A new dynamic

According to the International Spa Association, "Nearly 4 million (teens) have been to a spa where they learn how to deal with stress, eat nutritiously and care for their skin. 16 percent of spas offer teen programs, 34 percent offer teen packages and 17 percent offer packages for children." Clearly, the trend is here to stay. And because spa treatments are safe and not to mention, fun — it’s only natural that young girls want to follow in mom’s footsteps and indulge in spa services.

Best bets for teens

A fresh haircut or new hairstyle is a popular spa treatment for everyone, including young teens just starting to experiment with beauty treatments. Choose a stylist who is well versed in all hair types, and who will respect that the needs of a young person are unique, and not suggest anything drastic or move too quickly. As an added benefit, most stylists are able to teach hair care basics, including how to prevent split ends, proper shampooing and conditioning methods, styling tips and how to protect the hair from heat damage. As a best practice, avoid permanent hair color until the age of 18. If a change in hair color is desired, consider temporary color that is easily washed out if the color is suddenly no longer fun.

Manicures and pedicures are very safe and popular treatments and, ideal for a birthday party as several girls can enjoy the treatment at once. Teenagers can customize their mani/pedi, choose a specific polish color and enjoy a bit of pampering all at the same time. The treatments will include exfoliation, cleaning the nail bed, clipping and shaping the nails and nail polish. The manicurist should use new tools and clean the whirlpool tub after each use; don’t feel awkward questioning the spa if you don’t notice this protocol.

Another treatment that was once considered only for adults is taking off — facials are rapidly becoming a skincare staple for young women. And even though skin at this age has less sun damage, and healthy amounts of collagen and elastin, there are still some skincare concerns (acne or oiliness) that can be addressed with a facial. A teen facial should be an amended version of a basic facial and include: cleansing the skin, exfoliation, acne treatments such as extractions or high frequency only if the esthetician has deemed them necessary, a facial mask, and then moisturizer. Under no circumstances should a teenage facial include micro-dermabrasion or acid peels of any kind; these treatments are too intense for young skin and generally, simply not necessary. A facial is also an excellent chance for the esthetician to teach young teens the basics of good skincare, and explain why each step is important, as well as answer any questions teens may have about the changes in their skin, especially acne. Finally, if desired, products can be recommended for at-home use.

After the scrubbing and the polishing comes playing with makeup, usually one of the most popular spa services. Use this time as a chance to let your teen play with different colors and formulas, experiment with products and figure out a happy medium between the amount of makeup she may want to wear, and your comfort level as a parent. The makeup artist can show different techniques, help pick products and make recommendations for each girl based upon skin tone and level of interest.

Adults only

Some spa treatments are not suitable for teenagers, including:

• Waxing - While most to all spas will have a minimum age requirement for this procedure, a best practice is to save all waxing services until your child is at least 18 years old. And even if your teen is begging for a waxing treatment, most spas will not allow waxing services for anyone younger than 18 due to the potential liability should the wax burn or cause an allergic reaction.
• Massages - Some spas will offer neck, back and shoulder massage for teens but the parent should insist upon remaining in the treatment room for the procedure. A young teen’s body has not fully developed and a massage could induce bruising, so tread carefully when considering this service.
• Chemical Peels - Chemical peels are not for anyone under the age of 18, period. Teenage skin is not only too delicate for a chemical treatment, but most teenagers do not have the type of environmental or sun damage that necessitates a peel. Instead, buy your teenager a gentle exfoliator and a tube of sunscreen, and save the chemical peels until she is a full-grown adult, with adult skin concerns.

Although it may seem like a spa party exposes young teens to an innately adult experience, with a little forethought, these services can be tailored to gently introduce teens to a lifetime of great skincare, and let them still be kids in the process.

See also:

Safe at the Spa: Pregnancy

Treating Teen Acne

Skincare for Teens: Beyond Blemishes