As tweens and teens, your skin is at a pivotal stage of development. This is a time when your skin is not only growing and changing but also becoming more vulnerable to environmental factors and lifestyle habits that can shape its future health. Establishing a skincare routine for tweens and teens that prioritises clean, natural products is essential to keeping your skin protected and healthy as you navigate through these formative years.
The Global Perspective on Young Skin Care
Around the world, dermatologists and skincare experts agree on the importance of starting a gentle skincare routine for tweens and teens early, particularly during these crucial years. The American Academy of Dermatology highlights that the skin’s needs change as we grow, and starting a routine with natural skincare products for tweens helps set the foundation for healthy skin in the future. Their research shows that establishing good skincare habits in adolescence can prevent many common skin issues that arise later in life, such as acne, premature aging, and sensitivity.
Similarly, the British Skin Foundation emphasizes that early skincare routines should focus on maintaining the skin’s natural balance and avoiding harsh ingredients that can disrupt the skin barrier. They note that skin conditions such as eczema and acne can often be exacerbated by the wrong skincare choices during these critical years. Instead, they advocate for the use of products that support the skin’s natural defences, helping it stay resilient against the challenges of adolescence.
Why Tweens Need a Gentle and Natural Skincare Routine
For tweens aged 9-12, the focus should be on introducing a basic skincare routine for tweens that is both gentle and effective. At this age, your skin is still young and delicate, requiring careful attention to avoid disrupting its natural balance. A mild, natural cleanser for tweens is the cornerstone of a good skincare routine, helping to remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin of its essential moisture.
Aloe Vera is an excellent ingredient for young skin, known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It helps to calm any irritation and provides gentle moisture, making it ideal for use in cleansers and moisturisers for tweens. Aloe Vera also contains antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins that protect and repair the skin, ensuring it stays healthy and balanced.
Following cleansing, a gentle moisturiser for tweens is key to keeping the skin hydrated and protected. Ingredients like Glycerin are particularly beneficial at this stage. Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to maintain hydration without clogging pores. It's an excellent choice for young skin as it keeps the skin soft, supple, and balanced.
A good moisturiser will not only replenish the skin’s natural moisture levels but also create a barrier against environmental stressors. Finally, an SPF50+ sunscreen for tweens is a non-negotiable part of daily skincare, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause long-term damage, including premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Zinc Oxide, a mineral-based sunscreen ingredient, is ideal for young skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin, Zinc Oxide sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays, providing broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Dermatologists, including those from the Australian College of Dermatologists, recommend Zinc Oxide for its gentle, non-irritating properties, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Experts from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have long advocated for the use of natural, non-toxic ingredients in skincare for teens and tweens, particularly for children and young adults. They point out that young skin is more permeable than adult skin, making it more susceptible to absorbing harmful chemicals found in conventional skincare products. This highlights the importance of choosing skincare products free from harsh chemicals for tweens, ensuring that your skin is nurtured and protected as it continues to develop.
Teen Skincare: How to Care for Changing Skin
As you transition into your teenage years, 13 and beyond, your skin begins to experience the effects of hormonal changes, which can lead to increased oil production, clogged pores, and the development of acne. While it might be tempting to turn to conventional acne treatments for teens, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, these ingredients can often be too harsh for young, sensitive skin, leading to irritation, dryness, and even long-term skin sensitivity.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology supports the idea that while these ingredients can be effective in treating acne, they are not without their drawbacks. The study found that these conventional treatments can cause significant irritation and dryness, which can further exacerbate skin issues in the long run. Instead, the study suggests using natural acne treatments for teens that are gentle yet effective in treating acne without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.
Natural ingredients such as Tea Tree have been shown to provide similar benefits to conventional acne treatments but without the harsh side effects. Tea Tree is renowned for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective option for treating acne and preventing breakouts in teens. It helps to cleanse the skin, reduce redness, and keep pores clear, all while being gentle enough for regular use.
Lemon Myrtle, another powerful natural ingredient, is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps control excess oil production and prevents the onset of acne in teens while soothing irritated skin. The Australian College of Dermatologists highlights Lemon Myrtle as a beneficial ingredient for young, acne-prone skin due to its ability to regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
In Australia, dermatological experts, including those from the Australian College of Dermatologists, emphasize the importance of starting with gentle, non-irritating skincare products for teens. This approach not only helps manage acne effectively but also supports the skin’s natural barrier function, which is crucial during the hormonal changes of puberty. The Australasian Journal of Dermatology also supports the use of mild, natural ingredients for young skin to prevent irritation and long-term damage. They particularly highlight the need for products that maintain the skin’s natural pH balance and support its microbiome, which is essential for overall skin health.
The Skin Health Institute in Australia highlights the benefits of natural, pH-balanced products that nurture the skin’s microbiome, critical for maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion. Furthermore, the Eczema Association of Australasia advises using products free from harsh chemicals, particularly for teens with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. They emphasise that early intervention with the right skincare products for teens can help prevent the development of chronic skin conditions later in life.
Kinside: Created with Young Skin in Mind
At Kinside, we understand the unique needs of young, developing skin, which is why our products are carefully crafted with natural ingredients specifically designed for tweens and teens. Our skincare range is dermatologically tested, pH balanced and has been tried and tested by a broad range of tweens and teens of different ethnicities and genders, ensuring that our products are effective and safe for all skin types.
Our approach aligns with global best practices in skincare, ensuring that young people everywhere have access to products that support their skin’s health rather than compromising it. Kinside’s commitment to clean, natural ingredients means you can trust that your skincare routine is not only effective but also safe and nurturing for your skin.
Kinside products for tweens and teens are formulated with the understanding that young skin is still developing and needs gentle, supportive care. Our skincare range includes everything you need to start a healthy skincare routine: from gentle cleansers and moisturisers to SPF50+ sunscreens, blemish serums, exfoliators, and masks. Each product is designed to work in harmony with your skin, helping to maintain its natural balance and keep it looking clear, healthy, and radiant.
By starting a clean and natural skincare routine early, you’re giving your skin the best possible care—naturally. Your skin will thank you for it now and in the years to come!