How to create a gentle skin care routine for your tween

Do you have a child entering the tween years? As a parent, you've probably already noticed changes happening, big and small.

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 rising hormonal levels. Your tween 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 your tween in making the right choices for their specific skin needs can feel overwhelming. Rest assured, you're not alone. 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 gentle skin cleanser
2. Oil-free moisturizer
3. Sunscreen all day, every day

As your tween starts a routine, be sure not to add too many new products at once. Instead, introduce them gradually. If a negative or allergic reaction does occur, it will be easier to pinpoint which product may be responsible.

Keep an eye on the ingredient list, too. Tween skin can be sensitive and some ingredients too harsh. Unless prescribed by a physician, retinols, glycolic and lactic acids and vitamin C should be avoided as they can strip and irritate skin.

Products labeled as "anti-aging, exfoliating and brightening" 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.

How to choose a face wash for tweens

Your tween should cleanse morning and night with a creamy limpiador facial that’s gentle enough 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.

If your tween plays sports, encourage them to thoroughly wash their face, chest and back with a gentle soap or cleanser right after a game, practice or workout to help keep skin clean and pores clear.

What is a good moisturizer for tweens?

Look for an oil-free hidratante that can be easily absorbed, in either a lotion or gel formula.

Products labeled as noncomedogenic are designed to not block pores. Gentle 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 - important to remember if your tween is prone to breakouts.

The importance of sunscreen for tweens

The word “prevention” is used a lot in skin care these days. The best thing that tweens can do — actually 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 rays, sunscreen can help reduce the risk of sunburn-related skin damage, including redness, peeling and long-term complications, such as skin cancer and signs of premature aging.

Protector solar is the important last step in any daytime skin care routine, so you’ll want to find one that feels nice on the skin and blends in well.

Look for sunscreen products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. When you find a product your tween likes, it's good to pick up an extra to keep in their backpack. That way, they can reapply during the day, especially after sports, exercise or swimming.

Remember, the best skin care routine for tweens is as simple as 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.