Addressing teen skin and young adult breakouts, Ashleigh Sharman spoke to The International Dermal Institute’s Emma Hobson on the relaunched range Clear Start.
Replacing Dermalogica’s previous product line in the teen category, Clean Start, the new acne line addresses teen skin and young adult breakouts more directly with explicit product-names and product reformulations. Understanding that the body and psyche are intensely intertwined, during adolescence in particular, Clear Start aims to intercept acne before symptoms escalate, and act as a platform to educate young adults, teens and even younger tweens on healthy skin care habits.
“The product targets teens showing the first signs of acne but we know that puberty is starting much younger — from thirteen to eleven and now we are seeing as young as seven. Once puberty sets in so does the onset of acne yet teens see skin in very black and white terms. They categorise themselves as having good skin or bad skin; as having acne or not having acne. Coupled with this can be depression and loss of confidence all within a teen market of 2.2 million in Australia,” explains Emma Hobson, Educational Manager for The International Dermal Institute, Australia, Asia and New Zealand.
Taking a simple three-level approach to clearing breakouts the 8-piece range comprises breakout clearing Foaming Wash, All Over Toner, Daytime Treatment, Overnight Treatment, Cooling Masque and Emergency Spot Fix; blackhead clearing Pore Control Scrub; and oil clearing Matte Moisturizer SPF15 plus a Starter Kit of mini products as an introduction to Clear Start.
“Clear Start products needed to address four things: removing impactions from the follicle; killing bacteria; reducing inflammation, and reducing oil production. We’ve focused on clean, fresh scents that will appeal to both genders and have looked to balance active ingredients with botanicals. Nothing can impair barrier function and anti-inflammatories are key as teens can’t be exposed to something that may cause skin sensitivities. We hope these young clients grow into a relationship with Dermalogica and most importantly learn not to strip oils from their skin,” Hobson says.
Aware that the mother is the principle buyer, choosing product for young teens and influenced by older teens; this is a scenario well suited with the range to be sold in Dermalogica skin treatment centres and also online. Success then falls to the professional skin therapist who engages in conversation with their client to understand their children’s skin concerns. Not only an additional revenue stream but the building of new clientele and an increase in brand loyalty for the mother.
“The recommendation of product through Dermalogica professional skin therapists is key. Therapists are supported through teen skin and acne workshops and unique young client offerings such as the Clear Start skin mapping sheet and in-salon twenty-minute Microzone treatment. We encourage our accounts to participate in and create local events that target teens, such as dance or sporting groups or host mums and daughters treatments. Our focus needs to be educating the client of the future — to nurture the next generation.”
For more information contact Dermalogica on or visit www.dermalogica.com.au