Hygiene for a 10 Year Old

Updated on November 12, 2009
J.T. asks from Sylmar, CA
8 answers

My adopted daughter is 10 years old and African American, as is my husband. I am wondering what kind of face cleanser she should be using at this point. Is she too young to start on a cleanser (right now she just uses a good old fashion bar of soap) and what kind? She doesn't have acne but she does have tiny bumps around her nose and between her eyes. I am not sure if it is heat rash or what. There isn't any white heads, just tiny raised bumps. Any suggestions on what to use?

Also, she is pre-pubescent and needs some sort of deodorant. We have an all natural one from Trader Joe's... I think it's the Toms of Maine. It doesn't work on really hot days or soccer days. I don't want her to use an anti-perspirant as it has so many chemicals and she is so young. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
J.

1 mom found this helpful

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L.H.

answers from Honolulu on

I would say she is going through the teenage phase of hormone changes. That is about the right time where they start breaking out. Since there are no "white heads" so that means they are fromt eh heat. I have seen it so many time on some children where when it's too hot, they break out like that. As far as the facial wash, I would take her to either Sphora or the Mall to beauty stores where she can be tested skin type wise in order to have the right and perfect facial cleanser for her type skin. Then for the type deodorant that's suitable for her, I would seek the section for teenagers in beauty stores.

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C.T.

answers from San Diego on

Hi J.,

What I hear you saying is that you want to stay away from products with chemicals for your family. Have you heard of Shaklee? They are the #1 natural nutrition company in the U.S. and have been around for over 50yrs. They have a reputation for effective products backed by scientific research and they are known for their high standards in safety. We have completely Shakleeized our home and we have piece of mind. They have a soap-free cleansing bar that's gentle enough for face and body and I love their roll-on deodorant. Shaklee's personal care products are free from toxins and chemicals. Check out the products at www.greennutrition.info and register to win $200 of free products at www.freegreenproducts.info. Let me know if you have any questions.

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D.W.

answers from San Diego on

Hi J.,

You might want to look into the FYI products from Arbonne. They are specially formulated for young skin - they are terrific and come in fun scents. For facial cleansing I recommend the FC5 wash for oily/combination skin and/or the cleansing scrub. Awesome products that are all botanically based and good for her skin.
check out www.arbonne.com

Let me know if you'd like to give them a try - there is also a 45 day money back guarantee... :)

All the best,
D.

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C.S.

answers from San Diego on

I was born and raised in Africa, but I'm white. How nice you adopted her. Yes, she's at a good age to start using skin care. My daughter and her friend used to get those bumps at that age. Mary Kay has a 3-in-1 cleanser that works well for teens and includes cleanser, mask and toner. It's called Velocity and sells for $10 and the moisturizer is $12. The moisturizer is for all skin types and is oil-free and absorbs oil. My son even uses this. They just wash their faces morning and night and apply the moisturizer and that's it. Sometimes my daughters use the Microdermabrasion which removes the bumps. I facialed one lady and she had bumps on her forehead and where she worked the Microdermabrasion, they were gone. We were both amazed. Mamasource business could refer a Mary Kay consultant to you or let me know if you need more info.

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B.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Face: all natural – good “old fashioned” soap – is always best. Watch for dyes, chemicals or preservatives.

Deodorant / antiperspirant: PLEASE STAY AWAY from SODIUM LAUREL(TH) SULPHATE (ITE) – SLS – It is a known catalyst in many health problems. We use a natural crystal (bought at Trader Joe’s) and it works well…even for my husband when we works out **NB If you feel a strong deodorant is necessary, you many need to check what she is eating to cause her perspiration to smell.

My family chooses to use products from a natural company, not found in stores. Last time I sent a link to what my family uses, it was removed…so I guess if you want the link you will have to email me (____@____.com)

B.
Family Success Coach

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J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I used to use the crystal and it worked pretty well.

My fiance is black and I asked what his sister used to use... he said he wasn't sure, but that to keep in mind... hair is dry and skin is oily. Reverse of most white people. I REALLY like origins products... natural as a cosmetic company can be... now if you want to stick with all natural I used to use Earth Science, but eventually developed a freak allergy to it... and i love aubrey organics... good stuff there!! It's all made from food products and actually has a shelf life of 1 year... then you can smell it go bad!

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S.S.

answers from Honolulu on

Hi J.,

Congrats on your 14 years of marriage. The best soap for your 10 year old will be oatmeal soap,or this might sound gross but it has worked...her first urine of the morning can be rubbed gently on her face and then washed off after about 5 minutes or less. Also at 10 years of age she can start using deodorant,teen deodorant like Secret, etc. will be helpful.

I hope these work.

S.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

The books series called "American Girl" for this age... has books about it that is written for the child to read. And also for the Mom and daughter to read together, if that is something you both can do.
There is one called "The Care And Keeping Of You" for example that addresses these things.
You can get the book at any bookstore, Amazon, or Barnes and NOble for example and online.
I really like this series.

As a child, from that age, my Mom taught me about skin care, and I did use facial products. To this day, I still do. I think it really helps for all around "care" of a girl, then a woman's skin as we mature. Its good knowledge for any girl or woman.

As for deodorant... try going to Whole Foods or something, and asking them what is the most effective natural product. AND you may have to buy several different brands, to see which one works well, for her. Since each person is different.
My daughter Uses the arm & hammer natural deodorant, and it works well for her. My girl being only 7 years old, but needs it already.

All the best,
Susan

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