3 things your teen may be feeling about taking off the mask
Teen years have long been a trifecta body image insecurity, social pressure, and individual identity. So, it’s no surprise that as mask mandates end in Lake Oswego School District (and around the country), many students have mixed emotions. Here's why.
1. ACNE ANGST.
After two years of face coverings that itched and irritated, it’s not just teens that are suffering from “maskne” (mask acne). And while hormone shifts in teenagers make them even more susceptible, they’ve been able to hide any pimple proliferation behind the Covid curtain. That’s why for some, the lifting on mask mandates may be a dreaded reveal. If your kiddo is stressed about their skin, a good skin-care routine or a visit with your local dermatologist can help.
Start by using a gentle cleanser and pat- don’t rub! - skin. For more severe maskne, try a medicated cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Finally, If you have sensitive skin, ask your doctor or dermatologist about the best type of medicated cleanser for your skin. (Check out a few face washes for acne. ) For irritation and raw skin, you may want to apply a mild cortisone cream to the area together with a moisturizer that contains ceramides. This can help protect your skin.
2. FACE FRIGHT.
“Mask fishing,” or hiding facial flaws under a mask, has become a near-ubiquitous term following its 15 second of trending fame on TikTok last year. But what might seem like content from the latest episode of “Black-ish,” is actually a source of significant worry for many teens. Here’s why: For some, retreating behind the mask during the awkward teenage years may have offered some relief from the Insta-insane social media and peer appearance expectation. Now, half-of-high school later, many worry about appearing less attractive and being judged by their peers.
As parents, this isn’t the moment to launch into a monologue of unasked for advice on self-worth and ignoring people’s perceptions about how they look. Instead, pop those listening ears on and ask what they’re thinking. Focus on the emotions. Then validate and label the feeling: “It sounds like you’re feeling self-conscious. That’s totally understandable.” Reminding them that their classmates are all in the same boat and encouraging them to talk about it with their friends, can help, too.
3. SAFETY SCARES
Let’s face it, Covid-19 was a multi-year horror show for many. And after 24 months of messaging safety first, it may take some - especially those with underlying health issues – a longer time to feel safe without the mask. If your kiddo is worried about getting or transmitting Covid-19, have an open conversation about their concerns. And then – take it slow! If removing the mask is creating anxiety, encourage kids to make changes at a pace that works for them. Wear the mask when they want to and/or bring one in their backpack. They can choose to put it on in large-group settings, for example, or any time they’re feeling uncomfortable. Your's truly will be wearing one on planes long after Federal requirements fade into the sunset.
The most important thing in all of these cases is to keep lines of communication open. If your teen isn’t getting all the "talk with parent" feels, there are many excellent therapists available at places like the Children’s Program, Lake Oswego Counseling Center, and the NW Anxiety Institute. Lakeridge and Lake Oswego High Schools both have links to resources as well.
1. ACNE ANGST.
After two years of face coverings that itched and irritated, it’s not just teens that are suffering from “maskne” (mask acne). And while hormone shifts in teenagers make them even more susceptible, they’ve been able to hide any pimple proliferation behind the Covid curtain. That’s why for some, the lifting on mask mandates may be a dreaded reveal. If your kiddo is stressed about their skin, a good skin-care routine or a visit with your local dermatologist can help.
Start by using a gentle cleanser and pat- don’t rub! - skin. For more severe maskne, try a medicated cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Finally, If you have sensitive skin, ask your doctor or dermatologist about the best type of medicated cleanser for your skin. (Check out a few face washes for acne. ) For irritation and raw skin, you may want to apply a mild cortisone cream to the area together with a moisturizer that contains ceramides. This can help protect your skin.
2. FACE FRIGHT.
“Mask fishing,” or hiding facial flaws under a mask, has become a near-ubiquitous term following its 15 second of trending fame on TikTok last year. But what might seem like content from the latest episode of “Black-ish,” is actually a source of significant worry for many teens. Here’s why: For some, retreating behind the mask during the awkward teenage years may have offered some relief from the Insta-insane social media and peer appearance expectation. Now, half-of-high school later, many worry about appearing less attractive and being judged by their peers.
As parents, this isn’t the moment to launch into a monologue of unasked for advice on self-worth and ignoring people’s perceptions about how they look. Instead, pop those listening ears on and ask what they’re thinking. Focus on the emotions. Then validate and label the feeling: “It sounds like you’re feeling self-conscious. That’s totally understandable.” Reminding them that their classmates are all in the same boat and encouraging them to talk about it with their friends, can help, too.
3. SAFETY SCARES
Let’s face it, Covid-19 was a multi-year horror show for many. And after 24 months of messaging safety first, it may take some - especially those with underlying health issues – a longer time to feel safe without the mask. If your kiddo is worried about getting or transmitting Covid-19, have an open conversation about their concerns. And then – take it slow! If removing the mask is creating anxiety, encourage kids to make changes at a pace that works for them. Wear the mask when they want to and/or bring one in their backpack. They can choose to put it on in large-group settings, for example, or any time they’re feeling uncomfortable. Your's truly will be wearing one on planes long after Federal requirements fade into the sunset.
The most important thing in all of these cases is to keep lines of communication open. If your teen isn’t getting all the "talk with parent" feels, there are many excellent therapists available at places like the Children’s Program, Lake Oswego Counseling Center, and the NW Anxiety Institute. Lakeridge and Lake Oswego High Schools both have links to resources as well.