Recently, I've received an influx of parents with tweens and teens seeking advice about their young daughters' 7-step skincare routines and obsession with all things Mecca and Sephora. Yes, you read that right, 7-step skincare routines! As a Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist with more than 25 years in the industry, I’ve been asked to provide recommendations to assist parents and their daughters in selecting and using skincare suitable for their age and skin.

With the surge of social media and influencers, it's evident that our young women are easily swayed into believing they need to use extensive care routines for their skin. Sometimes, these influencers recommend skincare products that aren't suitable for young skin. Unfortunately, this trend isn't going away; if anything, it's growing. I've had parents tell me that their daughters, with their own jobs, impulsively go online to buy skincare showcased on TikTok from popular beauty brands in Australia. In some cases, these parents aren't even using skincare of that quality and value themselves.

Our tweens and teens desire skincare routines, and we should encourage them. However, it's crucial to ensure they use skincare appropriate for their age and skin type. A solid skincare routine is vital for the long-term well-being of their skin. Let's guide them in getting it right, as this will benefit them for the rest of their lives. 

Do:

• Encourage basic skincare with a cleanser in the morning and at night. Cleansing helps remove sunscreen, sweat, and oils, freshening and balancing the skin. For acne and clogging, opt for a foaming cleanser; for dry skin, a milky or cream cleanser is more appropriate. Recommend cleansers appropriate for tween and teens include Cerave, Cetaphil or La Roche-Posay, which are all readily available in pharmacies.
• Wear an SPF 50+ sunscreen every day. Encourage tweens and teens to apply sunscreen like brushing their teeth in the morning as this will prevent damage like freckling, pigmentation, melanoma, skin cancer, and premature aging. If you are looking for an oil-free, non-greasy formula, I recommend La Roche-Posay anti-shine face SPF.
• Use a gentle, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer. For acne-prone skin, choose an oil-free moisturizer. Cerave, Cetaphil and La Roche-Posay all offer excellent options for young skin.
• Incorporate hydrating sheet masks once a week for a fun and skin-nourishing activity.

Don't:

• Avoid following TikTok and trends that can harm the skin's natural barrier. Disturbing the skin's barrier function can encourage acne, breakouts, sensitivity, dryness, and redness.
• Steer clear of products containing retinol, AHA’s, and harsh exfoliating agents, as these can lead to skin sensitivity and long-term reactive unbalanced skin. Young skin regularly renews itself, eliminating the need for these active ingredients. Save them for later in life when they are necessary.

Instilling excellent skincare habits early on will benefit them for life. They will automatically apply SPF daily and cleanse their skin as part of their self-care routine. This not only enhances their appearance but also boosts their confidence and self-esteem. So, as I mentioned, it's a positive endeavour; let's guide them in getting it right.