All about skin, science and life with teens

The blemish has healed, but the dark mark is still there. Here’s why inflammation can leave pigment behind and why not every acne mark is a scar.

Why do teenage blemishes seem to favour the face, chest and back? The answer lies in sebaceous glands, puberty and what happens inside the hair follicle.

Why does one teenager barely get a blackhead while another struggles with repeated blemishes? Genetics, hormones and skin biology may explain the difference.

Can oily teenage skin still need moisturiser? Learn how the teenage skin barrier works and why gentle cleansing and hydration both matter.

Oily teenage skin can make more washing seem like the obvious answer. But how often should teenagers wash their face, and can too much cleansing irritate the skin?

Why does one blocked pore stay a blackhead while another becomes red and sore? We look beneath the surface at inflammation, C. acnes and teenage blemishes.

Why do blackheads and blemishes appear during the teenage years? We look beneath the surface at what happens inside the hair follicle during puberty, why blackheads aren’t dirt, and how oil, blocked follicles, bacteria and inflammation all play a role.

Why does teenage skin become oily during puberty? In Part Two of Upenya’s Beneath the Surface series, we explain how hormones influence the sebaceous glands, what sebum does, and why oily skin is not the same as dirty skin.

What is skin, and how does it function? In Part One of Upenya’s Beneath the Surface series, we explain the skin’s main layers, key functions and why understanding its biology is important for young skin.

Marula oil is a potent ingredient when used in sensible quantities with other ingredients in modern skincare

Walk into any pharmacy with a teenager and the promises hit you immediately. Clinically tested. Dermatologist approved. Scientifically formulated. Every product looks more credible than the last. The problem isn't you - it's what's missing from the label.

Teen acne is more than “just a phase.” Learn how sport, sweat and hormones affect teenage boys’ skin, and how a simple routine can support healthier skin and confidence.

Teen sport bags are home to socks, half-eaten bananas, mystery towels, and apparently enough bacteria to concern a microbiologist. Natasha takes a humorous look at teenage sport culture, acne-prone skin, and why modern skincare advice is making everyone slightly unhinged.

Acne-prone skin can appear oily, so many teens skip moisturiser, which can make breakouts worse. So the short answer: yes. Acne-prone skin needs daily moisturising. Moisturising supports the skin barrier, maintains hydration, and helps keep skin balanced and comfortable. Why skipping moisturiser makes acne worse Even though acne-prone skin can appear oily, it can still be dehydrated and requires moisturising to support the skin barrier. When skin becomes too dry: Water is los

Teenagers are using increasingly complex skincare routines, often layering actives without understanding their impact. This can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to irritation, inflammation, and breakouts that do not settle. This blog explains how barrier damage presents, why it is often confused with acne, and how a simple, consistent routine supports recovery and long-term skin health.

Does food really cause acne? Many parents worry that sugar, dairy, or chocolate are behind their teen’s breakouts. Research shows diet can influence acne in some individuals, but it is rarely the main cause. Here is what the science says about food and teenage acne.

Acne in teenagers is more than a skin condition, it’s an emotional and psychological battle that can deeply affect self-esteem, identity, and social confidence. Understanding the mental toll of acne and responding with validation, support, and practical solutions can help teens build resilience that lasts far beyond the awkward years.

Salicylic acid, commonly referred to as BHA, is one of the most widely used ingredients in skincare for blemish-prone teens. Its oil-soluble structure allows it to move into pores, helping to exfoliate congestion and support clearer-looking skin. In this blog, we unpack how BHA works, whether it is safe for teenage skin, and how to use it in a balanced routine without disrupting the skin barrier.

We’ve had so many queries from parents about whether face scrubs help teen breakouts. The truth is, scrubbing acne-prone skin usually makes things worse by irritating the barrier, spreading inflammation, and disrupting the skin microbiome. Here’s why gentle care works better, and what to do instead.

Niacinamide turns up frequently in skincare, but what does it actually do for teen skin? A science-led guide for parents on how this gentle form of vitamin B3 supports acne-prone skin, and why simple beats intense.