Good skin care will help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. It can also help with blackheads and pimples. Here's an easy skin care routine that's perfect for kids between the ages of 7 – 12 years of age. It's just three steps.
Step 1: Wash your face.
Why it's important:
“Skin issues” aren’t caused by having a dirty face but more by sweat, dirt and oil. Keeping your skin clean is the first step in any healthy skin care routine. You should wash your face every morning and every night before you go to bed.
Here's how:
- Use a gentle soap or cleanser.
- Wet your face and hands.
- With your fingers or a very soft washcloth, gently massage the cleanser over your face. (Remember to clean your neck too!)
- Rinse your face really well with warm water, and make sure to get all of the soap off.
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Dry your face by gently patting it with a towel.
Don't:
Scrub your face with rough cloths or "scrubbie/loofah" pads. And don't use water that's too hot. Comfortably warm is perfect.
Step 2: Apply your treatment, if one has been prescribed.
Why it's important:
This is the step that helps with the pimples you have, and will stop new pimples from forming. If you don't have pimples, or if you only get them once in a while, you won't need this step.
Here's how:
- Dry your face really well.
- Then, take a small amount of your treatment and carefully rub it over your entire face.
- For store-bought treatments, read the directions on the package and follow them carefully. You should always ask an adult for help the first few times.
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If you have a prescription treatment from the doctor, use it exactly the way your doctor told you.
Don't:
Don't put the treatment just on pimples. For it to work you have to put it everywhere, even on areas of the face that don't have breakouts.
Step 3: Put on a moisturizer.
Why it's important:
Soap and treatments may make your skin feel tight and dry. Using a moisturizer every day will help your skin feel better. It will help keep your skin from getting flaky and make it feel soft and smooth.
Here's how:
- Use a dime-sized dab of moisturizer.
- Gently rub it into your face with your fingertips.
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Rub carefully until the moisturizer absorbs (it will seem like it disappears into your skin).
Don't:
Don't use an oily-feeling moisturizer. Use a product that states it's noncomedogenic or oil-free. Your parents can help you choose a moisturizer that will be good for your skin.
When you're learning how to properly care for your skin, it's normal to have questions. So, be sure to ask an adult for help. What you're learning about skin care now will help keep your skin healthy for your entire life.