Tips for Teen Skincare: Skin Microbiome and Acne
Tips for Teen Skincare: Skin Microbiome and Acne
Wondering about the importance of your skin's microbiome? Read more about your skin's microbiome here. How are skin microbiome and acne related? Acne is a multifactorial process, and the skin microbiome plays a big role. Let's examine more about the microbiome relates to acne in teen skin.
At the microscopic level, we see differences in the microbiomes of teens with acne versus those without. When you look closely, there are actually differences in microbiome composition in the part of the skin with an acne lesion versus normal skin in the same region of the same person. Fascinating!
Choosing the right teenage skincare routine is an important part of achieving clear skin. Acne medicines are often drying to teen and tween skin. Dryness, or dehydration, leads to dysfunction of the skin. When we replenish the skin with water (i.e. through use of an effective moisturizer), the skin’s environment becomes more balanced, and this means less irritation and less inflammation in the skin.
How do we support your microbiome with the goal of clearer skin?
- Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser daily such as Bright+Clean facial cleanser
- Protect the skin from inflammation by using mineral sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily
- Avoid products that strip the skin of natural and protective oils
- Choose non-comedogenic skincare
- Moisturize the skin daily with a hydrating and protective moisturizer like Day+Bright
- Implement a consistent, daily skincare regimen
Acne in our Teens, Tweens, and 20s
We are seeing more tween acne in the dermatology office. During puberty, our bodies go through hormonal changes that change our skin microbiome. We can see acne as young as age 8. At this stage, it's important to choose tween skincare that is gentle, yet effective. Dermatologist-recommended tween skincare regimens often include a pH-balanced cleanser and a daily, non-comedogenic sunscreen. And of course, a mineral sunscreen to protect that perfect skin!
We we move into our teens, our hormones are continuing to settle, contributing to acne-prone skin. We have "good" bacteria, fungal, and viral organisms on our skin that help combat and balance the "bad" bacteria that can cause acne. As oil production increases, using skincare products that contain ingredients such as witch hazel help balance oil levels. Additional, anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, and rosehip soothe the inflammation caused by acne.
In our 20s, our hormones still haven't settled, and many of us are facing increased stress with college, new jobs, and launching into adulthood. Skin stress is real, and is rooted in that day-to-day stress that's part of our busy lives. Daily skincare rituals and having a consistent skincare routine help combat skin stress by providing a structured framework that supports skin health.
How does Bright Girl support your Skin Microbiome?
Bright Girl is the only dermatologist/mom-developed skincare for girls in their teens/tweens/20s. Dr. Casey relies on the science of the Bright Girl ingredients, her clinical experience as a dermatologist and skin cancer expert, and her perspective as the mom of 3 teen/tween daughters as she leads this brand.
Dr. Casey and her team developed Bright+Clean cleanser to work with the skin's natural pH and support a healthy microbiome. This cleanser is gentle on your skin but powerful at removing dirt, sweat, and pollution. Combine this with our exceptional Day+Bright facial moisturizer to nourish your skin's microbiome, and you are one step closer to healthy, balanced, clear skin!
Stay BRIGHT!