Navigating Tween and Teen Skincare Trends: A Beauty Therapist's Guide
Skincare has become a hot topic in recent years, especially among tweens and teens. With the rise of trendy beauty stores and the constant pressure of social media influencers, it's no surprise that young people are increasingly interested in skincare routines. As a beauty therapist and a mum of two girls, aged 11 and 13, I've seen firsthand how exciting — and overwhelming — the world of skincare can be for young people.
While I’m all for embracing beauty and self-care (it's one of the pillars of well-being!), there are some important tips I want to share to help you guide the teens in your life toward the best skincare habits. The goal is to encourage them to explore and have fun with skincare, but also to make sure they’re not unintentionally damaging their delicate young skin.
Here are my top skincare tips for tweens and teens:
1. Say No to Harsh Cleansers and Soaps
It's tempting to think that scrubbing away all the dirt and oil will lead to clear skin, but harsh cleansers and soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and even more prone to breakouts. The skin of a tween or teen is still delicate, so it’s important to use gentle cleansers that maintain the skin's natural barrier. The Janesce Peppermint cleanser is a beautiful milky cleanser that can be used for all skin types. Environ Sebuwash is great for those skins that are prone to breakouts and acne.
2. Less Is More – Keep it Simple
Teens don’t need complicated skincare routines packed with powerful active ingredients. While it’s tempting to jump straight into products with ingredients like retinol or hyaluronic acid (often found in anti-aging formulas), these are best suited for more mature skin. For young skin, the focus should be on basic, nourishing products that address their unique needs, like gentle cleansers, light moisturisers, and sunscreen. Keep it simple to avoid overwhelming the skin — and their routine!
3. Don’t Overdo It with Masks
Face masks are fun, but they should be treated as a treat rather than an everyday necessity. Over-masking can dry out the skin or cause irritation, especially if they’re using products with strong ingredients like clay or charcoal too frequently. Depending on the mask, once every couple of weeks should be enough to give the skin a little extra care. Remember, masking is meant to be a treatment, not an everyday ritual.
4. Keep Hands Off the Face!
One of the simplest yet most effective tips for clearer skin is to avoid touching the face. Hands carry dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can easily transfer to the skin and trigger breakouts or congestion. Encourage your teen to keep their hands away from their face as much as possible, especially when they're not at home and washing their hands regularly. And the golden rule: No picking! Picking at pimples or blemishes can lead to scarring, worsen irritation, and spread bacteria, making breakouts worse in the long run. It’s important to instill this habit early to keep skin clear and healthy.
5. Embrace Sunscreen as a Daily Habit
One of the most important habits teens can develop is wearing sunscreen every single day, no matter the weather. Sun exposure at a young age can have long-term effects, including premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. Help your teen find a sunscreen they love — preferably one with mineral protection rather than a high concentration of chemicals. My teen’s skin looks its best when she uses My Sunshine Sunscreen SPF 30.
By following these simple tips, you can help the teens in your life enjoy skincare without overcomplicating things or causing unnecessary harm. Encourage them to choose products that feel good on their skin and to pay attention to how their skin reacts. Most importantly, remind them that beauty is about feeling good in their skin — inside and out. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated — it’s about nourishing and protecting their beautiful, youthful skin as they grow.
Kirsty