Is your Teenager Skin-Ready for March Break?
Heading into March break can be a busy time for parents and families. If you’re lucky enough, you will be heading down south for some ‘fun in the sun’ with a relaxing week off from school. But what about your teenager’s acne?
For teenagers, dealing with acne is particularly difficult. With an increasing trend in selfies in today’s digital world, it’s easy to see how a teen’s self-confidence can plummet as they deal with skin problems and embarrassing acne.
And they are not alone. More than 85% of teenagers have this common skin problem, which is marked by clogged pores (whiteheads, blackheads), painful pimples, and, sometimes, hard, deep lumps on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, back, and upper arms.
Acne can affect all skin types at any age and may be caused by a multitude of factors including hormones, stress, environment, and genetics. Fortunately, many types of acne are successfully treated by using a specifically formulated cleansing routine and treatments. There is rarely a “quick fix” for acne that doesn¹t compromise the overall, long term health of the skin or body, but these 10 tips can help your teen achieve clear, healthy skin.
1. Reduce Stress Levels
Stress causes many ailments especially fluctuating hormone levels in teens. So the best way to tackle this is try to reduce your teen’s stress levels. Encourage them to set aside time each day to relax and do something fun, whether that’s reading, listening to music, going for a walk, or playing a video game.
2. Wash Your Face (But Not Too Much!)
Acne is commonly caused by blocked pores an increase in oil production. In order to reduce the number of blocked pores, it is important to wash your face regularly with a mild cleanser. Just remember that washing your face too often as you strip away the good oils too – so keep it to twice-a-day regime.
3. Skin Care Products
Always read the label and look for products that say oil-free, non-comedogenic, or non-acnegenic. You will also want to look for products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
4. Hydrate
Keep your teen hydrated all day long as water can help hydrate the skin and flush out toxins in the body.
5. Clean your Cosmetic Brushes
Make sure your teen washes or uses new brushes after a bad breakout. The oils and reside can clog pores and lead to even bigger acne problems. Also, try to discourage your teen to cover up the pimples and scars with foundations and concealers. Unfortunately, many of these products contain ingredients which can actually lead to more breakouts. Consider using Mineral-based foundations.
6. Diet
Make sure your teen is getting a healthy range of fruits and vegetables to help process and flush toxins out of the body. A diet rich on fats and oil are not the best when it comes to getting rid of acne.
7. Change and Wash Bedding Regularly and Towels Too!
Get your teen to wash his or her bedding at least once a week (especially pillows) as the fabrics absorb the oils and bacteria on the skin. As well, ensure your teen dries their face off with fresh, clean towels as not to transfer oils and dirt back onto their face.
8. Avoid Sticky Gel-based Hair Products
Your teen should avoid using sticky, gel-based hair products wherever possible, particularly pomades and oils. When using hairsprays, make sure your teen shields their face or washes off any of the spray right away.
9. Resist The Urge to Pick and Touch
Resist the urge to touch or pick at acne at school and at home. Let your teen’s skin heal naturally. If blackheads or pimples need to be removed, have a professional properly prepare, extract and disinfect the skin reducing inflammation and the potential for scarring.
10. Don’t Let Your Teen Suffer Unnecessarily
Acne can be damaging to anyone’s self-esteem and is particularly difficult for teenagers. A long-term approach will allow your teen’s skin to heal and stay breakout-free without harsh chemicals and irritants.
At Nakota MediSpa, we offer exceptional results to help treat your teen’s acne and give them the confidence they need to excel in school, with their friends and in life. Contact us today for a free skin assessment!
Nakota MediSpa
613-761-8704
nakotamedispa.com
