Teach your teenager good skincare habits – 3 skincare tips for teen daughters and sons
Posted February 19, 2024
Do you remember your mum, auntie or older sister taking care of their skin? What sort of skin care routines did they have? Did any of these great habits wear off on you?
If any of your teenage children are experiencing skin problems it’s the perfect time to teach them good skin care routines. Teaching a teenager to look after their skin goes beyond aesthetics; it cultivates habits that contribute to lifelong skincare, self-care, and overall wellbeing.
Teenage skin
Adolescence is a period of profound change, both physically and emotionally. As teenagers navigate these transformative years, skin that is prone to breakouts can add to their woes! Hormonal fluctuations during adolescence can lead to a variety of skin issues, including oiliness, acne, and sensitivity.
Caring for their skin
The first step in guiding a teenager toward caring for their skin is helping them understand their unique skin needs. Teenagers commonly experience an increase in oil production due to hormonal changes. This excess oil, combined with the accumulation of dead skin cells, can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Teenage years may also bring about increased skin sensitivity – diet, late nights and stress can all show up in their skin!
It’s therefore important to adopt a gentle approach when caring for their skin.
Here are 3 tips to help your teenage daughter or son establish a simple and healthy skincare routine.
Related article: For Men: 6 benefits of Rosehip Oil for your skin
1. Establish a consistent skincare routine
Consistency is key. Encourage your teenager to establish a daily routine that includes cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection. Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This initial step prepares the skin for subsequent products.
Related article: Kosmea’s skincare routine for oily and acne-prone skin
2. Moisturising is essential
Contrary to common misconceptions, oily skin requires adequate hydration. If the skin is stripped of its oils, as teens often want to do, this will have the oppositive effect and signal to the skin cells that the skin needs more oil. What’s the result? More oily skin!
Rosehip oil is ideal for teens because it is very fine, is absorbed easily and doesn’t leave an oily residue. It contains the following compounds which further help to relieve oily skin:
- A high level of linoleic acid which is an Omega-6 fatty acid – people with acne have skin deficient in linoleic acid and linoleic acid has been shown to reduce the size of comedones or pimples.
- Vitamin A is a key component of Rosehip Oil and has been shown to minimise and regulate the amount of sebum or oil that your skin produces.
- Other essential fatty acids such as oleic acid, palmitic acid and gamma linolenic acid reduce the inflammation in teenage skin. The essential fatty acids also minimise further scarring and can reduce the appearance of existing scars by promoting new skin growth.
Buy a bottle of Rosehip Oil – Available in 3 sizes
3. Exfoliation helps keep the skin clean
Exfoliation is a vital component of any teenage skincare routine, helping the removal of dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance.
Over-exfoliation can lead to irritation and exacerbate skin issues. Guide your teenager to incorporate a gentle exfoliator into their routine, emphasising its use no more than a few times a week.
Kosmea’s Reveal Your Glow Mask is infused with natural ingredients to stimulate cell renewal, improve circulation, gently exfoliate and detoxify the skin. Kaolin clay and rice flour help draw out skin impurities and crushed chamomile flowers soothe and calm the skin. They will love using it!
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Other good skincare and self-care habits
Use sunscreen daily
Teaching your teenager about the importance of sun protection is an invaluable lesson. Exposure to harmful UV rays contributes to premature aging and they will thank you when they are older. It’s not the heat that burns the skin, it’s the UV factor. Encourage the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, stressing its application as a daily habit, irrespective of weather conditions.
Today there are many sunscreens that have gentle and natural sunscreen barriers such as Zinc. Most local chemists will have a variety of more natural alternatives.
Healthy lifestyle choices
Good skincare is intricately linked to overall health. Encourage your teenager to maintain a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts contribute to skin quality and health. Drinking enough water is important as water helps flush out toxins and keeps the skin supple.
Hands off
Stress the importance of resisting the temptation to touch their face frequently. Touching the skin with hands that may carry bacteria can lead to further breakouts and skin irritation. Reinforce the habit of only touching the face with clean hands, especially when applying skincare products.
Teaching a teenager to look after their skin is an investment in their long-term health and wellbeing. By instilling healthy skincare habits early on, you’re teaching them the longer term impact of self-care, and you’re empowering them to navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence and grace.
