David Saunders
In a move that will make many teens breathe a zit-free sigh of relief, Superdrug has just launched a dedicated teen skincare service in select UK high street pharmacies – a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at tackling the emotional and physical stress of puberty, one pimple at a time.
The retailer’s new teen skincare programme is now live in its Manchester Piccadilly, Glasgow, and Milton Keynes branches, with plans to expand nationwide. The service offers free, walk-in consultations, product recommendations, and practical skincare advice for 13- to 18-year-olds navigating the hormonal hurricane that is adolescence.
The decision comes on the back of some hard-hitting numbers. According to new research:
- 72% of 18–24-year-olds said acne was the most challenging part of puberty
- 73% reported a hit to their self-confidence
- 69% said skin issues led to low self-esteem
- 59% admitted feeling embarrassed about their skin
For a generation that lives half its life on camera, these stats are more than just skin deep.
“We know that skincare struggles during puberty can have a huge impact on teenagers’ confidence and mental wellbeing, yet access to expert advice isn’t always easy or affordable,” said Craig Watt, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Director.
“That’s why we’re proud to be the first high street retailer to launch a dedicated teen skincare service in our pharmacies.
Our pharmacists are highly trained and approachable and this new service will ensure young people can access trusted advice, without judgement, in their local Superdrug store.”
The initiative is part of Superdrug’s wider Glow Through It campaign – a full-scale effort to support teens and their parents through the awkward, often unspoken realities of puberty. This isn’t just a PR stunt with a catchy slogan. It’s a multi-pronged rollout of resources, including:
Teen Health Clinics: Superdrug’s rolling out in-store clinics across London, fronted by parenting guru Anita Cleare, to give teens (and their parents) a safe space to chat through all the messy, confusing stuff that comes with puberty.
No judgement, no awkward GP appointments – just real talk and proper advice, right where you pick up your shampoo.
Teen Edit Product Bundles: Carefully selected Superdrug own-brand health and beauty kits that aim to make puberty feel a little less like a minefield and a little more manageable.
Gen Z Vitamin Descriptions: Forget the dry science-y stuff – Superdrug’s giving everyday supplements a Gen Z glow-up. Now it’s “Healthy Bones + Good Vibes” instead of “Calcium for bone health” and “Our Body’s BFF” for Omega 3. It’s all about cutting through the jargon so teens actually get what they’re taking and how it helps them feel good, inside and out.
‘Teen Taboo’ Content Hub: The new Glow Through It website features advice-packed videos, essential guides, and signposts to external support charities – all geared toward helping teens and their parents feel a bit less in the dark.
Watt added, “We want to empower teens to better understand and care for their skin, whilst also supporting their self-esteem. At Superdrug, we’re committed to supporting young people through this important stage of life, not just with products, but with practical advice, compassion and care.”
By leading the charge with high street-accessible teen skincare support, Superdrug is doing more than just shifting moisturiser and face wash. It’s stepping into the gap left by overstretched health services and filling it with something a lot of teenagers desperately need: real advice, from real people, in real time.
For more on the Glow Through It campaign and to access its full range of teen skincare resources, visit superdrug.com/glow-through.
