- The best way to keep your tween engaged in a skincare routine for kids is by keeping it simple.
- Adult skincare products can be dangerous for kids’ delicate skin.
- If you have concerns about your child’s skin health, contact the professionals at Affiliated Dermatology®.
Ah, the tween years. No longer a child and yet just graduating into their teenage years. It’s a time when girls start becoming interested in their skin and makeup. But it is a good time for boys to start caring for their skin, too.
It can be a delicate conversation, but parents can give their children some good skin care for kids’ advice based on experience and from learning more about the subject with the help of Affiliated Dermatology®.
What is Good Skin Care for Kids?
For most kids, skincare for 10-13-year-olds starts with routine bathing or showering along with nightly and morning face washing. A gentle cleanser is great for the skin, along with sunscreen whenever they go outdoors, and a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Building a Safe Skincare Routine for 10-13 Year Olds
Most children have little concern about their skin before this age. Healthy skin, however, begins with good lifestyle habits, including a healthy diet, good hydration, and proper sleep.
Some children begin to experience oily skin and a few, or more, pimples in their tween years. Kids may also notice some dry patches, and sunburns are inevitable for any child involved in sports or other outside activities without the use of proper sunscreen.
Why “Adult” Skincare Can Be Harmful to Young Skin
Young skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. Much of what is available for adults and aging skin contains strong ingredients that are too harsh for young skin to handle. Today’s marketing techniques aim to make various skin and beauty products appealing to younger generations. It is important for them, and you, to understand that they do not need and should not use adult skin products.
Tweens and teens should avoid elaborate skincare routines, including anti-aging creams, retinoids, and exfoliating acids. Such products can cause redness, irritation, and breakouts, as well as cause long-term damage to children’s skin.
The Core Steps of a Gentle Skincare Routine for Kids
The key to getting your tween child to follow a gentle skincare routine is to keep it simple. At Affiliated Dermatology, we suggest:
- A gentle cleanser at the sink and in the shower,
- Oil-free, lightweight moisturizer for face and body,
- Daily sunscreen to exposed areas of the skin.
If your child has mild or moderate acne breakouts, it is important to consult with a professional at Affiliated Dermatology as to what is safe and the best treatment option for them.
Sun Protection: The Most Important Step for Pre-Teens
In today’s world, many parents are trying to get their children to spend more time outside than screen time on the internet. Spending time outside is healthy, both physically and mentally.
Wearing sunscreen of broad-spectrum 30+ SPF is necessary for exposed areas of the body to help keep your child’s skin protected, even on what may seem like a cloudy day. Look for water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or other water-play is part of the outside time.
Additionally, wearing a hat for outdoor play offers great protection against the sun’s bright rays. And it is never too early to get your child accustomed to wearing sunglasses with UV protection to protect their eye health.
Be aware that some medications can make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. If your child is taking any medication or supplements, be sure to discuss this with your dermatologist.
When Your Kids Should See a Dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology
When you have concerns about skin irritation your child is experiencing, it is time to consult a specialist at Affiliated Dermatology. If your tween has a rash that is spreading or itching intensely, is developing inflamed acne, or has dry patches of the skin that crack or bleed, call for an appointment.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment
Affiliated Dermatology has numerous locations throughout the Phoenix Valley. Contact us through our scheduling portal, the contact page on our website, or call 480-556-0446 to set up an appointment if you have dermatological concerns for your tween.
Image credit: // Shutterstck // New Africa
