When’s the right age to start a skincare routine? And what products should they be using when they do? These are probably the two most asked questions we get from parents. And they’re important questions! Because the right skincare routine can make the difference between having a happy, confident, clear-skinned teen/tween and an unhappy, self-conscious one.
So, what is the right age? How do you get a tween started? And what products should they be using? Here are my thoughts, as Spots & Stripes' founder:
What is the right age to start a skincare routine?
Start a skincare routine when their oil glands start switching on, which means that they start getting oily skin, congested pores, blackheads and the odd spot, usually around the t-zone. This can start as early as eight or nine (or sometimes younger). It's all normal. Before this, they don't really need anything beyond a night time wipe with a clean flannel and warm water to get the day's dirt and sweat off. I'm quite honest about this, even though I'm selling skincare!
What products should my tween/teen be using when they start out?
Use products that are actually formulated for their young skin. Which means that they have to be super-gentle and free of ingredients that might upset the natural balance of their skin. That rules out foaming cleansers or products with any sort of drying effect - ie most traditional 'teen' skincare! - or contain iffy things like parabens and phthalates that can act as hormone disruptors.
What should the skincare routine consist of?
I tell parents to keep their tween's skincare routine as simple as possible. You might have six-plus products in your routine, but a tween or young teen really only needs one or two: a very gentle cleansing lotion that cleans their skin, but leaves it soothed and completely balanced; a light moisturiser that won't overload their skin; and, if they're beginning to get a few breakouts, a spot treatment that won't dry out their skin.
Their skin is so naturally well balanced that they might not even need the moisturiser, if they're using the right cleanser (and most dermatologists agree)!
So, forget serums and toners all the other stuff that isn't needed and could irritate their young skin. But get the right cleanser, a simple moisturiser and a good spot zapper and they're sorted! To make it easy for you, we have various combinations for tweens here. My favourites for tweens and young teens are the Starter Skincare Set and The Glow Kit.
How do we get started?
I believe that teaching your children how to cleanse properly and look after their skin is as important as teaching them how to brush their teeth. Boys are particularly clueless about what to do (sorry, boys! But it's true!). So show them how much to use, where to use it - we tell them to focus on t-zone only if their cheeks are still clear and soft - how to rub it in and how to wipe it off.
Focus on cleansing at night first - they have more time and they are already bathing or showering. Keep the cleanser by their toothbrush, so they know they have to do it around the same time. Once their skin gets more hormonal, switch up to morning and night cleanses.
Proper cleansing with the right product really does make a difference to mild, hormonal acne! Listen to what some of our customers have to say about that:
We've also written some great guides on the importance of cleansing for this age group and the best cleansing techniques. You can read our Cleansing How To or sign up for our Big Teen/Tween Cleansing Guide, which is pretty much EVERYTHING they need to know about cleansing. I've even written about how to get boys to cleanse (because we know that has its own special challenges!)"
And the rest of the routine?
Pretty simple! If they want another step, they could rub a little gel moisturiser over their face or spritz it with a moisturising face mist (check out our Moisturisers specially formulated for tween and teen skin which is very popular with boys because it's simply spray and go). And if they're getting the odd spot, put on a spot treatment with clean fingers (our award-winning Super Balm zaps spots without drying or irritating the skin, which is crucial if you don't want more spots).
The final step? In the mornings it's SPF. Look for a mineral one that is non-comedogenic (translation: it won't block their pores and give them spots!). Our Sun Squad Sensitive SPF30 for Face is the first eco sunscreen for teens. 99% natural, it uses skin- and ocean-friendly botanicals and essential oils to protect, calm and hydrate the skin.
You can find out more about our Skincare here and read more about all things Tween and Teen skin in our Skin School
