As I think
back to when I was 11, my morning skin care routine before school involved the
simplest steps. I used water alone to wash my face and I remember using some
form of cocoa butter cream for my face and the remainder of my body. I always
bathed at night before bed to wash off the day and germs. So my mornings ran
quickly with ease even though I loved to sleep to the last minute of the alarm
clock sounding off for school. Every morning before school was a simple quick
routine of: 1. brushing my teeth, 2. washing my face, and 3. moisturizing my
skin and hair all before putting on clothes and eating breakfast.
Now a mother
of 3, I noticed morning skin care routines for my children seem more like a
chore than good hygiene. As each one becomes a tween they just aren’t that
interested in good hygiene for this moment in life. My simple steps I teach,
which now includes a mild cleanser (instead of my childhood water), are just
one to many. It’s almost like they are wishing for a magic portal to make them
fresh and ready to walk out the door. Or even better, they’re waiting for me to
do it for them!
Tweens may
seem to have a hard time adjusting to their changing bodies and lives as they
head off to middle school or junior high. Making sure they keep up with a good
skin care routine is good for their health and hygiene. It also sets a good
platform for them to continue on into their teenage years (when they really
want it!). My advice is to keep their products simple and gentle. Now is a good
time to introduce them to natural formulas to keep their skin as healthy as
possible. If your tween has any active skin conditions like acne or eczema,
inquire with your health practitioner about using natural alternatives first to
treat their skin with nutrition integrated. Early prevention and correction can
promote their self confidence among their peers and educators.
Your natural
mild cleanser should only contain 10% soap or cleansing agent. If it contains
more than that I recommend cutting it with oil and/or water. Too much soap or
cleanser is very drying especially on young skin. To find out how much
cleansing agent is in a bottle read the ingredient label. If it’s the first 1
to 3 ingredients listed it’s about 50% or more in content or you can call the
company for the details. Try a moisturizer that’s aloe based first before using
oil based. If your tween skin is still dry after using an aloe based, the oil
based would work best.
After they
have done their best in completing their morning routine and before they head
out the door; look at your beautiful child/tween and remind them how beautiful
they are inside and how gorgeous or handsome they are outside! They’re only a
tween once! Make these years an easy transition you’ll both enjoy.
Jahnel
Profit, Licensed Esthetician & Herbal Skin Care Therapist
