TEENAGE
What happens to skin during adolescence?
The teenage years are a time of profound transformation in physical, intellectual and emotional characteristics. The skin is a very visible example of this transformation. As the hormonal axis wakes up, this changes the way the skin works in a number of ways:
1) Oil producing glands known as sebaceous glands start to produce sebum meaning the skin can often feel oilier.
2) The microbiome of the skin changes with a different mix of bacteria and yeast.
3) Blemishes and spots become more common due to the increase in oil production and microbiome changes.
4) The scalp is more prone to dandruff and flaking due to the oiliness and increase in yeast.
5) Sweat glands known as apocrine glands start to work producing a thicker sweat which can have a stronger odour than previously, particularly under the arms.
Alongside these physiological changes in the skin, the teenage years are a defining time in laying the foundations for confidence, self-esteem and body image. Having a visible skin condition at this stage in life can further complicate adolescence. Skin conditions can profoundly impact on self-image at any age, but this is amplified during teenage years. Even relatively mild skin concerns can impact on young people and are associated with social withdrawal, feelings of isolation and poor self-esteem.
Dr Emma’s approach to teenage skin
Addressing adolescent skin concerns requires skill, compassion and patience. Dr Emma aims to effectively treat, empower and educate young people, supporting them in the management of their skin condition. Her goals in this age group is to ensure skin conditions do not impact their day to day life and don’t carry forward physical or psychological scars into later life. At the same time, it’s essential to reinforce healthy self-image, underscoring that self-worth is much more than appearance related, but that effective treatment of visible skin conditions can reduce the mental load.
Dr Emma’s expertise in teenage skin
Dr Emma has extensive experience of working with adolescents, having run the adolescent dermatology service at Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital. She is often asked to speak at conferences and on radio and television on the subject of young people’s skin. She diagnoses and treats all adolescent skin concerns and offers an extensive range of effective treatments. She is also a mother of teens, so understands the challenges and pressures that young people face.
How can Dr Emma help teenagers with their skin
Laying the foundations of healthy skin care practices early is an excellent strategy to ensure long term skin health. Young people are exposed to a huge amount of misinformation about skin from social media and other sources. It’s essential to educate and empower them to ensure they understand the key aspects of maintaining and respecting healthy skin. Dr Emma will work collaboratively with young people and families to build a skin health-focused routine, which is palatable for a teenager and incorporates their skincare goals.
A Word from Dr Emma
“Make an appointment to discuss your teenager’s skin now.”
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APPOINTMENT
Your healthy skin journey starts here.
To schedule an appointment with Dr Emma Wedgeworth contact us using one of the options below.
