The Science Bit!

It's fair to say that skin is at its most temperamental during the teenage years. Hormones are running riot, and we are most likely to suffer acne during these years. Although acne is possible during the tween years (ages 9 to 12) and many people suffer it in their adult lives too. There's no miracle cure to solving problematic skin, but 98% of skin care products found on the market are completely inappropriate for young skin because they contain harmful chemicals that are typically damaging, aren't necessary and have the potential to cause allergic reactions.

Understanding teenage skin

Did you know that your skin is actually the largest organ of your body? It's important to take care of it, because it protects your other organs and bones from damage. It does this by constantly renewing itself and staying healthy.

  • The Dermis. The surface of the skin is called the Dermis, which is where you'll find your blood vessels, nerve endings, oil glands and sweat glands. Your sweat glands are effectively your skins thermometer, controlling the temperature, and eliminating toxins from the epidermis layer. Gradually, the top layer of the epidermis will die, and be replaced by new skin cells.
  • The Subcutaneous Layer. Beneath the surface of the skin, is the subcutaneous layer in which you'll find the Sebaceous glands that hold sebum. Sebum is a concoction of acids and fats that travel up the hair shaft to the surface of the skin, and help to protect against bacterial invasions which could contribute to an acne outbreak. This can be a huge problem throughout the teenage years, as it is during this period that our body produces more sebum than at any other time in our life. Too much sebum build-up on the surface of the skin leaves skin looking and feeling greasy and dirty, which blocks the pores, trapping dirt inside and creating blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. A consistent natural skincare routine cleans away excess sebum and grime, whilst regulating the amount of sebum left on the surface.
  • Whiteheads. Whiteheads are white because air and dirt have not made contact with the sebum that is trapped in the pore.
  • Blackheads. Blackheads are dark because sebum changes colour when it is exposed to the air.
  • Pimples. Pimples form when there is an infection caused by bacteria entering the pore or hair follicle. This triggers inflammation, redness and a build-up of puss, which can result in acne and pimples.

Developing a healthy skin care routine with natural & organic skin care products is important while you are young. If you begin this process now, you will enjoy a healthy routine that will stay with you for your entire life. The result will be good hygiene and a personal knowledge of your skin's needs.