OYA MAG

How to help your teenager look after their skin?

Oily skin, acne, scars… At puberty, skin imperfections are common. Therefore, when these problems persist, they often lead to a loss of self-confidence.

In this context, as a parent, we want to intervene. Because often you yourself have already been there, you would like to help him so that he finds a radiant complexion, without pimples or spots. But in adolescence, finding the right place to be heard is not necessarily easy.

Here is our complete guide, based on a global approach. Find out how to accompany and support him, naturally encouraging him to adopt good habits.

Care for young skin with problems : the role of the parent is essential

Your attitude and support play a crucial role in helping your teen take care of their skin. Indeed, the appearance of acne or small imperfections is often the starting point for setting up an appropriate routine. If you haven't already, this is an opportunity to pass on your health and beauty skills.

For your teenage daughter or boy, with dark, mixed or black skin, the priority is to inform him about the specificities of pigmented skin.

Awareness of the specific needs of black skin

Unfortunately, misconceptions about black skin persist, and even among young people. Despite easy access to information (social networks, websites, etc.), many consider, for example, that their black skin is naturally more resistant to UV rays. Even if the richness in melanin protects matte to dark skin from certain harmful effects, this characteristic alone cannot be enough to define it. Indeed, they are more sensitive in many respects.

 This is why it is essential to talk with your teenager about the various specific problems related to his skin type: hyperpigmentation, imperfections, dryness, scarring, etc. Give him reliable resources adapted to the uses of his generation. By sending him via WhatsApp or Messenger links to quality online content, you have a better chance of convincing him.

For example, you can show him the In'Oya Instagram page where we regularly publish short and easy to understand posts. 

Some health professionals also communicate on social networks, such as Doctor Aoun, dermatologist specializing in black skin. For young girls, do not hesitate to supplement your exchanges with advice or natural make-up tutorials.

In any case, be sure to transmit this information to your teenager in a non-directive manner. Thus, he will consult them freely, at a time when he will feel really ready and motivated. He will understand for himself the importance of a targeted approach to regain beautiful skin. It will also be how to go about keeping it healthy.

Finally, set an example by adopting an adapted beauty routine and a healthy lifestyle yourself. Your positive self-care attitude can inspire your teen to responsibly engage in the same process.

Improving your teen's self-esteem: listening, support and confidence

To help your child improve his self-esteem, reassure him of your availability and your desire to accompany him. He should feel comfortable discussing his skin concerns with you. Encourage him to ask questions, express his concerns and share his experiences. Do not force things, good listening and emotional support are sometimes more effective than the best advice.

You can, on the other hand, emphasize the natural beauty of her skin and the attractive power of her personality. Emphasize the importance of self-confidence and self-acceptance, regardless of aesthetic standards.

To develop his autonomy, and help him take care of his health and well-being, let him take care of his own routine. Guide him, but involve him fully in the choice of products. Go shopping together or accompany him for his online purchases. In this process, the key is to take into account their specific needs, while respecting their preferences.

Good to know : Educate your teen about the dangers of harsh ingredients on sensitive skin, such as sulfates and parabens. Contrary to popular belief, gentle, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic products are no less effective at treating acne and blemishes in dull to dark skin tones. Show him how to spot harmful substances by reading labels carefully.

Young children are more receptive to our advice...
But it's never too late to make your teenager aware of the specificities of their black skin!

Glowing skin in adolescence: the benefits of a holistic approach

To achieve glowing skin and keep it healthy, it is best to opt for a holistic approach. This comprehensive method will help your teen understand that the health of their skin is influenced by other factors, often related to their lifestyle. He will thus be more motivated to act and to consider his habits differently: diet, sleep, sports activity, stress management, etc.

Teenager with matte or black skin: What skincare routine?

By investing time in a suitable skincare routine, your teenager will develop good reflexes for healthy skin.

You can recommend the following program, specific to dark to black skin. Designed to prevent and treat all imperfections (pimples, spots, acne scars), it will require patience and perseverance to obtain lasting results.

  • Step 1: morning and evening cleaning

Your teen should start their day by gently washing their face with a mild, soap-free cleanser. This gesture eliminates sebum, dead cells and impurities accumulated during the night. In order to keep the skin clean and fresh, remind him that he will also have to repeat this step in the evening to remove dirt and any makeup residue.

  • Bonus - 1 to 2 times a week: gentle exfoliation

Explain to your teenager the importance of exfoliation to delicately remove dead cells. Opt for a gentle exfoliation to unclog pores and improve skin texture. Make sure this step is not performed too frequently to avoid irritation.

  • Step 2: targeted treatment pimples & spots

Incorporate a special anti-blemish solution into your teen's routine. Likewise, to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation and acne scars, it is better to choose an anti-blemish serum specifically formulated for black skin. This will help her find and keep a unified complexion.

  • Step 3: light hydration

Young problem skin tends to shine, so choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer with a light texture. To avoid clogging the pores, favor a treatment adapted to the needs of pigmented skin, of a combination to oily nature.

Show yourself or with an online tutorial how to gently massage the product into the face and neck for optimal absorption.

  • Step 4 (morning only): sun protection

Insist on the daily use of an anti-uv cream displaying an spf 50 index, to fight effectively against acne and spots. This enhanced protection is crucial for pigmented skin prone to blemishes. Sunscreen prevents the aggravation of existing marks and minimizes the risk of new appearances.

In addition, in summer, systematic application clearly limits post-sun acne at the start of the school year. This dermatological phenomenon is often better known as the “rebound effect”.

Good to know : Remind your teen not to touch their face with their hands to prevent the spread of bacteria. Encourage regular changing of pillowcases to maintain clean skin overnight.

Healthy skin in adolescence: other key factors to consider

To optimize the results of his outpatient care routine, encourage your teenager to opt for a holistic approach, in the "in & out" spirit. Thus, he will consider several elements related to his lifestyle: diet, hydration, sleep, stress level and physical activity.

Balanced diet & Adapted hydration

Help him vary and balance his diet: it should be rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Indeed, essential nutrients like vitamins (especially a, c, e) and minerals (like zinc) play a crucial role in skin health. Make sure your teen stays well hydrated.

Drinking enough water throughout the day seems obvious and simple. Yet this action is often neglected by young people. Fundamental, it supports the elimination of toxins and maintains the suppleness and radiance of the epidermis.

Sleep, Stress management & Physical activity

Remind him of the importance of having quality sleep to regain beautiful skin. Rest allows skin cells to regenerate and repair themselves, promoting a radiant complexion.

Similarly, chronic stress can have a negative impact on the appearance of the skin. This is why the use of stress management techniques is strongly recommended. Different practices can be combined: meditation, yoga, deep breathing, etc.

But indulging in physical activity can produce the same relaxing effect. In addition, the benefits of sport for the skin are plural. By improving blood circulation, regular exercise optimizes the necessary supply of nutrients and oxygen. Finally, perspiration helps the body eliminate toxins naturally and more regularly.

By investing time and attention in this comprehensive approach, you allow your teenager to develop good habits and a deep understanding of their skin.

Together, you create a care routine that is not limited to the cosmetic aspect, but which will sustainably support their overall well-being and self-esteem.