How to choose facial moisturizers for tweens and teens
Tween and teen skin care has become even more prevalent on social media these days, which means more and more kids are becoming curious about how to take care of their skin. Many are now learning the ins and outs of what makes their skin break out, which is a net positive.
While there's no denying that preteen and teenage hormones often wreak havoc on the skin, there are a few things parents may want to consider before starting a skin care routine for their tween or teen. Finding the right hidratante for teens and tweens is all about balancing skin care ingredients with younger skin. Although it might seem unnecessary, it's vital to find the right facial moisturizer for your tween at an early age and set the course for a proper skin care routine for the future.
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Understanding tween and teen skin
Once puberty hormones kick in, many tweens and teens may start to see a drastic change in their skin's appearance. These hormones often cause increased oil production, which in turn leads to acne issues like pimples and blackheads. Other potential issues include eczema (i.e., a noncontagious skin condition that causes dry, itchy and sometimes painful patches of skin) and psoriasis, which occurs when the immune system causes skin cells to multiply too quickly, creating scaly, inflamed patches of skin often around the scalp, elbows and knees.1
While issues like eczema and psoriasis require a moisturizer, working a moisturizer into a skin care routine might seem counterintuitive when a tween or teen is experiencing excess oil production. When the skin lacks hydration, it might create even more oil production, leading to bigger acne issues.2 That’s why it’s so important to incorporate the right moisturizer into your tween or teen’s skin care routine.
Choosing the right moisturizer for tweens and teens
A tween or teen's skin type plays a large role in determining which facial moisturizer may best suit their needs. Skin types vary across all ages, but hormone levels and environmental triggers affect tweens and teens more than other factors. Most tweens and teens will have oily skin thanks to those lovely puberty hormones, but they may have dry or sensitive skin as well.3
No matter the skin type, all daytime facial moisturizers should contain sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.4 Sunscreen is important for skin health and using it every day from an early age will help set tweens and teens up for success in future skin care routines.
Moisturizers for each skin type
Piel seca
If your tween or teen has dry skin, you may want to look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, ceramides and glycerin.5
One example is the La Roche-Posay Facial Moisturizer, Toleriane Double Repair with Ceramide, which contains glycerin, ceramide-3 and niacinamide.
Tweens or teens with dry skin may also benefit from a cream or ointment instead of a lotion, since creams and ointments may add more moisture and preserve more water.6
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cream for Dry Skin, Non-GMO Oat is a cream formulated with prebiotic oat that also contains glycerin.
Grasa
For a tween or teen with oily or acne-prone skin, consider moisturizers that are labeled oil-free, noncomedogenic and won’t clog pores.7
One example is CeraVe’s AM Face Moisturizer with SPF 30, Oily to Dry Skin, which is oil-free and noncomedogenic.
Alternatively. using a gel instead of a cream-based moisturizer can also provide a lighter touch for oily skin.8
Por ejemplo, Bubble Skincare LevelUp Balancing Gel Moisturizer provides hydration without adding additional shine, making it an option for teens and tweens with oily and combination skin.
Combination skin
Combination skin occurs when there is an imbalance in the production and distribution of lipids due to hormonal and genetic factors. The result can be a shiny T-zone and blackheads.9
With skin that’s dry in some spots and oily in others, tweens and teens can consider applying an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer in the dry spots and skipping the oily T-zone areas, such as the forehead, nose and chin.10
Por ejemplo, Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 may help even out skin tone affected by acne while providing plenty of hydration.
Normal skin
If a tween or teen has a more balanced skin type, they’ll want to help maintain that balance by using a facial moisturizer.
Consider Sun Bum Daily Mineral Moisturizing SPF 30 Sunscreen as an option for normal skin.
Sensitive skin
For tweens and teens with sensitive skin, finding the perfect moisturizer to round out a skin care routine can be challenging. Tweens and teens should avoid fragrances and excess chemicals in their skin care routines to minimize the risk of contact dermatitis.11
One option is Cetaphil’s Daily Hydrating Lotion, which is appropriate for all skin types and dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin.
Tween and teen skin care tips
While there's no doubt that applying a face moisturizer is recommended to support lasting healthy skin, you also want to look at other factors that can affect the skin. The truth is tweens and teens don't need to add too much to their skin care routine. The ideal skin care routine for tweens and teens starts with cleansing, followed by applying moisturizer and finishing with sunscreen. At night, tweens and teens should follow the same routine, though they should swap out the sunscreen for a nighttime moisturizer. Applying moisturizer right after showering can help prevent water loss.12
Choosing a moisturizer for a tween or teen can help build the foundation for a healthy skin care routine they can maintain for years to come.
Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.
