Developing Healthy Hygiene Habits
IN ADOLESCENT HEALTHThe teenage years can be awkward enough for your teen as he or she learns to transition from middle school to high school, enters puberty and possibly starts to date. Teens can be brutal when it comes to bullying and pointing out poor hygiene habits. Help your teenager avoid being teased by teaching him or her how to stay fresh and clean with good hygiene habits.
Talking with your teen about good hygiene is an important part of parenting. For this conversation, your teen may feel more comfortable talking to an adult of the same sex that he or she trusts. Assure your child that all the changes occurring are normal and everyone deals with similar embarrassments.
Shower Power
Small children can skip baths occasionally, but teenagers need to shower daily. Hormones are in overdrive during puberty, and sweat production is heavier. Encourage your teen to shower daily with a mild soap.
Avoid a Hairy Situation
When it comes to hair washing, you should consider your teen’s hair type and oiliness. Some teens may prefer not to wash their hair daily to prevent it from drying out and forming split ends. If your teen’s hair produces a lot of oil, he or she should wash his or her hair daily and use conditioner on the ends only. Oily hair and hair products with oil or grease can increase acne breakouts, as well.
When your teen starts to develop facial hair or leg hair becomes embarrassing, discuss hair removal options such as shaving, waxing and depilatory creams and their pros and cons with your teen.
| The Acne Fight
Acne is a fact of life for most teenagers and even some adults. With proper prevention and treatment methods, acne can be controlled. Encourage your pre-teen to start washing his or her face with a mild face wash twice a day beginning at age 10 so he or she will develop the habit before hormones surge. If acne does appear, have your teen use a face wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can be found in most hygiene departments. For more serious cases of acne that aren’t controlled with over-the-counter products, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. Acne can be very unhealthy for teens mentally and physically, leading to permanent scarring, low self-esteem and depression. To help reduce oil, dermatologists can prescribe prescription-strength washes and ointments that contain retinoid. Dermatologists sometimes prescribe antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation. |
Sources: health.state.mn.us, aad.org, webmd.com
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