The teenage years are a time of immense change and growth, both physically and emotionally. Hormones surge through the body, fuelling the remarkable transformation from child to adult. However, this hormonal flux can also lead to less desirable effects like acne and mood swings. As parents and caregivers, it is essential to support our teenagers in maintaining healthy hormone balance and promoting effective detoxification.

This article, with insights from Naturopath and Hormone Specialist Vanessa Lamaro explores the significance of mindful skincare practices during the teenage years and provides strategies for nurturing teen skin health beyond just managing breakouts.

Nourishment from Within

A nutritious and anti-inflammatory diet plays a pivotal role in supporting teen skin health. Encouraging our teenagers to consume whole, unprocessed foods rich in essential nutrients. A diet focused on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides the necessary building blocks for healthy skin.

 

Choosing Natural Skincare & Makeup

The products we use on our skin can significantly impact our overall health, particularly when it comes to hormonal balance. Personal care items often contain harmful chemicals that can disrupt our delicate hormone balance and burden our detoxification systems. Therefore, it is crucial to educate and encourage teenagers to opt for natural skincare and makeup products.

One of the major concerns in personal care products is the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These substances can adversely affect hormone balance, overburden detoxification systems, and even impact fertility in both females and males. By choosing natural skincare and makeup products, we can protect our teenagers from the harmful effects of these chemicals, especially during this crucial window of reproductive development.

“One of the most important things we can do for our teens is to teach them about the importance of using natural skin care and make up. Personal care products are one of the largest contributors to our body’s toxic burden. Some of the most harmful chemicals we find in our environment, unfortunately, can be found in personal care items, and we are applying them daily, directly to our skin.” - Vanessa Lamaro

Caring for teen skin goes beyond simply navigating breakouts. It is an opportunity to instil healthy skincare habits that can last a lifetime.

When to Start a Skincare Routine

“In healthy children without skin conditions, the skin needs little support except for safe sun protection. Once hormonal changes begin, and we notice increased sebum (oil) production and increased body odour, this is a great time to begin a simple skin care routine. Each teen will be different in their needs, some requiring a more advanced strategy, but all teens will benefit from even a minimal skin care routine. Choosing one that helps, not harms is critical at this time.” - Vanessa Lamaro

The teenage years are a crucial period for nurturing healthy skin and hormone balance. By being mindful of the skincare & makeup products used and adopting a natural approach, we can protect our teenagers from the negative effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Promoting a nutritious diet, instilling healthy skincare habits, and providing necessary support through natural products and supplements tailored to their specific needs can empower teenagers to navigate this transformative time with confidence and set them up for a lifetime of healthy skin. Remember, consulting with healthcare professionals or specialists in hormonal health can provide personalized guidance for individual cases.

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