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Clear the Way for Healthy Skin |
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Most Teenagers Have Some Acne and It Can Be AwfulBy Lauren Anderson  Crater face, pizza boy, zit head…kids can be cruel when your face resembles a game of connect-the-dots. With hormones surging, most teens have bouts of acne no one deserves. But our teen athletes may find themselves breaking out more often than most—thanks to the increase of adrenaline from playing sports—and on the receiving end of some nasty name-calling. Help your teen with these tips from Susan Armendariz, Regional Vice President of Arbonne International, a botanically based Swiss skincare line:
FK: Why do teens get acne, and why is it worse for athletes?
Susan: During puberty, boys have a testosterone surge that creates an issue, and the same is true for girls—their bodies’ hormones are all over the place. Lifting weights and agility training causes an adrenalin rush that can start a breakout within a half hour of training. The other reason why athletes have trouble is because they’re sweating and rubbing their face, which makes it worse.
FK: What do your recommend to help keep things in control?
Susan: First, I’d say to always take a clean workout towel and wipe your face as often as possible. Then make sure you’re cleansing and moisturizing every day and doing a deep clean twice a week with a botanical product.
FK: At what point should parents seek help for their children?
Susan: Obviously, if it’s really out of hand, it’s good to seek assistance, but your children have to be consistent with a morning and evening routine. You shouldn’t spend the money for a specialist until they’ve established that routine. Then, if they still aren’t having success, look for outside help.
FK: At what age should parents start talking about skin care?
Susan: I started really young with my boys and made it part of when I talked to them about personal hygiene. It’s also good to start talking to your kids right before they become teens. Give them ownership by getting them their own products starting around age 9.
FK: As the mother of boys, do you have any advice for talking to boys about skin care and its importance?
Susan: Honestly, I’ve found that boys are just as self-conscious as girls, especially when it comes to skin care. They’re interested in girls and want to look nice when dealing with them. My biggest advice is to have both mom and dad talk to them about skin care; it’s better when it comes from both parents. What we put on our skin is just as important as what we put in our mouths. In fact, anything you put on your skin reaches your major organs in 26 seconds, which is why it’s just as important to be healthy on the outside as on the inside.
FK: When parents are shopping for products for their kids, is there anything they should stay away from?
Susan: Mineral oil—it creates a barrier on the skin that doesn’t let moisture in or toxins out. You also want to avoid cleansers and moisturizers with oil and alcohol because they dry out the skin and cause oil glands to overproduce.
FK: What should parents look for in skin care products?
Susan: Anything botanically based is key. They also want a low percentage of salicylic acid, which is a mild cleanser. Witch hazel is great because it’s rich in Vitamin A, C and E, and peppermint is good because it naturally opens the pores and allows them to be cleansed from the inside out.
FK: As you know from raising teens, it’s always about the next big thing, whether it’s sporting equipment, eye shadow or moisturizer. Where would you tell parents to save and where would you tell them to spend?
Susan: I’d recommend spending on cleansers and saving on color care. Girls want color and there’s always something new that’s hot. Cut your expenses in color care—eye shadows and lipsticks—and spend on good, healthy skincare products. I have a client who has three daughters and a son, she’s watching funds and her daughters are all in cheerleading. The girls really want a lot of color and have to pay for it themselves, but the one thing this mom splurges on is our skin care line to keep their skin clear. |
