves, it is paramount that such nuances are addressed, offering teenagers the tools they need to navigate these formative years with confidence.