Beauty experts reveal the dos and don’ts for pre-teen skincare routines

In recent months, there has been a growing concern over pre-teens and teenagers using an excessive amount of luxury skincare products. However, many of these trending products are age-restricted due to the potential damage they may cause to young people’s skin.

In light of this ongoing discussion, experts at the beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha, have compiled a dos and don’ts guide for pre-teen skincare routines.

A spokesperson for Fresha has commented: “People must be aware of the risks some skincare products can have on young people’s skin. While pre-teens and teenagers may be easily swayed by skincare influencers on TikTok, it’s essential to do your research before applying the products you see online.

“However, pre-teen skincare doesn’t have to be ruled out completely. It’s positive that more and more youngsters are interested in taking care of their skin thanks to social media, but it’s essential to recognise which products may cause more harm than good and instead stick to safer skincare routines.”

Steer clear of risky products

1 Avoid using retinol

Retinol has become a popular product on social media that is widely used by beauty influencers. However, due to the product’s anti-aging ingredients, it is generally only to be used by people in their mid-twenties and older.

When prescribed by a doctor or a dermatologist, retinol can be used as an acne treatment. Other than this, it is an entirely unnecessary product to be used by pre-teens because it can have some damaging consequences on juvenile skin.

Retinol can irritate pre-teen’s skin due to the product’s high acid levels and can cause premature skin damage. The product also reduces the skin’s natural protection against the sun, making retinol users more susceptible to UV rays and sun damage.

2 Ditch the hydroxy acid

Like retinol, hydroxy acid is typically used to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Due to the product’s anti-aging ingredients, it’s generally advised not to be used by people under the age of 25. Due to the product’s high acid levels, pre-teens should avoid it altogether.

When used on adolescent skin, hydroxy acid can irritate and worsen skin conditions due to the product’s removal of the top layer of skin cells. Hydroxy acid, like retinol, can also make users more susceptible to lasting sun damage, which is why pre-teens should avoid it unless prescribed as acne treatment.

Ultimately, pre-teens should steer clear of anti-aging products entirely. As well as causing potential skin damage, anti-aging products can also spark harmful and pre-mature insecurities about wrinkles and other natural effects of aging.

3 Push aside the exfoliating acids

Most exfoliating acids are too harsh to be used on young people’s skin and should be avoided in pre-teen skincare routines. The products contain high levels of acid, which are intended to remove dead skin cells but ultimately irritate pre-teens’ skin. Experts have also suggested that exfoliating acids may even disrupt the natural skin barrier, causing itching, dryness, and skin swelling.

Once again, it’s also risky for pre-teens to use exfoliating acids due to the increased risk of sun damage, making it a product to avoid in pre-teens’ skincare routines. It’s important to note that pre-teens can use milder exfoliating acids as acne treatment, but only when advised by a doctor or dermatologist.

4 Stay away from vitamin C serums

Some benefits of vitamin C serums include reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Because of this, vitamin C serums are an unnecessary product to be used in pre-teens’ skincare routines.

Skin experts have also debated the safety of vitamin C serums for children’s skin. Some claim these serums can worsen skin conditions like eczema due to the product’s high acid levels. Overall, it’s best to steer clear of expensive serums entirely, as the anti-aging benefits of these products will be entirely unnecessary for pre-teens.

5 Introduce a safe routine

Despite the dangers of some viral skincare products, pre-teen skincare doesn’t have to be an entirely negative subject. It can be positive for pre-teens to express an interest in looking after their skin, which is why some products can be a great place to start a safe skincare routine.

6 Rely on a trustworthy moisturiser

Moisturiser is an essential part of many skincare routines and a safe product for pre-teens. A light layer of moisturiser can improve hydration and prevent dryness, so it’s a great introduction to the world of skincare.

7 Experiment with pimple patches

Applying a pimple patch on a blemish can reduce redness and inflammation, making them a fun and exciting product for pre-teen skincare routines.

8 Never underestimate SPF

Due to the popularity of these products on TikTok, many pre-teens may already be applying SPF products in their skincare routines. #SPF currently has over 6 billion views on TikTok and has over 232,000 posts, showing its relevance on social media.

SPF products are an incredibly safe and beneficial product to incorporate into pre-teen skincare routines as they provide protection against the sun. SPF should always be the last step in any skincare routine and should be applied at least 20 minutes before going outside for maximum effect.

9 Try out a mild cleanser

Cleansing is an effective way to rid your skin of dirt and oil, making it a reliable breakout preventive. Because of this, mild cleansing products, such as gel cleansers, can be a safe and refreshing part of a pre-teen skincare routine.