Back to school season is upon us, and that means, back to school shopping! Whether your child is taking classes in person or online, they will still need many of the same essentials. For teens, however, those essentials extend past the usual paper, pens, and notebook.
Teens, and even tweens, can be plagued by skin issues, which can (and, usually does) have a detrimental effect on their day to day lives. Teaching your child good skincare at an early age will help them avoid skin related problems in the future.
Hormones WILL Play a Role:
Teens/tweens and hormones go together like peanut butter and jelly. And, those hormones can wreak havoc on their skin, especially the closer they get to hitting puberty. While not all skin is the same, it does all need to be cared for properly, and beginning their skincare routine before the issues even pop up (pun totally intended) is the best way to go about it. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it when they get older.
Stick to the Basics:
You can never truly know if, when, or how these hormones are going to affect your teens’ skin, so you need to keep it simple, just the basics, and adjust accordingly. The younger the child is, the more simple his skincare routine needs to be.
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Cleanser: A washable, foaming cleanser, used two times daily.
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Toner: Low-PH. Gentle.
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Anti-Acne Product: If needed a mild anti-acne product, such as the ProActive line.
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Moisturizer: Light, non-clogging formula.
- Sunscreen: By the age of 18, most people have already received 80% of their lifetime sun exposure. An easy-to-use broad spectrum sunscreen is a must (even if your moisturizer has it, it's not enough!).
The Courage to Seek Help
Bad skin and acne can turn a bubbly happy tween into one you do not recognize. Let them know it is ok to seek professional medical intervention. Letting the problem fester can permanently damage their self-esteem.
Instilling the need for regular skincare routines is the first step, and that can, and should, start as early as possible. Some skin conditions, including acne, can start to show up when your child is as young as 8 or 9 years old! When combined with a healthy lifestyle (proper diet, sufficient sleep, managed stress levels), an efficient skincare routine can help build your child’s confidence for years to come. Teach your child now, to love (and care for) the skin they’re in.
