As a parent or caregiver, you want your preteen or teen to feel confident and comfortable in their changing skin. However, it’s easy for teens to fall into unhealthy skin care habits that can cause more harm than good. Acne and other skin issues are common during puberty, but can be mitigated by avoiding some key pitfalls.
In this guide, we will go over the top five skin care mistakes that teens often make, so you can help guide your child toward proper skin hygiene and clear, glowing skin. With some education on gentle cleansing, smart sun protection, treating blemishes properly, and asking for help when needed, you can set your teen up for healthy skin habits that will benefit them throughout their life. Read on the top five things your young person should try to avoid to maintain healthy skin.
1. Avoid Excess Sun Exposure & Protect Skin From Sun Damage
There is no such thing as a safe tan. Even if the skin does not appear burned, a tan occurs as the skin attempts to protect itself from damage. Indoor tanning in particular leads to a 75% greater risk of developing melanoma during your lifetime.
Self-tanners and bronzers are safer ways to get the look without the risk but be sure to check the EWG’s Skin Deep Database to search any prospective products before buying.
PRO TIP > Encourage your teen to visit our BLOOM TEEN HUB to learn all about ways they can boost their personal hygiene during puberty!
2. Be Gentle: Avoid Harsh Products or Exfoliators
Do not use harsh scrubs or exfoliators on skin, as these can cause greater inflammation and break down the skin’s protective barriers. Skin care does not need to hurt or burn to be effective. Mechanical brushes and scrubbing devices can also be overly harsh and are not necessary for cleansing the skin. The same goes for hot water, which is very drying and hard on the skin. Always use lukewarm water to cleanse and pat dry to avoid drying out.
3. Hands Off the Pimples! Do Not Pop Zits or Pick at the Skin
Remind your tween or teen to keep those pointy fingertips and sharp nails away from their delicate skin. While it can be tempting for your young person, picking at their skin and squeezing or popping pimples is likely to lead to even more inflammation or damage. Instead, have them use an acne spot treatment serum or acne patches that contain salicylic acid to spot treat blemishes.
If they have a pimple and desperately want to pop it, have them use a warm compress to help open the pores and then gently press and roll the area using the sides of their two index fingers while wearing medical gloves. Or, go to your dermatologist or licensed facialist for proper extraction.
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4. Never Skip Cleansing Their Face Before Bed
Your young person’s skin needs to breathe and it is important for them to wash away oil, bacteria, makeup, and grime that builds up throughout the day on their face. Use a proper face wash for their skin that can gently remove dirt, oil, and makeup.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask a Dermatologist
If your young person has a skin issue that isn’t responding to healthy hygiene habits and a daily skin care regimen, then it may be time to consult a doctor. Having a skin problem does not mean that they are unclean or that they are doing something wrong. Skin issues can happen to anyone, at any point in life. The good news is, there are plenty of treatments available to make sure they can feel confident in their skin.
Avoiding skin care missteps is the first step to help your young person achieve their best complexion. Be sure to also educate them on proper cleansing, moisturizing, and treatment based on their skin type by reading our BLOOM skin care routines and guides. If your teen needs more personalized help crafting an effective routine or troubleshooting skin issues, contact a dermatology professional. They can provide personalized assistance and guidance based on your teen’s specific needs.
Parenting can leave you feeling overwhelmed and alone, but at BLOOM you have a team behind you. Access Live and On-Demand Workshops led by the experts. Get answers to your most pressing questions through our Ask the Expert Platform. Find your village and share ideas in our Community Group surrounded by fellow parents and caregivers. Or get personalized coaching in 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions tailored to your needs. We know raising tweens and teens is hard – that’s why we created BLOOM to nurture you through the challenges and help you flourish.
