Student-Led Nonprofit

Real skin.
Normalized.

Project DermYouth is a youth-led movement breaking the stigma around skin conditions — from acne and eczema to skin cancer and burn survivors.

Sharleez
85%
of teens experience acne
85%
of teenagers experience acne at some point
50M
Americans affected by acne every year
1 in 5
Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
Why We Exist

In a world of filters,
we choose real.

Founded by a teenager who struggled with acne at 13, Project DermYouth advocates for everyone affected by skin conditions. We believe imperfect skin is normal skin — and it's time the world reflected that.

Now Streaming

The DermYouth Podcast

Started in 2023, our Spotify podcast empowers teenagers through the science of skin. We cover acne, psoriasis, eczema, and interview dermatology and beauty experts.

Listen on Spotify
🎙️
Project DermYouth Podcast
Skin education for the next generation
▶ Play on Spotify
Support Our Work

Help us reach more students.

Your donation is tax-deductible and helps us build chapters, run workshops, and create content that normalizes real skin for teens everywhere.

Donate Today
Our Work

What We Do

From workshops with dermatologists to nationwide chapters, we're building infrastructure for a stigma-free generation.

01

Expert Workshops

We conduct workshops with licensed dermatologists and cosmetologists, giving students direct access to science-backed skin education.

02

Professional Interviews

Our podcast and blog feature interviews with healthcare professionals, bringing expert voices to a youth audience.

03

Tech & Dermatology

We explore how AI diagnostics and new treatments are shaping the future of dermatology and healthcare access.

04

Content & Community

Through our Instagram, podcast, and blog, we create a judgment-free community where real skin is always welcome.

05

Advocacy

We advocate for people with acne, eczema, skin cancer, burn survivors, and anyone whose skin story deserves to be heard.

06

Leadership Program

We invite passionate students to join our leadership program and help drive the movement in their own schools and communities.

Expanding Reach

Building Chapters

We're actively launching chapters at the high school and state level so every student can be part of this movement close to home.

🏫

High School Chapters

We're building a network of student-led chapters inside high schools across the country. Each chapter hosts local events, awareness campaigns, and peer education sessions — bringing the DermYouth mission directly into school communities.

📍

Statewide Chapters

Our statewide chapter initiative connects high school chapters within each state, enabling larger events, shared resources, and coordinated advocacy. If you're passionate about skin positivity, we want you to lead in your state.

Apply for Leadership Program
🎙️ Now on Spotify

The Project
DermYouth Podcast

Started in 2023, our podcast empowers teenagers through honest conversations about skin. We cover all skin conditions — acne, psoriasis, eczema — and interview experts in dermatology and beauty.

🎙️
Episodes

Recent Episodes

01

Introduction to Project DermYouth

Meet Sharleez and learn why she started this initiative at 13.

Founder Story
02

Acne: The Truth Behind the Breakouts

Causes, treatments, and myths — with expert insight.

Acne
03

Interview with a Dermatologist

A licensed dermatologist answers your biggest skin questions.

Expert Interview
04

Eczema & Psoriasis: Living with Chronic Skin

Real stories from people navigating chronic skin conditions.

Skin Conditions
05

Filters, Social Media & Skin Confidence

How unrealistic beauty standards online affect teen mental health.

Mental Health
See All Episodes on Spotify
Learn

The DermYouth Blog

Science-backed, stigma-free content about skin, health, and confidence — written for teens, by a teen.

Acne 101

Understanding Your Skin: Acne Demystified

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, especially among teens—but it's often misunderstood. It happens when pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Hormones, stress, and even certain products can make it worse. From ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to simple routine changes, small steps make a big difference. And remember—popping pimples and over-washing can actually do more harm than good.

Skin Cancer

Protecting Your Future: Skin Cancer Awareness

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but it's also one of the most preventable. Daily sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), even on cloudy days, is your best defense. Watch for warning signs like new moles or changes in existing ones — asymmetry, uneven borders, or unusual colors. Protecting your skin now is about your future health, not just today.

Skincare Basics

Keep It Simple: Your Starter Skincare Routine

A good skincare routine doesn't have to be complicated. Start with the essentials: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. Niacinamide can calm your skin, while hyaluronic acid helps keep it hydrated. More products don't always mean better results — keeping your routine simple and consistent is often the most effective path to healthy skin.

Mental Health

You Are More Than Your Skin

Your skin does not define you — but it can affect how you feel. Breakouts, scars, or texture can impact confidence, especially in a world full of filters and unrealistic beauty standards. Everyone's skin has ups and downs. Talking about it, normalizing it, and being kind to yourself matters. Confidence isn't about perfect skin — it's about feeling comfortable in your own.

Sharleez in Sydney Sharleez Sharleez with medal
Our Story

Meet Sharleez

"In a world where blurring filters are normalized, what is normal skin anymore?"

Hi, I'm Sharleez Moneem, a high schooler at Rock Hill High School. Most of my time is spent either on this project or in competitive speech and debate — and this summer, I'm heading to Richland, VA for nationals!

I started this initiative when I was a 13-year-old struggling with acne. That experience — feeling alone, embarrassed, and bombarded by "perfect skin" content — became the spark that lit this movement.

I wanted to normalize imperfect skin and advocate for everyone affected by acne, eczema, skin cancer, burn survivors, and so much more. Come with me on a journey where real skin is the standard, not the exception.

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