A short blog on how puberty affects the skin.
Puberty occurs when gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is released from the hypothalamus in the brain. As a result, the pituitary gland (also within the brain) is stimulated to release other hormones (FSH and LH) that act on the sexual organs to produce the hormones oestrogen and testosterone.
Testosterone is responsible for several skin changes at puberty. It increases sebum production (oil) and armpit sweating from apoeccrine sweat glands. It is also the cause for pubic and axillary hair growth.
Menstrual cycle hormonal fluctuations also give rise to cutaneous changes, including premenstrual exacerbation of pre-existing skin disorders such as psoriasis, atopic eczema, and lupus erythematosus.
Teenagers may find that when they hit puberty, they may be prone to breakouts. This is due to the fact that the oil glands enlarge and produce sebum. This in turn, clogs the pores causing breakouts – whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and papules (spots).
Here are some things to do, be aware of and things to completely avoid:
Do:
- Eat nourishing foods to feed your skin
- Drink water
- Avoid touching your face often
- Cleanse daily
- Use gentle face products
- Wash your hands before touching your face
- Wash your pillow regularly – using natural washing detergent
- See a dermatologist if it worsens
- Keep a diary, to see if you can work out your triggers
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Know it is normal, it happens to so many people, you are not alone
Be aware of:
- Too much processed foods, sugar, salt – it’s not to say you can’t eat them but do so in moderation
- Harsh skincare products
- Using your phone near your face – think where you put it down and what may be on it
- Makeup you use and dirty brushes – wash them often
Don’t:
- Be harsh or over scrub your face as this can actually make the sebum work harder. This can affect the skin making it oilier as it is trying to protect the skin, which can cause more inflammation and block the pores more, or it can make it sensitive
- Pick or squeeze spots although tempting, you could be introducing bacteria into the skin and it can also cause scarring, pro-longed healing or cysts
Why the Lucy Bee Range is suitable:
The range uses organic and natural ingredients.
Over 70% of the range is certified COSMOS Organic & Natural and is also unisex and we’ve carefully chosen each ingredient for their benefits.
We’ve formulated these products with no added fragrance because we understand how sensitive some skin types can be.
Our Radiance-Boosting Face Cream, Reviving Cleansing Cream and Exfoliating Tonic are all formulated without:
- Petroleum
- Silicones
- Alcohol
- Formaldehyde
- PEGs
- Sulphates
- Artificial Dyes
- Soy
- Gluten
- Parabens
These three products, which make up our Core Collection are all dermatologically approved for sensitive skin, and we recommend using all three products for the best results. Please see the step by step routine here.
We have samples and full products on the shop, with many teens already using and seeing the benefits.
You can find the range here, as well as samples here.
Lucy, CIBTAC accredited beauty therapist.
About Lucy Bee Limited
Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.
Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.
