WE HAVE ‘TEEN’ BETTER DAYS
Happy Friday girlies!
This week’s blog is going to delve into the depths of puberty. Strap yourself in, we’re going for a ride. Although I am not a medical professional, all information in this blog post has been collated from doctors and dermatologists.
If you headed back into school a couple of weeks ago, after the Christmas holidays, you are probably already sick of learning new stuff, but I promise you this will come in handy.
So, to begin, puberty…A process which on average, for young girls, starts between the ages of 8 and 13. It is helpful to learn about puberty before it starts, but if this something that has already started for you, that’s okay too. Mums, I know you may have reached puberty a little while ago, but stick around, you never know, you could learn something new.
Puberty is the term for the period of time when your body starts to alter and develop as you begin the transition from a child to an adult. We're talking about things like girls growing breasts, maybe wider hips, oily skin, pubic hair etc.
When your body is ready to begin puberty, your pituitary gland, (a pea-shaped gland located at the bottom of your brain) releases hormones to begin the process.
These hormones target the ovaries, which are home to eggs that have been there since birth (Crazy right?) The hormones trigger the ovaries to begin producing estrogen, another hormone. These hormones work together to get a girl's body ready for the onset of her period and eventual ability to get pregnant.
Whilst all of this is going on, in places you can’t see, there will be changes you can see and feel. It can be a daunting time, and you may feel anxious or embarrassed about some of the changes happening to your body, but it is important to remember that everybody goes through puberty, and you are not alone in feeling this way. I hated my body hair to begin with, but it really grew on me! (Okay, cheap joke I know) but it is important to remember that everybody develops differently at different times, so if you find that you are the tallest girl in the class, or that your armpits are starting to grow hair, or maybe other girls are wearing bras but you’re not quite there yet, whatever it is, remember that everybody evens out and that these changes are all part of growing up.
Teenage skin is a little bit of a minefield, and it can be really tricky to navigate because skin is individual, and no two people are the exact same. However, puberty skin on average is likely to become oilier. This is because of an increase in sebum in each skin cell, thanks again to those same hormones mentioned earlier. Pores can become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells and trapped bacteria causing what we know as, acne. This may present itself as a group of pimples across the surface of the skin, along with skin texture that you may not have had pre-puberty. These often appear on your face, upper back, shoulders, and chest. As your body changes, and growth spurts happen, you may be left with stretch marks along your thighs, breasts, buttock, well, anywhere really. Don’t be alarmed, they are completely normal.
Sometime after hitting puberty age, you will experience your first period. This can be a shock, but there is nothing to fear. If you do have any questions regarding feminine hygiene or anything else for that matter, please do find a responsible caregiver that you trust, i.e., your mum, auntie, older sister, teacher, nurse etc and ask them anything. No question is abnormal or intrusive, we all go through it!
Your skin can be challenged during your period. Why? Those dang hormones! Estrogen and progesterone levels fall right before your period. Sebum, an oily fluid that lubricates your skin, may be secreted in greater amounts as a result. Too much might cause breakouts and blocked pores, causing increased acne. Other not-so enjoyable premenstrual symptoms like moodiness, aching breasts, and strange diarrhoea may also be caused by these hormone changes. It may sound all doom and gloom, but periods are a natural, healthy part of a girl's life and they shouldn't get in the way of exercising, having fun, or going out with friends!
With all these new physical and emotional changes, it can get overwhelming. Whatever you are feeling, do talk to those you trust. Before I leave you, here are:
10 top tips for teenage/pubescent skin:
1. Don’t touch your face (you may be transferring bacteria from your hands).
2. Wash your face morning and night.
3. Moisturise – Even oily skin needs moisturiser.
4. Allow your skin a day or two, per week, with no makeup, to allow it to breathe.
5. Never sleep in your makeup, always take it off before bed.
6. Clean your phone, a quick swipe with an antibacterial wipe makes all the difference.
7. As tempting as it may be, don’t pick or pop your skin – you may cause long term damage.
8. Rotate clean pillowcases regularly.
9. Wash your makeup brushes and beauty blenders often.
10. Drink plenty of water
Have a wonderful weekend lovelies!
xoxo
Reference List
D, Steven. 2015, All about Puberty (for Kids)- KidsHealth.
Flo Health, 2021, Spots, Dry, and Oily Skin: How Hormones Affect Your Skin Before and During a Period
Healthline, 2020, The Ultimate Guide to Period-Related Breakouts.