Dos and Don’ts of Teen and Tween Skincare

Extensive skincare routines aren’t just for adults. Thanks to social media, many tweens as young as nine-years-old are trading in toys for trendy, pricey skincare products. While Doylestown Health Nurse Practitioner Minjung Reger, RN, BSN, CRNP, encourages kids to practice healthy skincare habits from a young age, she cautions parents to review their child’s skincare picks.

“Beginning a good skincare routine young can help kids develop healthy habits that they will carry with them, but it’s important to keep in mind that not all skincare is appropriate for young skin,” she says.

Reger put together a list of do’s and don’ts to follow when it comes to your child’s skincare.

DO Have Your Child Start a Skincare Routine

Reger says it’s never too early to start a good skincare routine. “As soon as your child can independently shower and wash their face, they can also moisturize and use sun protection.  This is an important habit to develop early on,” she says.

While your child may want to use a variety of products and serums on their skin, Reger suggests sticking to the basics. She says for younger tweens it’s best to use a mild cleanser to remove dirt and pollutants that can irritate their skin. They can follow the cleanser with a noncomedogenic (which means it won’t clog your pores) sunscreen. She recommends using at least SPF 30.

For tweens and teens with acne prone skin, Reger recommends using a face wash designed to prevent breakouts. Some ingredients that can help with acne include:

• Azelaic acid
• Differin gel
• Salicylic acid

DON’T Buy Expensive Skincare Products for Your Child

Your child may ask for pricey skincare products, however, Reger says they aren’t necessary. “Products such as Cerave, Vanicream, LaRoche Posay, Cetaphil, and Neutrogena are good quality and affordable. It's not necessary to spend a lot of money on products promoted on TikTok or other social media,” she says.

Reger says many of the ingredients in expensive skincare products are similar to those found at your local supermarket or drugstore. In many cases, the extra cost is due to the brand name, packaging, and expensive marketing.

DO Read the Labels on Skincare Products

Certain skincare ingredients aren’t meant for young skin. Reger says it’s important for parents to read the labels on skincare products before buying them. She says ingredients you may want to avoid purchasing for your child include:

• Dyes and fragrances – are often used to make skincare products more appealing, but can irritate skin and cause redness.
• Glycolic acid – is often found in products promising to ‘brighten’ skin tone. Teens and tweens with oily or acne prone may find products with glycolic acid can irritate their skin.
• Retinol – is a common ingredient found in ant-aging products, however, it may be too harsh for young skin and can cause breakouts and irritation.
• Sulfates – can be found in many foaming cleansers, but they can leave young skin dry and susceptible to irritation.

  Reger says there are plenty of ingredients safe for young skin. Ingredients your child may benefit from include:

• Hyaluronic acid – is a moisturizer that does not clog pores.
• Mineral sunscreens containing zinc or titanium – are suggested because they don’t contain harsh chemicals and begin working immediately after application.
• Salicylic acid – can unclog pores and treat acne, but Reger says it’s important to ensure the concentration isn’t above 2% or it can irritate the skin.

DON’T Overdo it

According to Reger, less is more. Especially when it comes to skincare. She recommends limiting the number of products your child uses on their skin and emphasizing sunscreen. “It is important to develop good habits that carry over into adulthood.  Early and consistent use of sunscreen will significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer later in life,” she says.