Back-To-School with Clearer Skin

Posted on: August 29th, 2024 by Dr. Michelle Pennie

With students back in the classrooms, teens often face a surge in skin concerns that can impact their confidence and self-esteem. Transitioning from summer break to a new school year brings not only excitement, but also stress, which can exacerbate common issues like acne breakouts, oily skin, and dryness. 

Teens with oily skin may find their complexion becoming shinier and more prone to clogged pores, while those with dry skin might experience flakiness and irritation, particularly with the changing weather. These skin challenges can be particularly frustrating for teens, affecting their day-to-day comfort and well-being. 

Common Skin Concerns

Acne is often a teenager’s biggest skin concern as it is the most common skin disorder in the U.S. While there is no foolproof way to prevent acne, there are ways to minimize breakouts. Acne is triggered by hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle, increased sweat, and the buildup of oils and bacteria. 

A Stanford University study found that college students had acne-flare ups during exams, when they experienced high-levels of stress. Stress doesn’t cause acne, but it can aggravate it. Washing your skin, being mindful of lotions and makeup, avoiding carbohydrate-rich foods, and reducing stress can help diminish acne. To find the best lotions and makeup for your skin that won’t clog pores, make sure they are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic. 

Teens are also dealing with hormonal changes that can lead to changes in the skin. Hormonal changes increase the amount of oil your skin produces. Oily skin can be made worse during the school year due to climate factors such as humidity and heat, poor diet, and stress. Stress can increase cortisol levels, which makes the skin produce more oil. To combat this, oil-free moisturizers and mattifying products control shine without stripping the skin of essential moisture. For students, blotting papers are perfect for on-the-go oil control throughout the day.

Dry skin is another prevalent issue teens have to deal with, especially during the school year. This is due to various factors, including changing weather conditions. Cold, dry weather reduces skin’s hydration levels. Since teens may already be managing issues like acne or oily skin, it’s important to approach treatment that addresses all concerns effectively. Over-cleaning with harsh soaps and hot water can exacerbate dry skin. Gentle skincare products, hydrating serums or lightweight moisturizers are perfect ways to combat dryness. 

Keeping a Routine

Teens struggle to maintain healthy routines, and in combination with school, extracurriculars, and jobs, it often seems impossible. But, to achieve and maintain healthy skin, teens need to establish daily, healthy routines and skincare practices. A consistent skincare routine is essential to tackle acne, oily skin, and dryness concerns teens face. 

Cleansing twice daily, using non-comedogenic products, and moisturizing appropriately can help manage all of these issues. Additionally, incorporating spot treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can effectively target breakouts. Making sure teens are choosing the right products for their rountines is critical. Our board-certified dermatology providers can provide recommendations based on your teens skin needs. 

With the stress of school, teens opt to have snacks for meals, forget to drink water, and stay up studying for exams or scrolling on their phones instead of sleeping.  Encouraging teens to adopt healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular sleep, can significantly improve their skin health during this transitional time. 

School can take up a significant amount of teens’ lives. Make sure they take the time to properly take care of themselves and establish a healthy skincare routine. Acne breakouts, oily skin, and dryness can be minimized with the right lifestyle practices. 

 If you or a loved one suffer from skin concerns, Bliss Dermatology can help! Schedule your consultation today, and begin your journey to a clearer complexion!