Beverly Hills Esthetician, Rebecca Palmer shares her secrets on how to help your teen clear up their skin this summer.

Q: My teenager is broken out all over her face and back. Is there anything she can do to clear up for summer?

If the patient is able to be out of the sun for 2 weeks I would recommend a series of chemical peels prior to summer. If they will be in the sun I would recommend a deep pore facial on the face/body including a light glycolic peel with extractions. For body breakouts, I really like to incorporate a body wash that has benzoyl peroxide.

Q: Do facials really help clear up teenagers skin? If so, can they get facials in the summer?

Absolutely! In the summer, the temperatures will rise and this will lead to more oil production. Acne prone patients will need even more deep cleaning in the summer then they would in the fall/winter months. It is really important to go to a licensed, experienced esthetician who performs proper extractions. Improper extraction techniques can lead to further scarring.

Q: What is an easy daily regimen for teens to take care of their skin in the summer?

The most important thing in skincare is using products that are correct for your specific skin type. Someone with dry skin will not use the same products as someone with oily skin. I am also a firm believer in using medical-grade skincare products. There are true active ingredients in medical grade products that will really change and treat the skin in the subcutaneous layer. I recommend to almost every patient to cleanse both morning and night with a gentle cleanser that will not strip your skin of it’s natural oils. In the morning I like to keep it simple with a gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, followed by sunscreen. In the evening is when I like to apply all my products with active ingredients. For my acne prone patients, I will have them cleanse, follow with a salicylic acid toner, then benzoyl peroxide (if necessary).

Q: Are there certain foods that teens should stay away from or certain foods that are good for their skin?

I am really passionate about this subject. I believe the skin is a direct reflection of your total body health. As someone who has previously struggled with acne for many years, switching to a plant based diet has been the biggest contributor to my clear skin. However, I do realize this is a very challenging switch for most. If you can make one switch to your diet, I would recommend cutting dairy out of your diet. Acne is most often caused by hormones. Dairy is known to contain hormones that can cause inflammation in the body, which then leads to breakouts. Consuming foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids and antioxidants such as berries, avocados, nuts, and dark leafy greens can visibly reduce inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and much more.

Rebecca Palmer
Rebecca is a licensed board certified esthetician that brings 7 years of industry knowledge and experience in the aesthetics industry. She specializes in treating acne and pigmentation irregularities. You can call to 3102756600 to schedule an appointment with Rebecca.