Ever wonder what’s happening to your teen’s skin as they mature? During and around adolescence our pre-teens start to show signs of the onset of puberty. This may start as early as age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys.
During this time, their skin also starts changing. It becomes a little thicker, oil production is stimulated, and body odor starts becoming noticeable. This is precisely the right time for our younger tweens to take control and introduce a basic personal care regimen.
What is the very first thing your child should do to start a routine? The basic anchor for all skin care is to cleanse. It is that simple. The very first thing your child needs to do is wash their face, twice a day, every day. Believe it or not, even that can often be challenging to initiate. Our teens and tweens have busy lives, and it’s sometimes hard to prioritize. So make it fun and easy – empower them, because at this age, it all starts with washing your face.
What should they use: a simple, non-detergent based cleanser. One that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free is a perfect starting point. Typically, medicated cleansers, masks or scrubs are not recommended for this time of changing skin care needs, unless there is evidence of early acne or other concerns are seen.
Some washes that are popular with teens:
Stryke Club Face First Wash – A powerful acne facial cleanser, formulated by a dermatologist. This wash is unscented and verified clean by the Environmental Working Group. No animal testing, parabens or other hormone disruptors. It’s a favorite of boys…and their moms.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – Ideal for normal to oily skin, this gentle cleanser removed oil without disrupting the skin barrier.
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash – This acne face wash combines a powerful acne treatment and facial cleanser in a single formula. It gently cleanses deep down into pores to cleanse skin & prevent future breakouts in one step.
Thayers Witch Hazel Blemish Cleanser – Premium alcohol-free cleanser developed to cleanse, remove excess oil and clarify blemished looking skin.
Stryke Club Wipe Out Cleansing Wipes – Perfect for the teen who is too “lazy” to wash up at the sink. No water needed! Swipe over face and body at home or on the go to kill acne causing bacteria and stay clear.
So just start with the basics. Establishing a basic routine for skin care – for boys and girls is really important and will help empower your kids to start taking care of the basics themselves! Hopefully a basic routine will help them address and prevent skin problems, like acne in the future.
If your child has dry or sensitive skin, a light, clean, hypoallergenic moisturizer can be applied directly after cleansing in a thin layer. Remember, the cleanser itself should also be hypoallergenic and non-irritating. Cleansing following by a lightweight non-acnegenic moisturizer is usually enough to keep the skin calm, maintain water, and prevent it from drying out.
Be patient. find something they really like, and use this as a time to initiate conversations about the importance of regular self care.