When it comes to skincare, more does not equal better. In the TikTok and Instagram era, children, preteens, and teenagers have succumbed to a trend of elaborate skincare routines. Many viral products have harsh ingredients for young skin and can damage the skin barrier.
Good Skincare Habits
Gabriella Nicola unboxes her skincare haul.
Introducing good skincare habits to children early can be beneficial. Rather than focusing on popular brands and anti-aging buzzword ingredients, the focus should be on healthy skin. Good sunscreen is the most essential “anti-aging” and overall protective skincare product for all age groups.
If your preteens and adolescents are invested in staying on trend with a multistep routine, a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer regimen would fit all the needs of healthy, young skin. Most adolescents have skin more sensitive than adults, so stick to simple, hypoallergenic products.
Parents of teens experiencing acne should avoid purchasing comedogenic products. Comedogenic products can plug pores and exacerbate acne. For many acne-prone adolescents, adding in a step at night with the now over-the-counter acne retinoid, adapalene, is a good start. Next, meet with a local board-certified dermatologist to discuss an acne regimen.
More ingredients do not equal a quality product. Products with additional active ingredients, higher costs, or increased steps in their skincare routine do not necessarily correlate with improved skin health. Using ingredients containing acids or retinoids/retinols, without the guidance of a dermatologist, can cause more damage to preteens and teenagers.
Bobbi Georgia Brady M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at the the Woodruff Institute. www.thewoodruffinstitute.com