We’ve all been there a time or two in our lives. One minute we’re these adorable little children and the next thing you know, we’re these developing preteens scared out of our minds. If you’re the parent of an adolescent, then you should probably prepare yourself (and them) for the many changes that come along with puberty. Some of the more common signs that puberty is just around the corner are the changes in the skin.
Skincare Tips for Teens
If your child has recently noticed changes that may include pimples, acne, growing hair or even moles, gear up for a long ride as they transition from being those innocent little children you’ve come to love so much to moody, ever changing teens. Below are a few of the most common skin changes and how you can help your teen through them:
Teens with Oily Skin
Has your child’s skin become a bit more oily than usual? Well, you can thank puberty for that. As they reach puberty, the body releases gonadotropin hormones. These hormones in turn cause the pituitary gland to release hormones that produce estrogen for girls and testosterone for boys. When these hormones are developed, they cause your oil glands to produce a fatty substance known as sebum. This in turn shows up in your skin causing it to look and feel more oily than usual.
Solution for Teens with Oily Skin:
If your child is dealing with oily skin, the best way to counteract the problem would be to wash the face a bit more. Washing the face two to three times per day with mild soap and water or facial cleansers will help to remove some of the oil from the skin. If you’d prefer to purchase them some skin care products be sure that they do not contain a great deal of oil in them or this will make the problem worse.
Teens with Pimples
Pimples or zits as many teenagers call them are also a common occurrence during puberty. Again, the hormones being released into the body are causing the oil glands to produce more sebum. While for the most part this oil should pass through the follicles and out through the pores. However, there are instances in which the oil does not quite reach the surface of their skin, the follicles become blocked. This causes the small hairs on the face, dead skin cells, and oil to plug up the follicles causing pimples to form.
Solution for Teens with Pimples:
Again, the best remedy for pimples is washing the face at least two to three times per day. Using a mild soap or non-oily facial product, your teen will need to gently scrub their face and wash with warm water. The warm water helps to open the pores. When rinsing off the soap, use cold water to close the pores and keep bacteria and dirt from getting into the skin. It is important to note that your teen should NOT pick or squeeze them as this can leave scars.
Teenage Acne
Another common skin condition experienced by preteens and teens entering puberty is acne. Again, thanks to the raging hormones in the body, acne forms when there is bacteria on the skin that is blocked by clogged follicles. The bacteria will continue to build until it causes inflammation and the breakdown of the follicles. Acne generally appears in patches.
Solution for Teenage Acne:
Aside from washing the face regularly, if acne worsens (which many teens report), then you’re probably going to need to speak with a dermatologist who will provide you with a solution. This may include using certain over the counter medications or prescribed antibiotics. Once the right treatment is provided it can take some time before you see any results.
Hair Changes in Teens
As they get closer to puberty you may start to notice hair in places it wasn’t before. Of course hair growth for guys and girls is pretty normal during this stage, so it’s nothing to be alarmed about.
Solution for Hair Changes in Teens:
If your teen can’t stand the sight of hair in certain places there are several ways you can remove it. This might include shaving or waxing the hairs. It is important to keep in mind however, that once you start removing hair, when it grows back it will come with a vengeance.
Moles in Teenage Years
Last but not least is the appearance of moles on the face. Moles are the direct result of a group of skin cells producing too much melanin. While these moles were likely present during birth, they can develop or change in appearance during puberty. In general, moles are nothing to be alarmed about as some will go away on their own. If the moles on your teen’s face start to get darker, change in shape, become itchy, or begin to bleed you’ll need to meet with a dermatologist right away.
Solution for moles in Teenage Years:
Again, moles aren’t generally anything to worry about, but your teen is likely freaking out at the sight of them. If this is the case, there are safe over the counter products you can use to get rid of the mole. When looking for a mole remover, be sure that you check the ingredients, as you want to purchase a product that is all natural and safe for your teen’s skin.
Skincare for Teens
I wish I could tell you that puberty and skin changes was the most challenging aspect of parenting an adolescent, but it’s not. From protecting them on the internet to finding balance between being the parent and the friend, there is always going to be something to deal with. However, at least these skin care tips should keep your kid from hiding out or trying to change schools to avoid embarrassment. In closing, if your teen’s skin conditions seem to worsen, it is always best to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
