When And How To Start Your Tween/Teen’s Skincare Routine + Products To Try

Moms of teens and tweens all agree: nothing makes you realize how fast your child has grown up than a tween asking you about skincare. While our own memories of dealing with pimples and skin issues may be a bit blurry, it's likely that our parents back then did their best to find solutions for our skin problems. This set the stage for us to learn about our skin's unique characteristics, identify problematic areas, understand ingredient preferences, and discover the products that worked wonders. As parents today, the question is: how do we pass on these essential skincare skills to our children?

When is the Right Time to Start a Skincare Routine?

The good news is that there is no definite age as to when an individual should start using skincare products. In fact, you may have started your child’s skincare regimen as early as when they were newborns – when you used a gentle cleanser and applied a light moisturizer that was suitable and cared for their sensitive, baby-soft skin. So whether or not your tween or teen is currently not using any skin care products, you do not have to worry that you are too late.

However, as they transition into the tween stage, their skincare needs evolve, especially with the onset of puberty. Hormonal changes during puberty can lead to various skin issues for teenagers, including oily T-zones, acne, and closed comedones. If your tween or teen is grappling with any of these concerns, it's a good time for their first visit to the dermatologist. A healthcare professional can accurately assess their skin and recommend suitable products.

What is a good skincare routine for a tween/teen?

For kids without major skin concerns, a simple skincare routine is ideal. Keeping it uncomplicated is key for beginners, avoiding double-digit skincare routines or intricate self-administered procedures. A straightforward routine ensures that the habit is easy to follow on a daily basis. Consider this simple routine:

Step 1: Cleanser

Teach your child to cleanse their face in the morning and before bed. If acne is not a pressing issue, a mild cleanser that removes dirt and excess oil will suffice. However, if occasional acne is a concern, consider introducing a facial wash containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide—both recommended by dermatologists for teenage acne.

Step 2: Sunscreen

After morning cleansing, encourage your kids to apply sunscreen. This practice not only moisturizes the skin but also shields it from UV rays. Sunscreen is essential for everyone, as emphasized by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and even Filipino pediatricians. Aim for an SPF of 30 or higher.

Simultaneously, educate your child about the cumulative nature of sun damage. The sun damage they accumulate at age 10 adds up over time and could lead to issues as they age, like brown spots, wrinkles, and an elevated risk of skin cancer.

Step 3: Moisturizer

After their nightly cleansing routine, have them apply moisturizer to replenish the skin's barrier—the outermost layer that protects against dirt and bacteria.

Bonus Step: Emphasize what’s important

You can do this step in the first few days of establishing your child’s skincare routine, as they will do well to remember these important points as well:

• Prioritize healthy habits. Teach your child the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which contributes to skin health. Encourage balanced eating, hydration, and regular exercise.
• Remember that true beauty comes from within. While it may sound cliché, the tween/teen years are formative. Instill the importance of deriving confidence from embracing their personalities rather than relying on makeup or external appearances. Also, stress the significance of seeing beyond skin issues when assessing a person's beauty.

To further help you and your tween/teen jumpstart your skincare journey, here are some product recommendations:

Cleanser:

Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser

Designed for dry and sensitive skin, this daily cleanser is hypoallergenic, soap-free, and gentle—suitable for newborns and tweens with sensitive or minor skin concerns.

Buy from Lazada or Shopee.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, this cleanser contains vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and hydrating glycerin to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Buy from Lazada or Shopee.

Human Heart Nature Balancing Facial Cleanser

If your family prefers natural products, this balancing cleanser might be perfect. Recommended for oily to combination skin, it contains elemi, bamboo, loofah, and orange oil to gently unclog pores.

Buy from Lazada or Shopee.

Sunscreen:

Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Gel

Crafted for sensitive skin, this lightweight gel sunscreen offers sun protection without greasiness.

Buy from Lazada or Shopee.

KissMe Mommy! UV Aqua Milk SPF 50+

Hypoallergenic and UV-protective, this fragrance-free milk-type sunscreen suits kids, tweens/teens, and adults.

Buy from Lazada or Shopee.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

Lauded for its light formula, this watery essence sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid and citric essence, guarding against both UVA and UVB rays.

Buy from Lazada or Shopee.

Moisturizer:

Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion

With hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this lightweight moisturizer hydrates and fortifies the skin.

Buy from Lazada.

Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera

Comprising 92% aloe vera leaf extract, this versatile gel addresses dryness and sunburns, offering a cooling effect suitable for humid climates.

Buy from Lazada or Shopee.

Cetaphil Daily Face Moisturizer

Recommended for all skin types, this non-greasy moisturizer also includes SPF15/PA.

Buy from Lazada or Shopee.

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