When kids reach their tween years, they begin to gain a stronger sense of independence from their parents. Personal space becomes much more of a focus, as does taking ownership over their morning and nighttime routines. For some kids, washing their face can be just as much of a chore as math homework or cleaning their room. And asking your child for a play-by-play of how she washes her face in the shower can lead to eye-rolling. The skincare tweens practice, including proper face washing, can keep their skin looking healthy and hydrated, and work to prevent blemishes.
Changing Bodies Means Changing Faces
Ahhh, puberty. We all know it well. Hormones go into overdrive and trigger all sorts of bodily changes, some of which will show up on your child’s face. Acne results from the overproduction of a pore-clogging oil called sebum, and can cause discomfort and self-consciousness — and being a preteen is tough enough as it is! Tweens with acne should be washing their faces twice daily with a face wash designed to minimize acne. Your child should massage their face gently while washing, moving their hands in light, circular motions. For more difficult, persistent acne, try Kidskin’s 3-Step Acne Treatment for Preteens and Teens, which features natural ingredients to help cleanse and soothe troublesome skin.
Even if your child’s skin isn’t acne-prone, the buildup of sweat, oil, dirt, and any makeup your tween may be wearing can lead to clogged pores and trigger breakouts. Instruct your child to use warm water to lather up a gentle face wash or cleanser in their hands. A great first product for skincare tweens should try is Kidskin’s Gentle Skin Cleanser for Kids - it’s full of antioxidants that will help bring down redness and inflammation, and its light, frothy consistency can also help battle bacteria! Your child should rinse their face with warm water after washing and dry their face by gently patting it with a towel.
Choosing the Right Face Wash for your Tween
This will require you and your child to do a bit of homework about what sort of skin type she has. Does she have oily skin, dry skin, or does she fall somewhere in the middle? Kids with dry skin will want to avoid a face wash or cleanser that has too high an alcohol content, as this will dry their faces out further. Those with oily skin should choose a cleanser with a low pH level. The type of cleanser is also important! Kids with dry skin should stick to cream-based cleansers, while kids with oily skin do better with foamy cleansers. Be sure to look for products that are paraben and sulfate-free, as these chemical compounds can disrupt hormone production and cause irritation. Fragrance-free products are also a must, as added fragrance can lead to skin irritation and inflammation.
The skincare tweens practice young will benefit them immensely when they are older. Shop the products from Kidskin’s safe and effective skincare line to get your tween started on their healthy skin journey!