Back-to-School Skincare Tips for Teens and Tweens
Q&A with Golden Child Founder, Genevieve Dolan
Transitioning from summer fun to school time can be challenging for young adults for many reasons. What are some of the things you’ve seen and experienced when younger when it comes to that transition?
For me, the hardest part was adjusting back to the structure of school and the busy schedule that came with it. Summer always felt more relaxed: spending time with friends, being outside, and having a lot of freedom. While I loved reconnecting with my school friends, the idea of sitting in a classroom all day felt like a big adjustment. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and uneasiness; though at the time, I didn’t realize that uneasiness was actually a form of anxiety.
How can the stress of back-to-school and schedule shifts impact your skin?
Sleep changes, homework, tests and sports are external factors that can easily bring on stress and impact hormones, as well as vice versa, hormonal changes can impact stress levels - both of which have an effect on skin and can often lead to acne breakouts and inflammation. Also, teen drama with friends and relationships can also lead to stress, and indirectly affect your skin and cause flare ups.
How can skin stress impact your overall wellbeing and mental health?
I dealt with this a lot through high school and college. I had cystic acne when I was younger, and it definitely brought up feelings of insecurity and overthinking, which led to a lack of confidence. We are our worst critic, and I would have told my younger self that it is not as bad as it seems, but at the time it felt terrible.
What are some ways to alleviate or resolve these ailments in order to feel your best?
Understanding personal wellness, both physical and mental, at an earlier age can make a huge difference in feeling our best. Practices like meditation, yoga, and regular exercise help me tune into my body, while learning about the changes it’s going through can guide me toward what truly supports it. Using the right skincare products and ingredients, and knowing how to prevent inflammation before it starts, is equally important.
Even sports and small habits for staying organized can make a big difference. Back in high school and college, I played tennis, which gave me an energetic outlet, and for school-related organization, I relied on binders, folders, and planners, not just to keep track of assignments, but to create a sense of structure. It might seem minor, but that little bit of order can ease anxiety, provide a feeling of control, and ultimately boost confidence and overall well-being.
What are some ingredients kids and young adults should look for in their skincare that can help calm inflammation and irritation?
There are so many amazing ingredients that can help calm inflammation and irritation. Colloidal Oat is great for calming redness and irritation, while also acting as a humectant that draws water into the skin to maintain hydration. In fact, we have this in our Golden Child cleanser, and I absolutely love it! Ginseng is a great antioxidant that helps improve circulation and has anti-inflammatory effects. I also love Ectoin, which soothes the skin and provides skin barrier support - we use this ingredient as well and it has become super popular in the last year. I could go on and on but a few other favorite ingredients of mine include Reishi mushroom, Probiotics, Aloe vera, Apple Stem Cells, Niacinamide, Hyluronic acid, Dragon Fruit oil, Ceramides and Ferulic Acid.
How can a good skincare routine help combat or prevent the impact of stress on the skin?
Routines can help bring structure and stability to daily life. A consistent skincare ritual is a form of self-care that can be grounding and offer a calming moment in life’s chaos. I think skincare can also help build inner confidence, especially when you can rely on products that soothe breakouts and improve skin health overall. Consistency in a routine with products that work proves that you are showing up for yourself, which can ease stress and help you connect inward. This always kept me more grounded as I started to take more control of my acne and health. It’s just one less thing you have to worry about when you know that your products are going to work effectively to treat an issue you may be dealing with as it relates to your skin.
What is a minimalist skincare routine and how does it help college and high school-aged kids transition from summer to back-to-school?
A minimalist skincare routine is a stripped-down, essentials-only approach that focuses on a few multitasking products vs. a multi-step approach. When transitioning from summer to fall, it means there is more structured indoor time, recreational activities outside of the school day (evening sports games, practices, alternative lessons, etc.) and environmental shifts - all of which can cause stress and changes in the skin. It is so easy to integrate a minimalistic skincare approach into a busy morning and evening routine because it is a tapered down approach. Plus fewer products within the rotation means less chance of irritation.
When I built Golden Child, I wanted to create a minimalist approach for that exact reason. It is a great minimalist option for college and high school aged kids, consisting of a Cleanser, Serum, and Moisturizer that can be used under makeup and as a primer. Followed by your favorite sunscreen, this is the perfect tailored down approach to one’s morning routine. While I love summer and traveling and having a more lax schedule, I can easily get off track with my self-care routine (or at least I used to as a teen), so I think bringing this in when you head back to school can kickstart your mind into getting ready for the next structured 9 months.
Plus, summer heat, sun and lots of activity and probably lots of food, might wear out your skin a bit. So getting back to a clean, reliable routine can clean up the buildup and help you show off that summer glow in class.
Want to check out Golden Child? Use code hellomama20 for 20% off your order.
Editor’s note: At Hello Mamas, we love sharing great health and wellness tips, but this is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare team before starting any new routine or treatment. Also, at Hello Mamas, we share products we personally love and may earn a small commission from affiliate links. This doesn’t affect the price you pay. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in, but your experience may vary.
