So you have a teenager...

…and they want a 12 step skincare regimen? I get it. I have three daughters between the ages of 10 & 16… and I was a teenage girl once too. I wanted all the bronzing powders, juicy lip products and smelly body sprays. Today's teen has the same desires but is navigating in a sandbox of social media, targeted ads and influencers that promote beauty over health and profit over people. So what's a girl and her parents to do? Start by understanding what truly promotes clear, beautiful and healthy skin.

Start simply. 

Less really is more when it comes to teens and skincare. 

So many products (even clean ones) are not designed for teenage skin - even when they are marketed that way. Unless there's a real need - skip the active ingredients that often strip skin and cause issues. A simple routine of cleansing, treating and protecting the skin is a great way to start. 

Prioritize clean ingredients. 

Avoiding hormone distrupting ingredients is important. The average teenager puts 17 products on her skin each day. That's hundreds of chemicals… every single day. 

Have fun! 

I loved buying my daughters their first set of makeup. It is fun! Beauty should be good for you and look beautiful. And it can be both. 

Want help finding the right products? Just ask.

A simple place to start. Cleanser.

For years, dermatologists and others have suggested Cetaphil and CeraVe for people with sensitive skin or skin that is prone to redness or itching. Many people I care about (including me!)  have used them for this reason. Here's why I am not a fan.

Cetaphil contains three different kinds of parabens, which are linked to breast cancer, along with sodium lauryl sulfate, which is known to cause skin irritation. 

CeraVe is owned by the L’Oreal Corporation and contains parabens, silicones and petroleum. 

If you want to make a swap - the Counterstart Cococream Cleanser is great for sensitive skin. It uses coconut oil and aloe vera to nourish your skin, without stripping away moisture. 

Want an upgrade? The Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser is great for removing makeup and leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and glowing. This cleanser is also gentle and won’t disrupt your moisture barrier!

Parents of teens: The Cococream Cleanser is the perfect starter product for teens who don’t have acne. Need something for a teen with acne & oily pores? Use our Charcoal Cleansing Bar or Clear Pore Cleanser and check this article because the recent news about acne products is important.

This is not a drill.

Changes really do make a difference. In just 28 days - a reduction of daily-use parabens and phthalates reversed the accumulation of cancer-associated phenotypes within disease-free breast tissue.

High levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene were found in various benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne products from major brands, including Proactiv, Clinique, Clearasil, and more.