dealing with “Tween” skin

by Rina Revivo

 There was a time when we could safely classify the early stages of human life as babies, kids and teens. This is no longer true. There is a new group out there with their own lifestyles, their own stores, their own fashions, their own entertainers, their own TV shows, their own magazines. They even have their own attitudes. Who are these people whose spending power is expected to reach over $40 billion by 2005?

 They are known as Tweens, that group who are no longer kids, but not yet teens. Unbelievable as this may be to many adults, the Tween years can begin as early as eight, although the younger segment is usually positioned as between 10 and 12 years-old and the older group between 13 and 15 years-old. What cannot be denied is that they are an entity unto themselves and, for better or for worse, they have lost the innocence of childhood, but really haven't acquired the sophistication they think they have. They still depend on their parents but are turning more and more to their peers, sharing with them in person or via chat lines their most intimate thoughts and doubts. And they have created their own role models in an attempt to adjust to the world. While it's true that this phenomenon has had a greater impact on Tween girls, there is no reason to assume that Tween boys aren’t equally insecure. Because, in reality, no matter how mature they would like to think of themselves, they are still inexperienced.

 And for this reason they are extremely vulnerable and sensitive. They way they look is critical to them, even more than their teen counterparts. They want to be like teens in some ways, but not in others. For example, they may aspire to the teen lifestyle, but they certainly don’t want the skin problems that teens are prone to. What can they do about it? Well, they clearly don’t have any control over the dramatic hormonal changes that are taking or going to take place as they make the transition. And chances are, they won't be able to stop the onset of acne. But they can absolutely learn some important facts in advance and develop some good habits which can lessen acne’s effects and prevent other skin problems.

 This is not as easy as it sounds. Up the point in the lives of Tweens, they have had the advantages of having the skin of young children, and children have the most beautiful skin. All the attributes of perfect skin: softness, elasticity, blemish-free – are present in the skin of early Tweens and occasionally beyond. Any blemish that might appear disappears as quickly as it came, so while a Tween may be rationally aware that all this is going to change, it is tough for her or him to imagine it at the moment. Consequently, training Tweens to take care of their skin falls into the same category as teaching them good eating habits or how to balance schoolwork with their social lives. It is possible, but don’t expect it to be undemanding. The first step would be to begin at the beginning. It is amazing how many of us know more about our brains, hearts and liver than we know about our skin. This is especially true for Tweens. So the idea is to give them an overview without excessively boring them (anything we say will bore them – it is a question of degree).

I try to use appropriate imagery. “Imagine living in a castle. The walls of the castle help keep you warm in the winter -- cool in the summer. They protect you from the winds and the rain and the blazing sun. They protect you from enemy attack. Year after year, that castle is your fortification, your barrier. It is your first line of defense against the punishments of the outside world. Your skin is that castle between the outside world and your internal self. The skin is the largest organ of our body and it is constantly being exposed to physical and chemical abuses -- overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, pollutants, toxins, germs. Nothing protects you like your skin. It is constantly on guard against environmental threats, shielding and sheltering your body all through your life. The skin is a lot more complex than it appears. It is composed of layers and layers within these layers. The skin constantly renews itself: new cells are produced and dead cells are pushed toward the surface, where they lose their moisture and flake off.  From birth to old age your skin is constantly changing. Unfortunately, the first onset of these changes usually takes place as you become a teenager. So be prepared.”

Being knowledgeable in skin care and helping prepare Tween children for these upcoming and generally unpleasant changes can lessen the impact, but not entirely alleviate it.

"There is no single disease which causes more psychic trauma, more maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority and greater sums of psychic suffering than does acne vulgaris."  Sulzberger & Zaldems, 1948

Teenage skin is usually beset by blotches and pimples that normally disappear in when they become adults.  But until that time these eruptions cause tremendous social discomfort and affect self-confidence. Teen magazines are filled with confused letters and columns of advice. Parents frequently try to be consoling, but they do it in the wrong way. “You're beautiful to me” isn’t helpful. Neither is telling them that their bodies are changing and they have little control over that, or that they are not the only ones facing this distress.

