The Prepster Blog: Teen Skincare & Hygiene Tips

Hand holding Prep U charcoal deodorant against a concrete wall, showcasing modern odor-fighting solutions.

Jul 6, 2021

Sniff and Tell: The History of Deodorant

Deodorant was first trademarked in 1888, but the battle against body odor goes back to ancient Egypt. Here is how deodorant evolved from a zinc oxide paste to today's natural aluminum-free formulas.

A blue Prep U balm pen on a textured background with colorful pens beside it.

Jun 30, 2021

The ‘Head to Toe’ Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

From tackling acne and dandruff to preventing athlete's foot and soothing shaving irritation, tea tree oil delivers genuine results across a range of teen skin concerns. Here's how terpinen-4-ol — its active compound — works from head to toe.

Close-up of a teenage boy with blonde hair and freckles against a textured wall.

Jun 22, 2021

Why Hormones Stink: Puberty and Body Odor

Boys develop body odor during puberty because hormones activate a second type of sweat gland — the apocrine gland — whose secretions feed odor-causing bacteria. Here's the biology, the timeline, and how to help your son build a routine that actually works.

Prep U Charcoal Bar soap on white dish next to modern faucet, highlighting personal hygiene choices.

Jun 12, 2021

Body Wash vs. Bar Soap: The Ultimate Showdown for Teen Skin

Choosing between bar soap and body wash for your teen doesn't have to be complicated. This guide breaks down how each format works, what ingredients to look for, and how to match the right cleanser to your son's skin type and habits.

Young man in a colorful striped shirt squatting at a sunny park with palm trees.

Apr 22, 2021

Natural Skincare: Better for You AND the Earth

Natural personal care products protect teen skin and the environment by avoiding synthetic chemicals — parabens, phthalates, SLS — that accumulate in the body and in ecosystems. Here's what "natural" actually means, which ingredients to watch for, and how to read a label.

Young man adjusting his hair in front of a colorful graffiti mural, showcasing urban style and carefree attitude.

Apr 1, 2021

“Clean” Hygiene: What It Means and Why It Matters

Clean hygiene means no parabens, phthalates, SLS, or synthetic fragrance — with ingredient lists that are transparent and independently verified. Here's what 'clean' actually means, which ingredients to avoid, and how to verify a product is genuinely clean.

Stylish display of Prep U acne treatment products on a wooden tray, perfect for skincare enthusiasts.

Mar 25, 2021

Does Witch Hazel Help with Acne?

Witch hazel helps mild teen acne by removing excess surface oil, reducing redness, and tightening pores — without harsh chemicals. Here's how it works, which skin types it suits best, and how to use it in a simple daily routine.

Prep U blemish stick and packaging on a textured surface, perfect for acne treatment.

Mar 14, 2021

Your New Favorite Blemish Stick

The Prep U Blem Pen is an all-natural antiseptic spot treatment using witch hazel, tea tree oil, and aloe to reduce blemishes without harsh chemicals. Here's what's in it, how it works, and when to use it.

Three bottles of Prep u Daily Face Wash on a textured surface for men's skincare routine.

Feb 23, 2021

Best Face Wash for Guys by Skin Type

Choosing the right face wash for your teen starts with identifying his skin type. This guide covers what oily, dry, combination, and sensitive teen skin each need — including which ingredients to look for and which to avoid.

Man in trendy athletic wear demonstrating a fun and active fitness routine against a colorful wall.

Oct 28, 2020

Building His Health & Fitness Routine: Why It Matters & How to Start

The fitness and hygiene habits a teen boy builds during puberty are the ones most likely to stick into adulthood. Here's how to help your son find exercise he'll actually do, build a schedule around real life, and connect workouts to a consistent post-activity hygiene routine.

Charcoal cleansing soap bars resting on a unique agate slice for detoxifying skincare.

Sep 29, 2020

Going Charcoal: 5 Things to Look for in a Charcoal Cleanser

Not all charcoal cleansers are worth buying. Here are five things to look for — activated charcoal placement, moisturizing oils, clean ingredients, the right format, and cruelty-free credentials — before adding one to your teen's routine.

Close-up of a person skateboarding in stylish shorts and sneakers on a sunny day.

Sep 22, 2020

5 Tips to Destress this School Year

Five practical ways to help your teen son manage school-year stress — organization, a consistent daily routine, daily exercise, protected screen-free downtime, and knowing when and how to ask for help.