Among these milestones that come with getting older, your kids will experience the good and the bad. Unfortunately, one rite of passage for many young people is developing acne.
Acne comes in many shapes and forms and can range from mild to severe. It might come in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, small bumps, or painful cystic pimples. Regardless of the size and shape, acnes can be a source of embarrassment for your child.
Even though it is quite common for young people to get acne - in fact, 8 out of 10 preteens and teens get it - it is something that everybody is still constantly combating. With all the information out there, how do you filter out the myths from the real effective treatment and prevention method?
First of all, it is important to recognize that there is no one absolute solution for your child’s to get rid of acne. Given the situation that everybody has different skin type and sensitivity level, as well as lifestyle, we need to understand what causes acne first. This way, you can prevent future breakouts.
Why Does Acne Occur?
You can mainly blame hormones. The changes that your child goes through during adolescence can cause your child's glands to produce too much oil or sebum, resulting in clogged pores.
Acne is also caused by bacteria and oil transferred into your child's skin by a multitude of ways. When there is too much oil, dead skin, and bacteria trapped in your child's pores, acne is likely to result.
How Can You Prevent Your Children from Getting Acne?
To prevent acne in your child, you must first address the source of it, which is excess oil and bacteria. By keeping the skin clean, your child's pores will be less likely to harbor harmful bacteria and dirt that develop into acne.
Now, how do you make sure that you are doing all you can to keep your child's face as acne-free as possible?
To assist you, here are 10 pieces of advice you can give your children to decrease their chances of developing acne:
#1: "Wash your face, but not too often!"
Have your child wash his or her face once or twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Washing one's skin too much, however, can dry out and irritate skin, which can actually make acne worse.
# 2: "Use washcloths when washing your face."
When your child washes his face, make sure he's using a washcloth, not his hands so that bacteria does not transfer onto his face. Also, remember to change out this washcloth frequently so a dirty one doesn't get used.
# 3: "Use the right moisturizer."
If your child wears sunscreen or any kind of facial moisturizer, check the label to make sure that it is non-comedogenic and oil-free. Also, check to make sure it's free of parabens, which is suspected to irritate skin and cause acne.
# 4: "Here's a good makeup remover."
If your teens wear makeup, then they should have a good makeup remover to completely clean their faces every night. Falling asleep with makeup on traps bacteria and makes pimples develop overnight.
# 5: "Wash your face before and after sports or working out."
If your child is active, make sure that they wash their face before and after a workout or sports practice. The open pores after physical activity invite a lot of bacteria enter, so refrain from using any strong cleansers. Instead, use a gentle cleanser and advise them not to touch their face after cleaning it. Make sure they don't overdo the face washing, however, because it can dry out their skin.
# 6: "Don't touch that zit!"
It may be difficult to hold back from touching pimples, but we promise that popping, touching, squeezing, or picking at them will not help them go away. In fact, these actions will only spread harmful bacteria over your child's face and make the condition worse.
# 7: "Don't touch your face with your hands."
Have your child wash his or her hands regularly and teach them not to touch their face constantly. If touching their face is a bad habit, find a way to remind them that oil and bacteria from their hands can make more pimples occur.
# 8: "Try to keep your hair out of your face."
If your child's skin seems especially acne-prone, encourage them to keep their hair away from their face. The oil from hair can make acne worse.
# 9: "Let's try out this medicine."
If your child's acne situation doesn't seem to improve after taking all these precautions, it would be helpful to try some of the acne medications available in local stores. With the added support of these creams, you can typically get rid of minor acne.
# 10: "Let's get some help."
If you feel that your child's skin is not improving even after taking these previous measures, then it is best to go see your dermatologist or aesthetician. Meeting with a professional will help guide your child on to a good skin care plan to clear up your his or her skin. Le Petit Spa has one of the most amazing teen facial treatments designed specifically for the young skin of your teens.
Since acne is a common problem that comes with fluctuating hormones, there are many ways to decrease its occurrence and soothe the skin. With proper care and sometimes professional intervention, your child can prevent many breakouts. If you have questions about your child's acne or anything else, please contact us and we would be happy to advise you.
Join our mailing list