That’s why preparing your Tween in advance is so important. Since they are not yet enduring the painful reality of acne, they can at least be psychologically prepared and – even better – they can be taught good skin-health habits that can aid them when acne or similar typical teen skin disorders strike.

First, there have they should understand that acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin, usually related to hormonal changes and overactive sebaceous glands during adolescence. Common acne is also known as acne simplex or acne vulgaris.  Acne appears in a variety of different types, ranging from non-contagious pimples to deep-seated skin conditions. 

Acned skin has the same characteristics as oily skin and is especially common during adolescence when it affects the face, shoulders, and back. The first signs of acne are usually seen during puberty when there is an increase in hormone production that stimulates the sebaceous glands. This leads to blackheads which in turn can develop into pimples and acne. Not everyone with blackheads will develop acne, but everyone with acne has blackheads. It has not been determined why some people develop acne while others do not. Acne has a demoralizing effect on a person and, if neglected, can cause pits and scars (physiological and psychological) that will not be outgrown. Although there is no surefire way to prevent acne, there are several ways to help reduce the number and severity of breakouts.

What can we do to slow the processes down? Plenty.

1.   It is important to start with a good cleansing regimen that will deeply cleanse your skin yet is very gentle.

2.   Protection - You need to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays and environmental stress.

3.   Nourishing your skin when it is young will give it more support later on.

4.   Attack the acne at the onset - In the very first stage of acne (blackheads, bumps, redness...)

DON’T’S

1. Never pop your pimples or zits: you are increasing the chances for infection and scarring.
2. Getting a tan does not clear up acne. Actually, the drying power of the sun can lead to irritation. Your skin should always be protected by a high SPF non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) sunscreen. And stay away from tanning beds!

DO’S

1. Wash your face two-three times a day with a gentle, specially formulated cleanser to remove dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt and make-up from your skin's surface. But don’t scrub or overwash; dry skin becomes irritated.
2. Specially formautled medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) will probably help your skin but, as in washing, because you use more medication doesn’t mean you'll get swifter results.
3. Consult with a dermatologist.
4. Change your linens on a regular basis.
5. Although sugary and high-fat foods don’t seem to be related to acne, it is still a good idea to eat fruits, vegetables and grains. The skin is part of the body, after all. And drink a lot of water.

• Use mild or 'dermatologically tested' skincare products
• Moisturize your skin on a daily basis
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Pharmaskincare acne products attack acne on many levels. The primary concern is to treat those blemishes that have appeared on the skin. Then, it is equally important to prevent the recurrence of acne. Each of the products has been formulated to open clogged pores, destroy acne causing bacteria and relieve inflammation. The end result wil be skin that is dramatically clearer and -- with proper follow through -- less prone to future attacks. This combination of products will help Tweens avoid many of the hazards that too often emerge in teenage skin. i.e. oily skin, dry patches, acne.

One of the primary characteristics of Tweens is their gradual emotional withdrawal from their parents. This has as much an effect on parents as it does on their Tweens as they begin to lose some of the automatic control and authority they once had.  One way of maintaining an emotional bond would be by discussing the oncoming skin care problems before they occur and setting up some good skin care habits in advance. That way the parents can become the ones to turn to for solace and understanding. After all, most parents have gone through it all when they were teens – of course, that was in the days before the Tween emerged as the new and complex demographic.

Because acne is common does not make it any less troubling or embarrassing. At last -- a powerhouse multiple treatment in one potent serum for acne that targets not one, but all the problems associated with acne prone skin, treats the unsightly blemishes, restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. This is a unique breakthrough combination of phytoactive substances, yeast walls and special acids that inhibit bacterial proliferation, shrink swollen pores and hinder the activity of damaging enzymes. Clears the complexion by decreasing the excretion of excess oil, purifying the epidermal layer and reducing the number of comedones for dramatically clearer skin.

At last—a powerhouse multiple treatment for acne that restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. No one product can treat the unsightly blemishes that can affect your teen years and often many years beyond. Now, thanks to some remarkable developments in skin research, acne need no longer be the barrier between you and the world.  Each product is formulated to reinforce the others so that the total result is clear skin that you can keep clear. Acnecare: the products only Advanced Science could have made possible.

