IS YOUR TEEN’S SKIN READY FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL?

“Anxiety-provoked skin conditions require a holistic approach.”

— Dr. Tonya Abraham-Ali

As the July/August vacation comes to a close, the excitement — and uncertainties — of a new academic year can be overshadowed by anxiety. The first place this shows up is the skin, which causes even more emotional distress and perpetuates the whole vicious cycle.  Here’s how to help your children through it…

How anxiety affects the skin 

Skin conditions that are worsened by anxiety are a visible reminder of the mind/body connection. A powerful emotion that can wreak havoc on both mental and physical health by triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, anxiety creates a “fight or flight” response in the body. This hormonal imbalance can disrupt normal skin function, leading to or worsening skin conditions.

Conditions to look for…

• Acne

A common skin condition among teens, acne tends to worsen with stress. Increased anxiety triggers the production of cortisol, a hormone that can lead to excess oil production and inflammation, resulting in more breakouts. Because acne is so noticeable, it can cause embarrassment, creating a seemingly never-ending loop. 

• Eczema

Eczema is a chronic condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin. Anxiety makes flare-ups not just worse, but also more frequent. It’s uncomfortable and near impossible to resist scratching, which in turn can lead to skin infections. 

• Hives

Anxiety can also cause hives — those rash-like, itchy welts that suddenly appear on skin. Stress-induced hives are usually the result of the body releasing histamines (chemicals that cause an allergic reaction) in response to anxiety.

• Psoriasis

An autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell turnover, psoriasis causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. Anxiety can both trigger and worsen flare-ups, causing inflammation and weakening the immune system. 

• Skin Picking

Some teens, when they’re anxious, develop a habit of picking at their skin as a coping mechanism. This can lead to open sores, scarring, and infections.

How to tackle them

• Watch the routine

A simple skincare routine is great for managing conditions like acne and eczema, but consistency is key.  

— For acne, use non-comedogenic products and avoid harsh scrubs

— For eczema, moisturise regularly and use fragrance-free products

— For hives, use gentle, fragrance-free soap and cleanser

— For psoriasis, choose gentle cleansers and moisture-rich soaps; when moisturising, opt for creams, oils or ointments as opposed to lotions

— For skin picking, talk to your dermatologist who may recommend trusted approaches/support to stop the habit, in conjunction with treatments that may include antioxidants, chemical peels, and brightening serums

• Change the behaviour 

 For those struggling with skin picking in particular, interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy and habit reversal training can help break the cycle. 

• Manage stress 

Tried and true techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, physical exercise and proper sleep routines can reduce anxiety minimise anxiety-related skin conditions.

• Nurture your relationship

Creating a supportive home environment where teens can talk about their concerns goes a long way to calming them down and reducing their anxiety. 

• Get the right help 

If anxiety (and the resulting skin conditions) become severe, professional advice from a dermatologist or a mental health professional is important. They can provide and/or recommend specialised treatments, therapies, and medications to address both the skin condition and the anxiety behind it. 

This way, your teens can start the school year feeling more confident and comfortable in their skin.

THE MIND/BODY CONNECTION

“Neuropsychology and dermatology definitely intersect.”

— Dr. Tonya Abraham-Ali

The connection between the mind and skin is a fascinating field that sits at the crossroads of neuropsychology and dermatology. It primarily manifests through psychodermatological disorders — conditions where psychological factors profoundly affect skin health. 

One of the most intriguing and challenging of these is delusions of parasitosis, where people falsely believe their skin is infested with parasites, leading to significant distress and often self-inflicted skin damage.

Despite the fact that there is no medical evidence supporting this belief, patients say they feeling crawling, biting, or stinging sensations on their skin, which they attribute to imagined insects, worms, etc. As a result, they often engage in compulsive behaviours like scratching, washing, or applying harmful products in an attempt to rid themselves of the perceived infestation. Naturally, this can lead to significant skin damage, infections, and scarring.

The condition is classified as a somatic delusion, where psychological distress manifests as a physical complaint, making it challenging to manage. Addressing these types of conditions therefore requires a multidisciplinary approach, often combining dermatological care with mental health treatments. 

Antipsychotic medications are often the cornerstone of treatment. They work by targeting dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to alleviate delusional thinking and reduce compulsive behaviours. 

Patients tend to resist at first, as they believe their condition to be purely physical, but with empathetic communication and strong support — including cognitive behavioural therapy — this approach can lead to significant improvement. It’s always inspirational to see patients develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the anxiety level regarding their skin sensations.

By combining dermatological expertise with awareness about the role mental health plays, conditions like these can be overcome, improving the imagined symptoms and greatly enhancing quality of life.

THE AGE OF AGEING MISINFORMATION

We get why the global skincare industry has been experiencing an unprecedented rise in the popularity of anti-ageing products — everyone wants to drink from the fountain of youth! Despite these products having been formulated to address the signs of ageing in adults, a concerning trend has emerged, with teenagers using them in droves and engaging in “preventive” regimens to avoid premature ageing. Here’s the truth: they’re doing themselves more harm than good. 

Misaligned skincare needs

Teenage skin differs significantly from adult skin — duh! Adolescents are in a major developmental stage of their lives, and typically have oilier skin thanks to hormonal changes. This can lead to acne and other skin challenges. 

Anti-ageing products, on the other hand, are intended for mature skin, which tends to be drier and less resilient. It should go without saying that using products designed for older skin can — and does! — disrupt the natural balance of teen skin, potentially exacerbating common adolescent skin problems like acne and oiliness.

Potential for skin damage

Anti-ageing products typically contain potent ingredients like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). While these ingredients can be beneficial for adult skin, they are too harsh for younger skin. Excessive use often causes irritation, redness, peeling, and most importantly, potential permanent chemical scarring and long-term damage to the skin barrier. Delicate teen skin simply can’t handle it. 

