Elevate Your Teen's Skincare Game: A Journey to Radiant, Healthy Skin

Elevate Your Teen's Skincare Game: A Journey to Radiant, Healthy Skin

Greetings to all the incredible parents, aunts, and amazing friends navigating the dynamic world of preteen and teen skincare! As the proud creator of an all-natural skincare brand and the trusted confidante for a squad of awesome teens (including my own preteen sidekick), I'm thrilled to share some insights on how we can keep our teens' skincare routine both fun and healthy.

Remember the days when the mere thought of showering competed with playtime? Ah, the memories! But fast forward to today, where an entire generation willingly invests in face washes and masks. While acne often serves as the catalyst for this newfound interest, it's crucial to tread carefully on their delicate, almost brand-new skin.

Today, teens are diving into sheet masks and, brace yourselves, drugstore skincare at a rapid rate. 

A word of caution: those seemingly affordable mainstream brands might harbor sneaky ingredients like synthetic fragrances, hardcore preservatives, microplastics and other chemicals that can wreak havoc on young skin. Many of these also interfere with hormones and pose a potential link to cancer with prolonged use. 

Here’s what to keep your eyes peeled for (think of this as a what NOT to allow in the house list!):

• Phenoxyethanol
•  A long term preservative. 
• It is banned in Japan and the EU.
• Studies have shown that it may cause endocrine disruption and have effects on the blood and liver, and may cause allergic reactions. 
• Some studies have suggested that parabens + phenoxyethanol may have estrogen-mimicking properties, potentially disrupting the endocrine system.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES):
• These are surfactants often used in cleansers and shampoos to create a foaming effect.
• SLS and SLES can be harsh on the skin and may cause irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
• Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
• These are preservatives that release formaldehyde over time to prevent bacterial growth.
• Formaldehyde can be irritating to the skin and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Mineral Oil:
• Mineral oil is a common ingredient in moisturizers and creams.
• While it's not necessarily harmful, it does not provide the same benefits as natural oils, and it is too heavy & occlusive. Clogs pores.
• Artificial Colors:
• Synthetic colors are often added to skincare products for aesthetic purposes.
• Some artificial colors may cause irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
• Synthetic Fragrances:
• Chemicals found in fragrances include phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, and carcinogens benzophenone and styrene. In addition, some children and adults have allergic reactions to fragrance chemicals.

• Microbeads:
• Microbeads are tiny plastic particles used for exfoliation in some skincare products.
• They are harmful to the environment and can contribute to pollution. Many countries have banned the use of microbeads in cosmetic products.
• Propylene Glycol:
• This is a common ingredient in moisturizers and creams.
• Made from petroleum,  it causes irritation and or allergic reactions in some people. 
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer:
• Used to thicken and emulsify
• Made from Microplastics
• Cocamidopropyl betaine:
• A surfactant (foaming agent)
• Can cause irritation, allergic reactions and it disrupts the natural skin mantle
• Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate:
• A surfactant (foaming agent)
• Can cause eye and mucus membrane irritation

Example of a leading facial wash -Cetaphil Daily Cleanser

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, 1.Cocamidopropyl Betaine, 2.Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Pantolactone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid

Armed with current research, let's be the wise guardians our future generations deserve. You may even want to schedule a clean-out date for your teen’s (and maybe your own!) current skincare routine. 

Now, let's talk all-natural without diving into extremes. I'm not suggesting a complete switch to an organic lifestyle or face-washing sessions in the river (though, personally, I'm river water's biggest fan!). Moderation is key. Take Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils, for example—too much of a good thing can disrupt hormone balance. Our Peak Scents products strike the perfect balance and ratios. 

Here’s an easy daily routine I’d suggest to build healthy life-long habits for your teens:

Our Dream Teen Daily Skincare Routine: Repeat Morning & Night

1. Cleanse: We suggest the Power Repair Foaming Cleanser

• Purpose: Essential for removing built-up dirt, impurities, and excess oils from the skin.
• Benefits for Oil Balance: Helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts by maintaining a clean and clear complexion.

2. Tone: We suggest the Power Repair Toner

• Purpose: Balances the skin's pH, tightens pores, and readies the skin for subsequent treatments. Gets hard to reach, left-over dirt from cleansing. It’s also a great refresh after playing outside!
• Benefits for Oil Balance: Restores the skin's natural balance, reducing excess oiliness and preventing overproduction.

3. Treat with Serums: We suggest the Power Repair Vitamin C Solution and Babchi Serum

• Purpose: Targets specific skin concerns such as acne, inflammation, or hyperpigmentation.
• Benefits for Oil Balance: Regulates oil production, promoting a more balanced complexion. Reduces any acne scarring and brightens complexion.

4. Moisturize: We suggest our Babchi Serum as the perfect lightweight moisturizer.

• Purpose: Hydrates the skin and maintains its moisture barrier.
• Benefits for Oil Balance: Reducing pore size, acne scaring and combating acne. 

Weekly Skincare Additions:

5. Exfoliate (Once a week): We suggest our Green Clay Mask and/or Fruit Enzyme Lift. 

• Purpose: Removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and promotes cell turnover.
• Benefits for Oil Balance: Regular exfoliation helps prevent the buildup of excess oil, reducing the risk of breakouts.

Additional Spot Treatments:

6. We Suggest Our Handy Blemish Stick:

• Purpose: Targets and treats individual breakouts.
• Benefits for Oil Balance: Contains ingredients to reduce inflammation and promote healing, addressing blemishes without over-drying the skin.

7. We Couldn’t Live without Our Green Clay Mask:

• Purpose: Draws out impurities, cleanses pores, and absorbs excess oil.
• Benefits for Oil Balance: Deep cleansing helps control sebum production, minimizing the appearance of blackheads and maintaining a clearer complexion.

8. Mineral Based Sunscreen with Zinc and or Titanium 

• Toxic Free Sunscreen is essential for protecting our children and the environment

Encouraging consistent use of this skincare routine can contribute to healthier, balanced skin for teenagers, addressing both daily maintenance and specific skin concerns. Pass on the notion that skincare is a superpower—a daily affirmation of self-love.