As a parent, you want to do everything you can to support your preteen during this growth period. As hormones kick in and your child starts encountering skin issues, teaching them about skin care becomes crucial.
But how can you introduce skin care to your preteen? Use the following five tips to find out the best information you can provide to your child.
Pick Out a Gentle Cleanser
Look for products designed for their skin type. At this age, their skin is typically sensitive, so harsh products could irritate them.
Select a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that’s free from fragrances and dyes. You can also look for products that include soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or cucumber. Cleansers with these features are less likely to clog pores or cause allergic reactions.
Pay Attention if Your Child Is Showing Signs of Acne-Prone Skin
Your growing child may not feel comfortable expressing their insecurities about their skin, but they also may not know how to handle it.
If your child’s showing signs of having acne-prone skin, choose a cleanser that includes salicylic acid. However, just advise your child to use the product sparingly. The goal is to find a product that effectively removes dirt and oil but still maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Encourage Them To Wear Sunscreen
Preteens are often outdoors playing sports or enjoying time with friends. That’s why wearing sunscreen is a must!
There’s no need for the heavy-duty SPF on a casual day outdoors. A simple, lightweight sunscreen of at least 30 SPF will sufficiently safeguard their skin. Encouraging this step into your preteen’s new skin-care routine will protect them from the potential risks of prolonged sun exposure.
Choose a Moisturizer Based on Your Child’s Skin Type
There are three primary components of a moisturizer: hydrators, smoothers, and sealers. The goal is to choose the product with the right ingredients to suit your preteen’s skin type.
For dry skin, a cream-based moisturizer that provides intense hydration would be beneficial. Those with oily skin might prefer a light, oil-free moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores, while a combination skin type would benefit from a balanced moisturizer that hydrates dry areas and controls oil in the T-zone. For sensitive skin, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options are the safest bet.
Teaching your preteen how to read product labels and understand the ingredients can also be an informative step in this process.
Don’t Overdo It!
While you’re excited to start this process with your child, you never want to overwhelm them. Bringing home too many options or mentioning information that doesn’t apply to them quite yet may leave them confused.
You also want to avoid encouraging them to use too many products. Although starting a skin-care routine is important, there is such thing as applying too much skin care or cleansing too often.
You can guide your preteen in the right direction by discussing how frequently they should be cleansing and moisturizing their skin. One of the signs of overwashing your face is dry or irritated skin. It’s necessary that your child knows washing their face once a day, moisturizing morning and night, and applying sunscreen is the best method to keep their skin healthy from a young age.
Growing up is all about learning new things! By introducing these skin-care tips to your preteen, you’re establishing a good foundation for healthy hygiene habits.
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