Today we were visited by the 5th grade girls group from the Young Women’s Resource Center. Our desk manager, Brittany, is a mentor for this weekly group and we decided that who better to teach the girls about basic skin care (and spa careers!) than Brittany’s co-workers!
While preparing for our visitors, Lydia and Cassandra spent awhile researching and sharing with me good advice for anyone, but ESPECIALLY girls who are just starting to develop changes in their skin. Please pass along their great questions and our estheticians’ answers to any young people (and their parents) that you know who are needing skin care advice!
Q: What’s a pimple?
A: A pimple is a clogged pore. A pimple becomes a whitehead when it worsens and the oil can’t get to the surface. You’ll see a white dot at the tip which means it is ready to be extracted (by a professional!) A blackhead is a pore clogged by bacteria that turns dark when exposed to air. Contrary to common belief, it is not caused by “dirt.”
Q: Do I have to wash my face EVERY day?
A: We recommend washing your face morning and night. At night, you’re sleeping for 7-8 hours (or more!) and that gives plenty of time for any bacteria and oil left on your face time to clog your pores. It is also important to wash your face or at least to use a cleansing wipe after gym class or sports practice.
Q: How does bacteria get on your face?
A: Think of all the things we touch every day, then we touch our face! Our phones have more bacteria than most toilet seats (really! ICK!) and our pillow cases also harbor lots of oil from our hair and bacteria. Regularly washing your hands, wiping off your phone, and changing your pillow case is a great way to help reduce bacteria on your skin. Also try not to touch your face.
Q: What else causes me to get pimples?
A: Genetics, hormonal changes, some medications, bacteria, and the use of cheaper/greasy make-up that can clog pores are common causes of pimples.
Q: Should I pop a pimple?
A: NO! If you are getting lots of pimples, you’ll want to see a dermatologist (skin care doctor) or an esthetician (a person with education and a license educate you about skin care and provide facials). If you get an occasional pimple, you might be able to treat it with a clay type mask and/or a bit of a clearing spot treatment. If you pick at your pimples, you run the risk of getting a scar or introducing an infection once bacteria gets into the sore you leave behind.
Scenes from our YWRC group visit
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