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It is a sign of the times that I am writing a post about skincare for tweens. It was rare before the age of 18 I washed my face with more than soap and water, never mind having an interest in skincare before leaving primary school. Yet, this is where we are and it is important to inform ourselves in what tweens should and shouldn’t use on their delicate skin!
Unfortunately , brands have identified the Gen Alpha group as an untapped market. They are using bright colours and fancy packaging to entice the children in. However, it is important to keep in mind that children’s skin is far more sensitive to ours and doesn’t need very much to keep it looking well.
Yet it isn’t all bad! As parents we can use this to our advantage and instil some good skin and hygiene practices from an early age.
If your tween has shown interest in a “skincare routine,” here are some tips to guide them:
1. Keep it simple
Children’s skin is generally thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, requiring gentler care and products. They don’t need the elaborate routines being pushed on social media
Cleanser
Start with a gentle cleanser. Opt for a soap-free formula that removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin. When selecting a product, take your child’s skin type into account—whether it’s oily, dry, or normal.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: A mild, soap-free formula that cleanses without stripping natural oils. You can buy it here
Cerave hydrating cleanser: This is a gentle cleanser that will help clean the skin without being harsh on the skins barrier. You can buy it here.
Your Skin Stuff Gentle Daily Cleanser: This range is designed with pre teens in mind so it is very gentle. You can buy it here.
Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser : This is one of the brands that they pre teens go mad for and this particular product is designed to be gentle and non-stripping, which is suitable for tween skin. You can buy it here.
Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser: Another brand that is on their ” must have” list. The Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser is a mild, pH-balanced formula that can be suitable for pre-teen skin . You can buy it here.
Moisturiser
Preteen skin typically doesn’t require heavy moisturizers. However, after cleansing, it’s important to help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. A light, gentle moisturizer can accomplish this task effectively.
CeraVe’s Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This is a gentle, fragrance-free formula and inclusion of essential ceramides make it appropriate for young, developing skin. You can buy it here.
Byoma Hydrating serum: This is a gentle, fragrance-free formula that can be suitable for pre-teen skin, offering hydration without clogging pores. You can buy it here.
Bubble Slam Dunk moisturiser : This is a lightweight, oil-free formula specifically designed for pre-teen skin. Its gentle ingredients, including aloe vera and vitamin E, provide hydration without clogging pores, making it a suitable option for young skin. You can buy it here .
Your Skin stuff, Skin Hug Serum : This is a very gentle serum, that contains ingredients that is perfect for even senstive pre teen skin. You can buy it here.
SPF
Of all the steps in Pre teen skin care, I am 100% behind introducing them to using SPF daily and not just on sunny days. This is even the part where you will be able to slip in the viral brand Drunk Elephant.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen: I actually love this one myself! This is a great choice for pre-teens due to its invisible, lightweight formula that won’t leave a white cast or greasy residue. Its broad-spectrum protection and oil-free composition make it suitable for daily use on young skin, helping to establish good sun protection habits early on. You can buy it here.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ : This is a beautiful SPF and works amazing under makeup . It is a gentle, light weight, non greasy and soaks into the skin, while offering broad-spectrum protection. You can buy it here.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30: This is a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen that can be appropriate for pre-teen skin. You can buy it here.
2.Promote Healthy Habits
Parents can use this skin care bandwagon to our advanatge and instil what will be life long habits into our kids at a young age.
Show them how to use the products they have. When it comes to cleansing use a small amount and get them to wash their faces twice a day and after sweating.
Teach them to keep their hands away from their faces to help prevent spreading bacteria. This is particularly important when they begin to break out.
Get them to use clean towels and if their pillowcases get dirty, encourage them to change them! It is also worth getting them to use reusable cleanising pad when cleaning their face. I love these ones here.
The hardest thing to get them to see is that healthy skin happens from the inside out. While all the skincare does help, a healthy balanced diet is what will help them to keep their skin looking well.
3. Pick age appropriate products
Your children do not need to be using acids on their skin!! I can’t scream this loud enough!! Children are very easily influenced and often see stuff being hyped online, that is not suitable for their skin. As parents, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves in what is actually in the products our children are asking for. A quick google will tell you if something is suitable or not. This might be hard to hear but sometimes it is important to just say no!
Look for products specifically formulated for young skin. Avoid harsh ingredients, fragrances, and adult-strength treatments that can irritate sensitive tween skin.
4. Start slowly
When dealing with such sentive skin, it is important to start slowly. Use one product for two or three weeks at a time before introducing a new one. That way if they do react, it is every easy to eliminate the product causing the problem.
5. Education around skin changes
It is important to help pre teens and teens understand that skin changes around puberty are normal. Many of us have been there and it can be hard to deal with. Try to encourage a positive body image and focus on overall skin health rather than perceived imperfections.
6. Consider Professional Advice
I for one am no skincare guru and neither are the vast majority of influencers online. It is often best to look to the professionals if you are looking for something beyond a gentle cleanse, moisturise and SPF for your chin. Also , if they have specific skin issues a profession will be far better equipped to help you find products that are best for their skin .
