trio of photos of a child applying skincare

Education

Skincare for Kids and Tweens: Getting Started

By Kim TomlinsonJul 24, 2024

As the school year approaches, it's not just time to stock up on school supplies and new outfits. It's also the perfect time to introduce your kids or tweens to a skincare routine that will keep their skin healthy and glowing throughout the academic year. Establishing good skincare habits early on can help prevent future skin problems and instill a sense of self-care. Here's a simple guide to help your child get started with their skincare journey.

Why Skincare for Kids and Tweens? General Guidelines Step 1: Cleansing Step 2: Moisturizing Step 3: Sun Protection Step 4: Addressing Specific Skin Concerns Step 5: Establishing Healthy Lifestyle Habits Getting Started Skincare Routine

Why Skincare for Kids and Tweens?

Skin is our body’s largest organ and plays a crucial role in protecting us against external factors. Introducing our kids and tweens to skincare early helps them understand the importance of taking care of their skin and can prevent common issues like dryness, acne, and irritation. Not only that, it’s about establishing a healthy relationship with skincare and the concept of beauty. It’s not about being the most beautiful but about honoring yourself and taking care of your largest organ. Skincare is about loving yourself, taking care of your health, and feeling confident in your own skin.

General Guidelines

Step 1: Cleansing

The foundation of any good skincare routine is cleansing. Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that suits your child's skin type. For kids and tweens, a gentle cleanser that removes dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture is ideal. Teach them to wash their face twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. This will help keep their skin clean and free from impurities.

Step 2: Moisturizing

Moisturizing is essential to keeping the skin hydrated and balanced. Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer appropriate for young skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe provide excellent hydration without clogging pores. Encourage your child to apply moisturizer every morning and night after cleansing.

Step 3: Sun Protection

One of the most important steps in any skincare routine is sun protection. Teach your kids the importance of using sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days or when they're indoors. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Look for a formula that is gentle on the skin and doesn't cause irritation. Applying sunscreen should become a daily habit, just like brushing their teeth.

Step 4: Addressing Specific Skin Concerns

As kids enter their tween years, they may start to experience specific skin concerns such as acne. It's important to address these concerns early to prevent them from worsening and affecting their confidence. If your child is experiencing acne breakouts, sign up for our Acne Coaching program, where our team of Acne Specialists can ensure they are using the correct products for their delicate skin’s needs.

In today's digital age, kids and tweens are constantly exposed to social media, where influencers often showcase complex skincare routines with numerous products. While it's great that skincare awareness is growing, it's crucial to remind young ones to keep their routines simple and gentle. Overloading their skin with harsh, active ingredients can lead to irritation and damage. Encourage them to stick to the basics and consult with a parent or skincare professional before trying new products they see online. This ensures they nurture their skin without falling into the trap of overdoing it.

Step 5: Establishing Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Good skincare isn't just about the products; it's also about lifestyle habits. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and get enough sleep. These habits contribute to overall skin health and can make a significant difference in their complexion. Read more on eating for clear skin here.

Getting Started Skincare Routine

Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser: This fragrance-free cleanser is ideal for a beginner skin routine as it is calming and soothing and loaded with antioxidant support. It also contains anti-inflammatories if your child is beginning to experience breakouts.
Face Reality Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel or Skin Script Cacteen Balancing Moisturizer: Hydrabalance is a lightweight gel moisturizer loaded with antioxidants and healing, soothing ingredients. For drier skin types, Cacteen Balancing moisturizer helps balance oil production and contains hydrating humectants and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Face Reality Daily SPF 30 Lotion: This calming daily sunscreen goes beyond sun protection with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, perfect for supporting young skin.

Add Ons:

For adding a little fun and extras to your child’s skincare routine, check out the products below.

Skin Script Cucumber Hydration Toner: Who doesn’t love a fun spritz? This delicious-smelling toner not only hydrates and calms the skin but also helps balance oil and infuses probiotics to maintain healthy skin.
Skin Script Blemish Spot Treatment: This convenient spot treatment is a great one to have on hand when your child begins experiencing breakouts. It helps clear bacteria and speeds up healing while calming the skin and reducing the chance of scarring.
BiON Hydrating Gelee Mask: This mask is pink and fun to use while deeply hydrating the skin. Plus, no worries if your child doesn’t rinse it thoroughly, it’s gentle enough to sleep in.
AOS Luxe Eco Towels: These single-use, biobased face towels are the perfect alternative to bacteria-harboring bath linens, ensuring your child begins each day with a clean slate.

Starting a skincare routine early sets the foundation for lifelong healthy skin habits. By following these simple steps and making skincare a fun and integral part of their daily routine, kids and tweens can enjoy clear, healthy skin throughout the school year and beyond. So, as you prepare for the new year, don't forget to include skincare in your back-to-school checklist! Unsure where to start? Sign up for a free skincare check-up.