Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Parenting Pointers: Beauty and Skincare for Teens



Many pre teens/teenagers want to follow social makeup trends so they add different types of makeup on their wishlist. When is the appropriate time to get your kids started into make up and how?

I had a chance to interview Dr. Liia Ramachandra, former Pharma Executive and Beauty and Skincare Expert.

Dr. Liia says, “Often teens have acne. It usually already can start appearing at age of 12. So make sure you use oil free face wash and good face creams (oil free). Make sure you know their allergies. If you start 'forbidding' something to them, the chance is big that they will do it anyhow. So rather be present and shop with them and teach them how to use it than them doing it behind your back.”



What is a good age for kids to start getting into make-up and skin care?
 
It depends! Usually, I always advise you to start washing your face as early as possible. Even when you are just 5 years old, please just wash your kid's face in the morning and evening with lukewarm water. After the age of 8-9, start using oil-free gentle wash to clean their face. Then, for the skincare, start moisturizing with paraben-free, phthalates-free, clean ingredients, face moisturizers and body moisturizers, again as early as possible, even at 1-2 year old. 20% of kids have eczema so an appropriate moisturization is very important to keep it at bay. Usually, after the age 10-12, many kids may develop acne or sensitive (='hormonal' skin), therefore, again an appropriate moisturizer with nourishing oil-free ingredients is important. In regards to the make-up, it really should depend on the comfort level of a parent. I would not introduce any makeup to your kids until they are ready. Usually, kids will ask if they want it or see their friends using it. Everything in moderation is fine. My 5 year old wants to use lipstick and eyeshadow every weekend at home and that's fine. My 13 year old hates makeup and wants nothing to do with it :), and that's ok as well! Basically, the less pressure you put on your kids the better it is.

How can parents and caregivers introduce skills slowly so kids aren't overwhelmed?
In terms of moisturizing, start early so the kids do not even imagine their lives without it. For the makeup, it needs to come naturally and need to be the kids choice.

How can families figure out what products are best for their kids' skin?
When and if possible, please consult your pediatrician and/or dermatologist. They usually have a lit og 'dermatologist approved/recommended' products. Otherwise, look for trustworthy brands that guarantee safe products for kids, such as Honest, EpiLynx etc. Also, the app such as 'think dirty' app is a good place to start. Also, when you go to eczema foundation, celiac foundation (CDF) or psoriasis website, you will see some recommended products there.

How can adults help their kids experiment without going overboard?
Make it fun! Such as if Mom, Dad or older siblings like to use skincare and makeup, the child will lean towards the same. They might want to overdo it a bit so guide them on what is ok and what is too much, plus always point that the less is better (usually) and make the whole game of makeup playful!

What are some great first options for kids getting interested in cosmetics and skin care?

Lip Balms with fun sparkles, crazy and fun packaging for skincare  etc so it seems like a 'toy' and game and not something annoying that the child needs to do!

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