Acne.  It really doesn’t matter what age you are, acne can creep up on you when you least expect it.  Often times it is mild.  Sometimes it’s simply out of control.  The only way to prevent acne and the only way to get rid of it, is to stay on top of it and take care of your skin, whichever body part your acne may be popping up.

Yadda yadda yadda?  Maybe.  But truth is, mother knows best.  And I am speaking from personal experience.  Not just in dealing with my own skin, but that of my pre teen son’s.

Yes, pimples do tend to start early, especially while certain developmental changes are occurring.  You know, those milestone developments that you don’t talk about; the ones that frighten you and make you proud all at the same time? 

At around this time, unfortunately, pre-teen boys (or tweens as it is often referred to today) tend to postpone hygienic rituals until they either can’t stand themselves, or they are forced into it.  I’m here to say, force away and make sure they have appropriate products.  This means you have to know your son.  What kind of skin?  What kind of hair?  Don’t assume that just because they are boys that it doesn’t matter.  It does, because you’re instilling proper habits and product usage that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

If your son’s hair isn’t like your own, or if your own smells girlie, get him his own shampoo suitable for his hair type.  Proper shampooing helps control oils that spread to the forehead and sides of the face.  Make sure there is no lavender in it, as lavender extract has been known to cause “malfunctioning” of hormones in boys.  Lavender extract has a few different names, so it’s best to simply stay away from all lavender products when it comes to your boys.  Slight amounts are fine.  Daily use is NOT.

Get them used to wearing deodorant every day.  Whether or not they are consistently stinky is of no matter.  It’s habit that matters.  What type of deodorant is your call.  I myself make sure to stay away from all alums, but this is not an easy task unless you live near a specialty shop.  Do make sure that whatever men’s deodorant you chose is not too strong.  A regular one will do just fine.

Boys need to wash their face too.  Nothing harsh, just something that works and is meant for the face.  Neutrogena is a great product line and doesn’t build up.  Regular Deep Clean is fine, but if they’re looking for something that’s more for a guy, they have many products for men.  They’ll come to like the winter fresh feeling on their face and will be more likely to use it if the end result is pleasing.  Yes, boys and men are not very different from girls and women in this regard. Be sure that they are shown the right amount to use and how to apply and how long to massage it into their face.  Boys can tend to do things a bit too quickly.  For this reason, let them know to count to sixty while applying and to rinse very well before moving onto their next step.  Boys, not just girls and women, should also use a facial scrub, applied the same way and in lieu of a facial soap.  A larger beading in the scrub is best.  Get them started now.

Body wash is just as important as face soap and shampoo when it comes to acne.  While proper shampooing helps control oils that spread to the forehead and sides of the face, and face wash helps control the oils on the face, a good body wash will control oils that could lead to pimples on the back as well as in other unwanted places that are a bit more private.  Again nothing too strong and nothing pore clogging.  A gentle deep clean by Neutrogena is my recommendation.  Not only does it work well, but it’s gender neutral in packaging and scent.  Fortunately or unfortunately, products that are gender specific to men or products that are gender neutral in style and smell are going to help your son keep up with his hygiene.  NO bar soaps, either for their face or their body.  I’ve found that soaps in liquid form work best and clog much less.   And make certain that your son has his own loofah.  They come in all sorts of favorite colors.  As for keeping you clean and getting soap deep into and out of pores, a loofah can’t be beat.  Do make sure that they know how much to put on and to put more if the soap runs out before they are done.  Do make sure that they know how to get all the soap out before hanging it up. 

Make sure they brush their teeth after meals (as soon as they get home from school if they can’t or won’t or don’t have time to brush there.  Yes, not brushing your teeth aids in facial acne.  The oils and whatnot seep right through the cheeks, so that even if you’re washing your face, if you’re not brushing your teeth you’re going to have more issues than you think. 

And finally, get them into these two habits: The habit of washing their hands frequently (which they ought to be doing anyway) and the habit of not touching their face.  Touching your face, especially if your hands are not freshly washed, is the number one no-no when it comes to preventing zits, pimples, acne, whatever you want to call it.

Follow these steps the moment you see any signs of stinky pits, the start of hair growth in special spots, or the beginnings of a lack of positive hygienic habits.  While pimples are inevitable, and some are more prone to break-outs than others, knowing how to prevent acne and how to care for acne at an early age will benefit your boys in the long run.  They may never thank you, but you’ll know you’ve done well.