Skincare 101
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Hormones trigger teen acne by causing increased oil-production by the oil glands, which also causes sticky skin cells inside the pores. The combination of oil (sebum), sticky cells, and trapped bacteria (C. acnes lives in your skin) causes swelling, inflammation, and a mini explosion. Hello, acne. That’s why it’s important to keep those pores clean and free of the sticky cells (so the oil can’t get trapped). This takes maintenance, patience, and a routine.
Friction and sweat make teen acne worse, so playing sports combined with wearing masks and helmets may trigger acne. It doesn’t mean you need to stop your sports (please don’t), but getting in a good routine will help make your skin strong (that’s what we call a strong barrier) and able to withstand the irritation caused by friction and sweat. That’s also why we say not to overscrub the skin.
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Our products contain a mix of alpha and beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid) a cousin of trichloracetic acid, niacinamide, and oligopeptide-10 among other goodies. Check out our ingredient list here.
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Antibiotics (both topical and oral) are falling out of favor for acne. They probably disrupt the skin microbiome which is important for skin health and maintaining clear skin. There are a lot of alternatives to antibiotics these days, so we recommend trying other options first.
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Yes, teen skin is different. It tends to be more oily and breakouts like to favor the forehead (where most of the oil glands live) and cheeks. Young skin can’t handle the rich, oil-based serums and heavy moisturizing products that are made for adult skin. Many adult skincare products also contain added ingredients and chemicals that may cause irritation and harm to young teen skin. The good news is that teen skin is more resilient and has a quicker cell turnover than adult skin, so blemishes should resolve and heal quickly.
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Yes, absolutely. There is overwhelming evidence to show that dairy (yogurt and cheese are worse than other dairy) and diets high in processed carbs and sugar can contribute to acne. Milk protein, whey protein, and high glycemic diets stimulate an increase in insulin and the IGF-1 and mTORC1 pathways, which leads to increased sebum and clogging. Try switching to an alternative dairy option and eating more real food, less take-out, less red meat, more whole grains, healthy fats (avocado, olive oils), and more fruits and vegetables (more plants). Taking a good multivitamin or superfood supplement with zinc, chromium, and vitamin D and adding a pre- and probiotic is also recommended.
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Not really. Even a small sunburn or too much sun can cause inflammation in the skin and trigger acne. Wearing a light oil-free sunscreen every day will actually help to keep your skin clear. Try it, you’ll see.
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Yes, just because you are a teen and your skin is more resilient and strong doesn’t mean you can skip moisturizing. Keeping the skin moisturized will protect the precious skin barrier and help keep breakouts at bay. Your skin can’t fight off breakouts if it’s dehydrated. And, yes, even oily skin needs to be hydrated and moisturized. We recommend using our Spotless Peptide Serum and if you need more hydration, you can layer your favorite lightweight, oil-free moisturizer on top.
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You can use these products alone or in combination with your other favorite brands, but we suggest trying them as a 3-4 step system. Try cleansing gently once or twice a day with the Clarity Cloud Cleanser, then use the Acne Clearing Wipes, and finish with a drop of the Spotless Peptide Serum. The Pore Shrink Mask can be used a couple times a week. Feel free to add another oil-free moisturizer if needed, and don’t forget your favorite facial sunscreen.