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Home › Articles › General › Mom's Guide to Teenage Guys

Mom's Guide to Teenage Guys

Teaching Good Grooming
to Your Son

By Teri Brown

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Skin Care

Dr. Schlessinger feels that most young men would be willing to talk to their mothers about acne, as they really want the problem solved.

"If acne is a problem, it is best to discuss this with the teen and see if it is time to visit a dermatologist," Dr. Schlessinger says. "Over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide are of some value, but don't always work on stubborn cases of acne, so it is important to set reasonable goals to make sure the acne doesn't scar before you seek medical help. Washing should occur twice a day, but there is no particular benefit to washing more than twice daily, unless there are extenuating circumstances such as athletics or jobs that expose the teen to oily films on their faces."

Many acne products are over hyped by TV or infomercials. It is best to see what your dermatologist recommends. "The biggest trend for teens is to be seen by dermatologists earlier rather than later for acne and skin problems," Dr. Schlessinger says. "It used to be that a trip to the dermatologist was a last resort. Now, clear skin is 'di rigeur' for high school kids, so it makes the teen with acne stand out in comparison. Newer treatments are available now that make regimens more simple and 'teen-ready'. One new drug, Xiana, combines a retinoid with clindamycin. This takes two very common drugs used topically and combines them."

Teaching your son good grooming habits takes sensitivity and consistency, but remember that by teaching these habits, not only will you and your son get immediate benefits, but someday your son's future wife is going to thank you!

5 Top Grooming Tips
  1. Buy your son an easy-to-use electric razor rather than teach him how to use a disposable. Young teens generally don't have a thick enough beard to warrant the risk of cutting themselves.
  2. Buy a good hair care system that takes the guesswork out of hair care for your son. Shampoo, conditioner and hair gels are a good start. Make sure they are packaged in a way that appeals to the male teen.
  3. Find a hair salon that caters to men. Not only will they be able to teach your son how to care for their hair, but guys feel more comfortable there than going somewhere that is too "girly."
  4. Teach your son that less is more when it comes to cologne.
  5. If your son develops acne, take him to a dermatologist. Oftentimes, teens will listen more carefully to an authority figure than they will their mother.


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