A simple skincare routine for tweens

As the mum of a tween, I'm starting to be on the receiving end of eye rolls and a bit of sass getting thrown my way. Anyone else in the same boat?

Navigating the teen hormone rollercoaster ride is tricky and, according to the experts, is starting earlier as kids are often hitting puberty at the age of 8 or 9. This  'tween' stage  is usually defined as 8-12 years, and we are seeing kids go through big physical and emotional changes. 

My daughter is starting to get a few breakouts, along with the outbreaks of sass, but the plus side is that she is wanting to learn about skincare. It can be overwhelming as a parent when faced with all the competing information and products out there, including the slick marketing campaigns for expensive brands that are not appropriate for young skin....I'm looking at you, Drunk Elephant.

So I thought I'd share some suggestions for a simple, natural skincare routine for tweens. The key is keeping things as simple as possible and only adding in steps when it is necessary.

A simple, natural skincare routine for tweens

Step 1: Cleanse

Tweens can start by cleansing at night to wash the day off before going to bed. Nothing too foamy or harsh as this will strip the natural oils from the delicate facial skin. Tweens with oilier skin can cleanse both morning and night if needed.

MEBEME Gentle Cleanser is a good option for tweens just starting out and is safe for those with sensitive skin. It features Emu Apple extract to condition and strengthen the skin, lavender oil to soothe and calm, and Ylang Ylang’s antimicrobial properties to help with skin irritation and redness. 

If your tween prefers a foaming cleanser, Petite Skin Co Face Cleansing Foam is a pump action mousse which cleanses gently but effectively to remove sunscreen, dirt, oils and dead skin cells.

For tweens with oily, pimple-prone skin,  MEBEME Balancing Gel Cleanser contains lemon, juniper and tea tree oils help to absorb excess sebum and gently cleanse pores without drying out their skin.

Step 2: Moisturise

Follow the cleanser with a lightweight moisturiser or simple face serum. Tweens should not be using anything containing retinol, peptides or other anti-aging, anti-pigmentation ingredients despite what social media tells them!

My daughter has been loving the Petite Skin Co Face Moisturiser because it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave behind a greasy residue. And she says smells like cupcakes, yay!  The pump tube dispenser also makes it easy to use just the right amount of product. 

Another good option that smells amazing is the Skin Juice Pineapple Punch which mattifies the skin and regulates oil flow. The pineapple enzymes help to gently exfoliate the skin too.

If your tween is keen to get into serums, we recommend Botanicals by Luxe Teen Serum with its mattifying formula that includes anti-inflammatory Mountain Pepper Berry for skin clearing properties and a high source of Vitamin C, helping to calm and repair the skin.

Step 3: Sunscreen

This is a step that can't be skipped! Everyone in your household regardless of age should be putting on a sunscreen before they head out for the day. It's the best way to look after your skin. Look for a non-chemical sunscreen that contains zinc as the physical sun protection barrier. Zinc will also assist in keeping the skin clear and healing any breakouts.

Some tween-friendly options:

Petite Skin Co SPF50 Face Sunscreen provides a physical zinc barrier to protect skin, whilst being easy to apply... and it will never clog pores.  In the warmer months or with oilier skin types, it can be used in place of a face moisturiser. 

Skin Juice Sun Juice Mineral SPF15 Moisturiser is a good double duty product combining sun protection and hydration. It also contains anti-acne totoral extract to heap keep the face blemish free. 

Step 4: Breakouts and Treatments

Sometimes a bit of extra help is needed so we recommend the MEBEME Stop the Spot Acne Treatment Gel for pesky blemishes as it contains Aussie tea tree and NZ Manuka oil to remove bacteria and calm inflamed skin.

Adding a treatment mask into the routine will also help to detoxify and keep skin clear. The Skin Juice Plum Power Clay Mask  contains kaolin clay to soak up excess oil, is suitable for most skin types and it won't dry out skin. It has a creamy consistency and the applicator brush makes it easy to apply without getting messy. This mask can be used once or twice a week after cleansing at night.  

So there you have it, a very simple and cost effective start to skincare for tweens. We hope this helps and please get in touch with me at sarah@naturalsupplyco.com if you would like specific questions answered. My background is dermatology nursing but as always, this advice does not replace medical advice. 

Sarah x

 See all of the Tween Skincare products here.