Appearance, cosmetics, and body art in adolescents

Appearance in adolescents is a means of communication, a language expressin g self identity. Teenagers explore fashions to make personal statements. Te enagers are significant consumers of various toiletry and skin care product s that fill their cleansing, hydrating, and photoprotective needs. They als o are enthusiastic consumers of products aimed at adolescent fads, such as decorative hair and nail cosmetics. For some teenagers, the expression of i ndividualism is achieved through body art, such as tattooing and body pierc ing. Areas of concern are the lack of motivation for sun protection and the risky behavior associated with body piercing and tattooing.