How to create a gentle skin care routine for tweens

The years between childhood and adolescence are commonly referred to as "the tweens" for the years in "between." It's a time of growth and development, typically marked by puberty with all its emotional, cognitive and physical impacts.

Their skin may be changing due to changing hormonal levels. During this time, tweens may also be developing a greater interest in their own self-care routines, which can help boost confidence and make them feel more in control.

Yet with so many skin care products on the market, guiding tweens to make the right choices for their specific skin care needs can feel overwhelming. Read on to learn more about skin care for tweens.

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What is a simple skin care routine for tweens?

A tween skin care routine can be as simple as 1, 2, 3:

1. A mild soap or cleanser
2. Fragrance-free noncomedogenic moisturizer
3. Protector solar

Products labeled as noncomedogenic are designed to not block pores.

When taking care of young skin, it's important not to add in too many new products that aren't necessary. Most kids and teens don't have the same skin issues that adults do, such as wrinkles, dark spots or sagging skin. And adding products into their routine to target these things might do more damage than good.

It's also important to keep an eye on the ingredients of a child's skin care products. Tween skin can be sensitive, and some ingredients could be too harsh. Detergents, perfumes and lotions with heavy fragrances can irritate skin.

Products with retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids are often part of expensive complex routines intended for mature skin. Instead, a beginner skin care routine for tweens should be simple and built with gentle ingredients. Because children have thinner skin that's still developing, it's more sensitive and prone to irritation than adult skin. Dermatologists recommend tweens stick with lightweight, age-appropriate products.

How to choose a face wash for tweens

Tweens should cleanse their faces twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or gentle limpiador facial that’s suitable for young skin.

As tweens enter puberty, hormonal changes can lead to an increased production of sebum, which can lead to oilier skin, clogged pores and acne breakouts. A dermatologist or other medical professional may recommend more targeted medicated treatments.

What is a good moisturizer for tweens?

Look for an oil-free hidratante without fragrance that is lightweight and can be easily absorbed. Noncomedogenic products are designed to not block pores. Ingredients such as ácido hialurónico and ceramides can add moisture and help protect the skin barrier, which tends to be more delicate in tweens.

Always apply moisturizer on skin that's just been washed, patted dry and is still a little damp to seal in moisture. Skin should feel hydrated but not too oily. That's important to remember if a tween is prone to breakouts.

The importance of sunscreen for tweens

The word “prevention” is used a lot when discussing skin care. The best thing that tweens can do — actually, the best thing anyone can do — is to use sunscreen every day, along with limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing.

By helping to shield skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, sunscreen can help reduce the risk of sun-related skin damage, including redness, peeling and long-term complications, such as skin cancer and signs of premature aging.

Protector solar is a critical step in any daytime skin care routine, so it’s important to find one that feels lightweight on the skin and blends in well.

Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen products that are water resistant with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. When a tween finds a product they like, it's a good idea to keep an extra in their backpack. That way, they can reapply during the day, especially after sports, exercise or swimming.

Remember, a simple skin care routine for tweens is key: Focus on cleansing, moisturizing and protecting. Establishing a consistent skin care routine at this age can set the foundation for healthy skin habits as well as help develop a positive self-image for the teen years and beyond.