Skincare for Teens & Tweens when Puberty Hits

Did you know that puberty triggers a virtual revolution in your youngster?

Hormones go wild, and manifest in physical and emotional changes that may rock both you and your child with an intensity you never imagined. Read on to know more.

With skin making up 15% of body weight, pubescent changes on the skin range from conditions on his scalp to the soles of his feet. So while you try to navigate the emotional storms and mood swings that puberty brings in its wake, do not forget that your child’s hair and skin too need special care during this time. 

As much as 70% of all that’s applied on skin may get absorbed into the system. Imagine the mayhem created when a bunch of chemicals, often toxic, descends onto the existing chaos created by the hormonal turbulence within your child. It’s pandemonium within!   

The American Academy of Dermatology reports that 80-90 percent of teenagers will experience acne during puberty because the body begins to produce more hormones. But acne is not the only skin problem that your youngster may face. 

If your young one is lucky enough to escape the bane of acne, changing skin and hair will still need to be nourished, nurtured and protected from the chemical onslaught packaged in the average grooming product. 

Here are four areas you need to focus on to help your growing child inculcate a healing and nurturing skincare routine.

1. Oily hair and how to handle

The scalp contains glands that produce oil (sebum) to help moisturize it but during puberty, they glands to go into an overdrive due to hormonal changes and produce too much oil leading to oily hair.A bane in many young lives, oily hair looks bad, attracts dirt and leads to pimples on the forehead and upper back. 

Alternate day hair wash is mandatory. But, chemical based shampoos are harsh and may damage hair and dry out the scalp too much – triggering the oil glands to react by secreting more oil!

Use a gentle, natural-product based shampoo such as the Tikitoro Conditioning Shampoo filled with the goodness of 98% natural ingredients to keep the scalp and hair gently cleansed and nourished, promoting soft and strong hair.

Tikitoro Good Tip: Show her how to gently massage the scalp with the tips of her fingers. and not be harsh with her hair when shampooing. Rubbing hard or scratching will not free the scalp of excess oil but may damage hair and irritate the scalp.

2.Beat body odour and sweat

Sweat glands become more active and secrete different chemicals when puberty hits .

During the summer, and if you live in the plains, it’s best to nurture a habit of bathing twice a day in your pubescent child. Naturally, bath times need to be made fun times to motivate him or her to hit the shower morning and evening!

One fail-safe way is to gift her Tikitoro’s special Nourishing Body Wash – a goring product to be used exclusively by her because she needs and deserves the care and pampering.

Tikitoro’s special Nourishing Body Wash  is mild, chemical-free and gently helps remove dirt and bad-odour-creating bacteria while nourishing with natural ingredients.

Tikitoro Good Tip: Ensure your youngster’s wardrobe comprises clothes made of breathe-able fabrics only. Get her started on deos, and make it a habit. Choose a natural, toxin-free deo. 

3. Best ways to treat acne  

In most cases, facial or body acne occurs because glands become overactive and emit too much sebum, clogging the pores, leading to the forming of bacteria which in turn leads to breakouts. 

Here's some must-know: 

1. Topical applications are likely to help only up to a point.
2. Treat it like any infection and visit a dermatologist to get a customised solution.
3. Do not pick at acne – this can lead to increased cross infection transferred through nails, and scars.
4. Eat lots of veggies & fruits to build roughage and keep the system flushed.
5. Drink plenty of fluids to flush out toxins created by the hormonal overdrive.
6. Use a natural-product based body wash and face wash to ensure you are not adding chemical toxins to the hormonal tinderbox.

Tikitoro Good Tip: Chat with your youngster and explain clearly what is happening to his or her body, and that acne is a natural process of growing up. Cures take time. Help him understand genetic links. All this will help him deal with these traumatic changes better.

4. Follow hand hygiene

Our hands are often the carrier of germs and bacteria – and not just the Covid virus – that cause and aggravate skin issues. Wash your hands frequently but also ensure your gadgets are not teeming with germs – clean them often. 

Here's what parents need to know

Setting an example is better than saying a thousand words. Ensure you follow proper personal hygiene and use chemical-free, non-GMO skincare products yourself. 

Talk to your children about the criticality of opting for the natural and organic way of life – for themselves, future generations and the earth.