Teenagers have always been bombarded by peer and academic pressure, but new research is finding that teenagers are having even more difficulties than in the past. One study found that high school students in the 2010s reported more difficulties, such as trouble sleeping, thinking, and remembering and shortness of breath; they were also twice as likely to have seen a professional for mental health concerns in comparison to their 1980s counterparts.1
Mental health concerns include: anxiety, depression, significant weight change, change in diet, change in sleep patterns, fatigue, irritability, flat facial expression, little interest in activities they once found enjoyable, difficulty paying attention, withdrawal from social interaction or activities, low self-esteem, neglecting other activities, constant phone use, and sore neck or headaches.2
Skin care professionals can help alleviate these symptoms with regular skin care treatments where the teenager and their parent can experience true sensory stimulation, such as soothing scents and facial massage. These treatments will help to lessen the appearance of skin problems, such as oiliness or dull, sallow skin. It is a win-win situation for the teenager and the skin care professional. It does not cost nearly as much as a costly private summer camp program for the parent and could possibly help to prevent the detrimental conditions associated with the stressors of life.
Catering to teenagers requires a comprehensive model: age-appropriate menus, atmosphere, and treatment times that are convenient for a teenager’s busy schedule.
The first step is to create a menu of services that can easily be incorporated into other services teenagers already have. These services include easy-to-apply face masks during manicures and pedicures and invigorating dry brush massages prior to waxing. Another way to cater to the teenage market is to create an express bar experience that provides facial treatments that are both fun and beneficial.
CREATE AN EXPRESS BAR EXPERIENCE
Creating a spa mask express bar can be an area where teenagers can enjoy relaxing facial treatments that help stimulate the senses while helping to improve the appearance of skin texture and elasticity, as well as reduce the appearance of skin discoloration. Utilize natural extracts, such as seaweed, matcha green tea, chocolate, vanilla pumpkin, and mixed berry combined in a cleansing, alginate peel-off mask. These fresh facials can be customized like smoothies for the skin. Teenagers will love the delicious aromas while reaping the physical and emotional benefits of sensory stimulation from light facial massage and a calming, custom-blended face mask.
To begin, do a thorough skin analysis of the skin. If the teenage client has excessive oiliness and breakouts, recommend a full facial for oily, acne-prone skin that includes extractions. If their skin is red and sensitized, recommend a full facial that includes ingredients such as: seaweed, silver, quercetin, and mirabalis jalapa, as well as a special silver ball massage device that allows the skin to be massaged with a lightweight serum without the fingers touching the face.
Be sure to recommend an at-home version of the mask and eye pads for the teenager to use two to three times a week until their next appointment. Encourage teenage clients to return weekly for this fast, easy treatment in order to enjoy the benefits for their skin and their rested and restored mental state.
References
Images courtesy of Sarkli-Repechage, Ltd.
© 2017 Sarkli-Repechage, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Lydia Sarfati, president and founder of Repêchage, is an internationally recognized skin care expert quoted in Vogue, In Style, Glamour, and New York Times, as well as featured on CNN, CBS, and FOX. Sarfati is the creator of the world-renowned Four Layer Facial® and has over 30 years of experience as an aesthetician, spa owner, manufacturer, and consultant. She authored Success at Your Fingertips: How to Succeed in the Skin Care Business. She has recently been appointed honorary chair of EstheticsAmerica, CIDESCO USA and is Skin Care & Spa Council Director of Intercoiffure North America.