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Glowing Up! Part 4: Mental Health Risks and Vulnerabilities

By Rosemary K, Macaroni KID Woodstock Publisher February 11, 2024

In this fourth and final article, I’ll focus on the potential mental health vulnerabilities that arise from kids obsessing with or fixating on their appearance. Young children are very impressionable.  As adolescents transition through puberty, they often struggle with concerns about their appearance.

Once a simple routine, skin care can evolve into a complex ritual. Tweens and teens seek to manage the changes happening to their bodies. However, with the desire for clear skin and glowing complexion, there are potential risks that parents and guardians should be aware of.  This article offers some practical tips and ideas on how to watch out for the warning signs.

Young minds are vulnerable. The pressure for kids to conform to society’s beauty standards can lead to harmful habits and attitudes toward self-image. Dr. Hida, an expert in adolescent psychology, cautions that the fixation on appearance can sometimes indicate other mental health issues. These disorders may be eating disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorders, especially in individuals prone to perfectionism. Signs such as excessive worry over one’s appearance or rigid adherence to a skincare routine should not be overlooked. These signs may indicate deeper underlying issues.

However, it’s important to recognize that skin care is not generally problematic. Instead, the attitude and response towards it determine its impact on mental well-being. Dr. Hida stresses the importance of framing skin care as a form of self-expression or exploration. Whether your tween or teens experiment with trendy products or embrace natural skincare routines, they should focus on creating a healthy relationship with their body and appearance.

Parental guidance shapes your child's perceptions of beauty and self-care. Dr. Ganz underscores the significance of framing skin care as a positive and enjoyable experience rather than a necessity for social acceptance.

Parents should be encouraged to create open communication and emphasize the importance of self-acceptance. Parents may lessen the risk of their children developing unhealthy attitudes toward their appearance.

Therefore, tween and teen skin care can be a valuable form of self-care and self-expression. Parents must remain aware of any risks their children may develop. We can empower young individuals to embrace their uniqueness and confidently navigate adolescence by fostering a supportive environment and promoting a healthy mindset toward beauty.


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