Facials – why they should be every teen’s BFF

The teenage stage is a confusing and stressful time. In amongst evolving friendship dynamics, crushes, assignment deadlines, TikTok trends, and the raging hormones that inevitably have an impact on our skin, there is no better time to start building good skincare habits that pave the way for a lifetime of skin health.

Some of the most common skin challenges my teenage clients come with include eczema, overly sensitized skin, and acne. Acne, in particular, can be devastating to a teenager’s self-esteem, with research studies reporting that youth with acne shared that the appearance of their skin makes them feel “unattractive, embarrassed or self-conscious”.[1]

This potentially leads to them isolating themselves, and trying to take matters into one’s own hands. I have had far too many teens coming to my studio seeking miracle solutions for blemishes and scarring from botched extraction attempts or picking at the affected sites. And it pains me that the time and process to repair and restore the damage is significantly more complex and intensive than had they come in earlier and I could partner with them on how to proactively address their skin needs.

But such is the magic of youth, and if there’s one tip I could pass onto all of my teen clients to help prolong that youth, it would be to have a healthy diet and to use sunscreen every day! As simple as that.

So what does a TGP facial for teens involve? As we tailor each of our medical-grade treatments to the individual client’s skin conditions or challenges, it generally wouldn’t vary too much from one we’d offer to adults. Using our cruelty-free and cleanly composed products, we’d start with a deep cleanse, then a custom peel to relieve the congested pores, gentle extractions (when professionally done, this shouldn’t cause too much inflammation, scarring or redness), and a custom mask to purify or soothe. Next, we’d bring out the big guns of LED therapy, which emit blue light energy to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, and red light to help soothe and calm the skin. By the time we’re done, we’ll have you feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the world.

Of course, this is not a “one and done” solution and acne will remain a reality of adolescence! The real work begins when the teen starts and ends each day with a simple, yet disciplined, skincare routine to help reduce the frequency and duration of acne flare-ups. Depending on the severity of the client’s skin condition, I would recommend coming in for a professional check-in and treatment monthly, and then lengthen the intervals in between until their skin is consistently clear.

This is also an excellent opportunity for teens to experience the importance and benefits of self-care. The facial treatment itself is a 60-minute digital detox, where one just needs to relax without distractions. I also foresee that the young client’s dedication to their at-home skincare regimen may also play a part in helping to bolster one’s self-efficacy and esteem.

What’s not to love? 

[1] American Academy of Dermatology, Acne can affect more than your skin