Middle school isn’t exactly a time many of us want to go back to, but sometimes it’s important to remember what that period in our lives was like — especially when it can go a long way towards helping our kids feel better in their own skin.
The acne, oil, and dry skin we remember all too well are a rite of passage for preteens, but it doesn’t have to define them. Developing a basic and healthy skincare routine is a great way to connect with your child and help their confidence bloom.
According to Missi Davis, owner of Bella on the Bay Salon & Spa in Excelsior, starting a simple skincare routine when your child hits puberty is a great place to start. Getting into a routine of washing their face every morning and night with a gentle cleanser is vital. Then adding in a moisturizer and sunscreen can help in the long term.
“Just really getting into that habit, like brushing your teeth. You brush your teeth in the morning, and you brush your teeth before you go to bed. So it’s just a really good habit to get into,” Missi says.
However, skincare is not one-size-fits-all. Not all skin will react to certain cleansers or moisturizers the same, even if their favorite beauty influencer guarantees the products work.
“Anytime kids are getting interested in skincare and taking care of their skin is a good thing, but the thing with skincare is it’s not cookie-cutter. So when they see someone on TikTok using a product and getting these amazing results, it may not be the right product for their skin,” Missi advises.
For example, a popular skincare product marketed on TikTok is beef tallow, which claims to clear up acne and fix dry skin. But board-certified dermatologists and licensed estheticians often advise against it.
According to Missi, it will clog your pores and trap bacteria, and there is no clinical evidence to support the product’s claims — quite the opposite of what you want when searching for healthy skincare products.
So how can you ensure the products your child is using are safe and right for their skin?
First things first, check the ingredients. If a product has a laundry list of ingredients, it is more often than not something you should leave on the shelf. If your child is using some products but starts to experience inflammation, redness, burning, or increased breakouts, it may be time to stop using those products and consult with an esthetician.
“They can always call a salon or spa that has an esthetician. That’s what we do, and we are more than happy to give advice or consultations,” Missi says.
Another popular route is to consider a teen facial. Bella on the Bay provides a results-focused facial specifically designed for teen skin. During the appointment, the teens also receive information about proper at-home skincare and personalized product and routine recommendations. The estheticians are also great detectives.
If your child is experiencing severe or persistent skin reactions, having someone who knows the right questions to ask can make all the difference.
Simple questions such as how often they’re washing their face, what they’re eating, if they have any allergies, and when the last time they washed their pillowcase or football helmet can uncover some easy answers. However, there are instances — such as with cystic acne — in which a trip to the dermatologist may be necessary.
All in all, it’s important to remember that this current moment is just a phase. Connecting with your child about skincare and helping them learn to love the skin they’re in will impact them positively for years to come.