ACNECARE REPAIR is a unique formula designed to speed up healing while helping to promote the skin’s natural moisture and guard against future attacks. It is a vital part  of a powerhouse multiple treatment for acne that restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. For maximum results, continue with other Advanced Science® Acnecare products as directed.

ACNECARE DERMA CONTROL penetrates pores with antibacterial power to control further breakouts, reduce acne blemishes, improve skin clarity and reveal a healthier complexion. It is a vital part of a powerhouse multiple treatment for acne that restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. For maximum results, continue with other Advanced Science® Acnecare products as directed.

ACNECARE SOOTHING is a restorative formula that helps protect skin from irritation and itching, and promotes faster healing and renewal by promoting skin hydration. It is a vital part of a powerhouse multiple treatment for acne that restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. For maximum results, continue with other Advanced Science® Acnecare products as directed.

ACNECARE TONER is the second step in the acne fighting process. It thoroughly perfects the cleansing process, helping to stimulate circulation and refine open pores. It is a vital part of a powerhouse multiple treatment for acne that restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. For maximum results, continue with other Advanced Science® Acnecare products.

ACNECARE CLEANSER is the first step in the acne fighting process. Its special formulation removes excess oils, grime and makeup without irritation. It is a vital part of a powerhouse multiple treatment for acne that restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. For maximum results, continue with other Advanced Science® Acnecare products as directed.

ACNECARE EXFOLIATOR deeply and thoroughly removes the excess sebum and cellular debris that accumulates even on clean skin. Use at least twice a week after cleansing and toning. It is a vital part of a powerhouse multiple treatment for acne that restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. For maximum results, continue with other Advanced Science® Acnecare products.

ACNECARE SPF-15 protects your skin from harmful UV rays without clogging your pores. Forget what you may have heard: the drying power of the sun does not clear up acne and can lead to further irritation. Acnecare SPF-15 is a vital part of a powerhouse multiple treatment for acne that restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. For maximum results, continue with other Advanced Science® Acnecare products as directed.

ACNECARE SERUM is a specialized super-strength treatment targeting pimples and zits. It is a vital part of a powerhouse multiple treatment for acne that restores your skin to health and helps keep it that way. For maximum results, continue with other Advanced Science® Acnecare products as directed.

 PH ACNE TREATMENT  (60 MINUTES)

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin, usually related to hormonal changes and overactive sebaceous glands during adolescence. Common acne is also known as acne simplex or acne vulgaris.  Acne appears in a variety of different types, ranging from non-contagious pimples to deep-seated skin conditions.  Though acne generally starts at the onset of puberty, it also afflicts adult men and women.

Acned skin has the same characteristics as oily skin and is especially common during adolescence when it affects the face, shoulders, and back. The first signs of acne are usually seen during puberty when there is an increase in hormone production that stimulates the sebaceous glands. This leads to blackheads which in turn can develop into pimples and acne. Not everyone with blackheads will develop acne, but everyone with acne has blackheads. It has not been determined why some people develop acne while others do not. Acne has a demoralizing effect on a person and, if neglected, can cause pits and scars (physiological and psychological) that will not be outgrown.

Pharmaskincare® Acne products attack acne on many levels. The primary concern is to treat those blemishes that have appeared on the skin. Then, it is equally important to prevent the recurrence of acne. Each of the products has been formulated to open clogged pores, destroy acne causing bacteria and relieve inflammation. The end result will be skin that is dramatically clearer and -- with proper follow through -- less prone to future attacks. The role of the esthetician is crucial to this.

PharmaPeel

Acne scarring

With acne scarring, a small portion in the deep germinative layer is damaged leaving it full of fibrous scar tissue. The scar is depressed as healthy tissue destruction continues. Using controlled Micro Epidermal skin abrasion creates a precise action to be performed only on the scar without affecting the healthy skin. It is even possible over a period of time to perform deeper erosion and create a blending effect of the surrounding scar tissue. The method allows two actions: First: Erosion of the superficial thickened scar tissue to the needed depth greatly improves the general appearance. Second: The vacuum action created stimulates increased blood flow to the dermis, aiding in tissue repair and correct cell renewal regeneration.