Sam Farmer is a trusted source of cosmetic science information and specialises in teenage personal care.
Caroline Hirons Solves Teen Skin Problems
Sam chats with expert Nadine Baggott
Sam chats with expert Nadine Baggott
Sam chats with skincare expert Caroline Hirons
Products labelled ‘hypoallergenic’ don’t really help in any way, neither does anything to do with dermatologists (tested, recommended, formulated with) as most dermatologists don’t have qualifications in cosmetic chemistry and...
Returning to reality doesn’t mean you have to leave your holiday glow behind. With the right skincare routine, you can extend that radiant, sun-kissed look long after the summer ends.
During adolescence, hormonal changes can affect our bodies. From increased oil production which can sometimes lead to acne to body odour and greasy hair. Understand these developments and know that...
Caring for teenage skin during the British winter is about balancing cleansing and moisturisation, protecting from harsh weather and overall health. Following these guidelines, young adults can maintain healthy, resilient...
It's not just about cleanliness; it's about encouraging a sense of self-care and confidence. Habits, formed during these formative years, lay the foundation for a healthy, confident and well-balanced adult...
Good hygiene is not just about self-respect, it is a personal responsibility. By thinking ahead and planning, you can keep clean and fresh during your travels, ensuring a more enjoyable...
As young adults we experience considerable changes to our skin. An informed approach to skincare, particularly exfoliation, can achieve the best skin health. There are usually more questions than answers...
It’s time to talk about how you can protect your skin from the sun. You can enjoy the sunny weather and still take care of your skin with these snippets...
This must be one of the most asked questions we get here at SAMFARMER as we know the teenage years can be a rollercoaster ride when it comes to your...
If your parents had acne there is a strong possibility that due to genetics, you will also experience acne to some extent. However, the good news is that there are...
There are many routes into a career in Cosmetic Science. Here are some suggestions which will all depend on the level of education you currently have.
Introduction to Cosmetic Science
Degree Level
De Monfort University (Leicester)
John Moores University (Liverpool)
Postgrauate
Yes, my fragrance is synthetic (All Classic fragrances including Channel No 5 use synthetic fragrance) I'm surprised to read that you have irritation issues with synthetics as they are usually included to avoid this exact issue.
Essential oils are are far higher in allergenic compounds such as limonene, citral, cinnamyl alcohol, geraniol and eugenol. In fact, more than half of the allergens that need to be listed in the INCI list are naturals. I do not think that essential oils are in anyway better for my range, in fact, I would be wary of using essential oils on teenage skin.
Using synthetics allows for a more controlled chemical compound and a reliability in quality and fragrance stability. Also, from a sustainability angle, fragrance from rare or protected raw materials, such as Sandalwood, can be reproduced without the risk of extinction! It also keeps the cost at an affordable level.
There are no 'harsh' chemicals in UK or EU Cosmetics.
It might be useful to just clarify an important distinction. In the UK, we are regulated by the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, there is a clear distinction here between what is a cosmetic and what is a medicine. A cosmetic is defined as (I'm summarising here) 'any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the body to clean, perfume, protect and/or correct body odours.' However, any product that 'restores, corrects or modifies physiological functions' is a medicine and is regulated by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority). As cosmetic chemists, we can only produce products that fit in to the first definition.
Sweat is secreted through the Eccrine and Apocrine sweat glands in the skin. However, it is only the Apocrine sweat that releases a thicker secretion containing molecules that are broken down by our skin bacteria and cause body odour. These glands are mainly found under the armpits and in the groin area.
The term 'Harsh Chemicals' is rather emotive language based largely on misinformation. If cosmetics or personal care products were harsh on the skin, they simply will not sell. Every product has to go through various complex processes to determine their safety, including a Toxicologist's report. In my opinion, the most successful, safe and proven cosmetic active to counter Apocrine sweat is Aluminium Chlorohydrate. The Aluminium salts form a gel like structure on the skin, blocking the pore. They sit on the skin, are designed to go no further and are simply washed off the next time we bath/shower.
Ten is a bit too young for my formulations.
Please see the SAMFARMER products recomended age FAQ
If someone has skin that is prone to spots, there isn't a cosmetic product on the planet that will prevent it 100%. However, start with a gentle face washing routine that will minimise outbreaks and help to reduce the 'redness' associated with these outbreaks.
The SAMFARMER face wash is extremely mild but I would reccommend other brands that deal with this 'tween' age group. SAMFARMER formulations are created for teenagers in the full throws of adolescence, oily skin and breakouts being the most common skin issues.