The Do’s and Don’ts of Pre-Teen Skincare: Building a safe routine for your tween

It's no secret that kids these days are really into skincare, and as parents, it can be a bit puzzling. Suddenly, your nine-year-old wants all these fancy products, and you're not quite sure what to make of them. But as odd as it may seem for us adults, the Gen Alpha skincare trend is here to stay for some time. 

While we might still be figuring out our own beauty routines, our tweens are raiding the beauty aisles and piling on the products. So, how do we make sure our kids are taking care of their skin in a healthy way?

To help you and your tween navigate this skincare craze, we've gathered some key tips on what young kids and tweens need for their skin and how you can support your child as they get more into their beauty routine. 

Is skin care safe for tweens?

Understanding what products are safe for pre-teens is crucial for parents. Kids are not only interested in skin care products but are also influenced by viral trends targeting older audiences. Sometimes, they are made to think there's an issue with their skin that needs fixing when in reality, their skin is perfectly fine. This can be risky because it exposes kids to corrective treatments and the idea that skin care is a solution to problems they won't face for decades, like fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, products meant for mature skin often contain strong ingredients that can be too harsh for young people and could potentially harm the skin barrier. This brings up a strong need for education on which products are suitable for younger skin to establish a healthy routine. The best way to start your skincare journey is by consulting a dermatologist or skin specialist who can help you identify your complexion type and the most suitable ingredients for your needs.

Understanding active ingredients in tween skincare

Grown-ups often talk about active ingredients like retinoids, acids, and antioxidants to make their skin act younger by removing old skin, making new cells, and boosting things like collagen and elastin, but for preteens, it's a different story. Kids don't need all that because their skin is already working great, shedding old cells, making lots of collagen, and staying nice and plump. So, they don't need those fancy ingredients.

Some active ingredients might help if they have early skin issues from hormones, like hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5 might be helpful for dry or sensitive skin, but most are just not necessary. For preteens, the most important thing is keeping their skin hydrated. It's tempting to try lots of new stuff, but as parents, it's best to go slow and steady. Jumping from one product to another can irritate their skin. So, take it easy and focus on what their skin really needs.

Building your pre-teen skincare routine

Wondering about the best way to take care of your tween’s skin? With so many products out there, it can be tricky to know what’s right. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some simple tips!

First off, let’s talk about the basics: cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen. These are the three basic steps everyone should follow for good skin, whether you're young or old. And just like brushing your teeth keeps your smile healthy, taking care of your skin sets you up for a lifetime of good habits.

So, what should your tween’s routine look like? Keep it simple and gentle. Look for a mild cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils. Moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are great for keeping skin happy. And most importantly, don’t forget sunscreen!

Step 1: Cleanser

When it comes to cleansers, look for something gentle. A basic cleanser with hydrating ingredients will do the job without irritating young skin.

Step 2: Moisturizer

For moisturizers, go for simple ingredients and avoid creams or lotions with active ingredients that tackle skin concerns and claim to fight aging, as they might have ingredients not suitable for young skin.

Step 3: Sunscreen

Sunscreen is super important, even for tweens! Look for one with SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection. This shields the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer later on. Find a sunscreen that feels good on the skin so your tween will actually want to use it every day.  

Jess Beauty’s Let it Sun SPF 50+ Sunscreen is crafted for all ages and contains aloe extract with anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate redness caused by sunburn. It provides relief to irritated or sensitive skin, reducing redness and inflammation. Let It Sun also leaves no white cast! Its lightweight and gel-like consistency is perfect for easy application, even for kids! Encouraging wearing hats and protective clothing outdoors also helps form good habits and protects our children against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

How can preteens build healthy skin habits?

So, how can you help your preteen develop healthy skin habits without getting caught up in the skincare craze? It's all about communication and balance.

Start by talking openly with your preteen about the importance of taking care of their skin. Instead of seeing it as something only adults do, embrace their interest and use it as a teaching opportunity. Learning good habits now will benefit them later in life.

Make skincare a bonding experience by incorporating it into your routine together. Whether it's a relaxing spa day with masks or just washing your faces together, make it fun and educational. Just remember, keep it light-hearted and avoid making it about fixing perceived flaws.

When it comes to social media, be mindful of the content your preteen consumes. While there's a lot of helpful information out there, there's also a lot of unrealistic beauty standards. Encourage your child to use products that are gentle and suitable for their age, and help them understand that everyone's skin is different.