As your child enters their teen years it is important for them to take care of their skin and put in place a skin care routine that they can carry into adult life. Most teens will experience pimples and blackheads and some will suffer with acne. By educating themselves about their skin type, using the correct products for cleaning and moisturising, eating healthy and staying hydrated, they can help combat or control some of these. However, if your child suffers extreme breakouts, it is best to seek medical advice from your GP or a dermatologist, as it can affect their self confidence and self esteem.
There are four main skin types, dry, combination, oily/greasy and normal. Find out which skin type your teen has and only use products that are suitable for their age and skin type. Bring them along to a dermatologist, specialist counter at a store, pharmacy or beauticians to get expert advice on skin types and suitable products. Always test new products on a small patch of skin before using them.
No matter what skin type your teen has they need a daily cleansing routine. Washing morning and night with a suitable facial soap or using a gentle cleansing product will help to get rid of dead cells and remove the daily build up of oil and grime. If you don’t have a suitable facial soap for cleansing, use just warm water. Pat skin gently to dry.
Washing your face more than twice a day can cause skin to dry out and prompt your body to produce excess oil which blocks pores and can cause spots.
Teens with all skin types should get into the habit of using a uv protector daily, even in winter when the sun’s rays can still damage skin and can cause it to age prematurely. Invest in a suitable moisturiser with built in uv protection and don’t forget your lips and body too. Younger skin needs a light moisturiser, as those designed for older skin are heavier and can block pores.
As your teen grows they will start to experiment with make-up. To avoid irritation, encourage them to use brands suitable for their age and skin type. Teach them the importance of removing it thoroughly before going to bed. Most teens these days are experts at makeup application as the internet is full of tutorials. If your teen is less confident, a lovely gift could be a make-up instruction session to give them the confidence to apply makeup in a way that enhances their natural beauty.
For boys, as they start to shave, experiment with different types of razors to get the perfect one for them. Be sure that blades are always sharp and clean and only shave using a suitable gel or foam. Pat skin after shaving with a balm to close pores.
Once a month treat your skin to a pamper session by exfoliating using a face mask. Choose ones suitable for your age and skin type and do test them before use.
All your teen needs are 2 or 3 essential products that work well with their skin. They should avoid the temptation to squeeze or touch spots or pimples as doing so can cause inflammation, spreads oil and bacteria and can cause scars.
We have more information on skin types and more skin care tips on www.mykidstime.com
