It’s never too early to start good skincare habits! Helping kids and teens take care of their skin teaches them routines they’ll use for life. Here are some easy, kid-friendly tips to get started:

1.    Choose Gentle Cleansers:
Use soft, fragrance-free face washes made for sensitive skin. These are gentle to the skin and help keep it happy and healthy. Stay away from strong soaps that can dry out the skin and cause irritation.

2.    Moisturize Every Day:
After washing, gently pat the skin dry and use a good moisturizer. Look for hydrating ingredients like ceramides or beta-glucan, which help lock in moisture and keep the skin’s barrier strong. Pick products without heavy perfumes or harsh ingredients.

3.    Don’t Forget Sunscreen:
Sun protection is super important! Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day — even if it’s cloudy. Even on cloudy days, you can get a sunburn! Reapply every two hours when outside, especially when swimming or sweating.

4.    Avoid Washing Too Often:
Washing the face twice a day is plenty, when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed. Too much washing can dry out the skin and cause problems. Always use a soft towel to gently pat the face dry — no rubbing!

5.    Handle Acne with Care:
If your teen has pimples, pick a gentle foaming face wash and a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturizer. Never pick or squeeze pimples — it can leave scars and cause infections. If your teen has acne, one of the first-line ingredients to use is benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation. It is available in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10% in various formulations such as washes, gels and creams and can be used once or twice daily.

6.    Drink Water & Eat Healthy:
Good skin isn’t just about what you put on it — it’s also about what you eat and drink! Encourage plenty of water, fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Try to cut back on too many sugary or greasy snacks, which can sometimes make skin problems worse.

7.    Teach Good Skincare Habits:
Help kids and teens learn how to care for their skin by keeping it simple and gentle. Make sure they use products made for their skin type and avoid anything too harsh or heavily scented.

Reference

Schachner L, Andriessen A, Benjamin L, Bree A, Lechman P, Pinera-Llano A, Kircik L, Hebert A. The Importance of Skincare for Neonates and Infants: An Algorithm. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021 Nov 1;20(11):1195-1205. 

Hensley D, Meckfessel MH. Tolerability of a Skin Care Regimen Formulated for Acne-Prone Skin in Children. Pediatr Dermatol. 2015 Jul-Aug;32(4):501-5.