Hormonal disruption

Just as worrisome is that some anti-ageing products contain ingredients that can interfere with the hormonal balance of teenagers. Parabens, phthalates, and certain fragrances can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially affecting hormonal development and leading to issues like irregular menstrual cycles in girls, as well as hormone-related skin problems.

Psychological effects

This disturbing trend also has mental health implications. The pressure to maintain “perfect” skin can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and and poor body image. Some teens may develop an unhealthy obsession with their appearance that is completely counterproductive to healthy all-round development. 

Expensive and unnecessary

As a parent, please don’t let your teen convince you that investment in these types of skincare products — which are often more expensive than those formulated for younger skin — is necessary. It isn’t, no matter what their favourite TikTok influencers say. Instead, a proper skincare routine for teens should focus on gentle cleansing, hydration, sun protection, and addressing specific concerns, like acne.

Guide your teens towards understanding the basics of skincare and encourage them to adopt routines that promote long-term skin health. You can always come in and see us if you need specific advice; we can help ensure that your teens are using products that are well suited to their developing skin. Remember: in the pursuit of healthy skin, less is often more — especially when it comes to youthful, resilient teenage skin.

SUN SCREENING (OR HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR SKIN IS A-OK!)

Want to look like a gorgeous, bronze goddess? You can grab some Vitamin D, just be smart about how you get that sun-kissed glow. 

Skin damage and ageing

One of the most immediate and visible effects of tanning is skin damage. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates the skin, causing damage at a cellular level, which manifests in the form of wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation and sun spots. Skin also tends to become dehydrated, flaky, and itchy, since the sun’s rays deplete its natural moisture. In severe cases, sunburn can occur — and because UV exposure accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres, which are essential for maintaining youthful, firm skin, there is also loss of elasticity.

Increased risk of skin cancer

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation significantly raises the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma, in particular, is highly aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body. While this practice is not very common in the Caribbean since we have the real thing — the sun — the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against the use of tanning beds, citing the severe health risks they pose. Excessive UV exposure can also suppress the immune system, reducing its ability to combat infections and other diseases.

Here’s an easy way to check if you’re in the clear.

Eye damage

Tanning can have detrimental effects on eye health as well. UV radiation can cause photokeratitis, a painful condition that’s kind of like sunburn on the cornea; people with lighter coloured eyes should be particularly careful. Long-term exposure increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other serious eye conditions that can lead to vision impairment or loss.

The takeaway? Everything in moderation. While the allure of a tan might be strong, you’ve got to weigh the aesthetic benefits against the health risks. Embracing sun safety measures, like using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, all can help protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

BEAT THE BURN

JAVA, the long-awaited July/August vacation is here, which means fun, friends, fam, and long, lovely beach days! Every rose has its thorn, though — or in this case, every beach its sea urchin — in the form of UV exposure/sunburn. This can lead to lead to long-term skin damage and premature ageing, not to mention an increased risk of melanomas and other forms of skin cancer. Here’s how to safeguard yourself from sunburn this summer… 

Understand your opponent

Think of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays as radiation that can damage your skin. 

• UVA rays have the power to deeply penetrate your skin, causing premature ageing and wrinkles.

• UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, damaging the skin’s surface layers. 

Both types of rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is when you’re most vulnerable – but it’s also the best time to enjoy the beach. Fear not; you can still develop a solid sun protection strategy.

Pick the right sunscreen

Sunscreen is your first line of defense, but how do you choose the most effective ones (and use them properly)?  

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor) — Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which gives you protection against both UVAs and UVBs.

• Application — Apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget areas like your ears, the back of the neck, the top of your feet, and even your head. 

• Reapplication — Reapply every two hours or so (more if you’re swimming).

Bear in mind that kids are particularly susceptible to sunburn. There are many reliable sunscreens specifically formulated for children, which are gentle on their tender skin.

Cover up

Clothing can provide an excellent barrier against UV rays. 

• Long sleeves and long pants are a great starting point; even better if you go with lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres.

• Hats are heroes. Opt for wide-brimmed styles that shade your face, ears, and neck.

• Sunglasses are non-negotiable (unless, of course, you’re doing something physical or sporty, and run the risk of any sort of impact). Polarised sunglasses with UV protection safeguard your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

Throw some shade

Limiting direct sun exposure can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn.

• Take cover — Umbrellas (UV blocking versions are now available), changing tents, canopies, or even trees can offer shaded areas when you need them most.

• Be a timekeeper – Opt to avoid sun exposure during peak UV hours.

• Check the UV index – Use this daily forecast of UV radiation levels, which can be sourced via various UV apps and websites, to help plan your outdoor activities. Bear in mind that surfaces like water and sand can reflect UV rays and increase your risk of sunburn, so apply extra sunscreen and wear protective clothing like rash guards to boost your resistance. 

Hydrate

Not only does hydration help maintain healthy skin, but it can also reduce the severity of sunburn, so drink lots of throughout the day, especially if you’re active. Drinks like coconut water, which contain electrolytes, can replenish what’s lost through sweating and exertion.

Take action

If you do get sunburned, do your best to minimise the damage right away. 

• Submerge — Cool (not cold!) baths and compresses are great at soothing skin.

• Moisturise — Keep your favourite moisturisers handy to prevent skin from drying out.

• Hydrate — Drink extra water to help your body recover.

• Stay out of the sun — Keep the sunburned area covered and protected from further sun exposure.

• Consider treatments — Our Celluma LED light therapy machine has a good track recored in treating sun damage and hyperpigmentation.   

Sun protection is an important habit to nurture in order to prevent both short-term discomfort and long-term skin damage. Enjoy your holiday!