As tweens venture into the world of preppy skincare, they need guidance towards safe and gentle products that will protect and nurture their developing skin. Young skin is more sensitive and does not require as aggressive of treatments that are formulated for adult skin. Here are the major ingredients to steer clear of to make sure your tween’s skincare routine is easy, effective, and safe:
Strong Concentration Acids (AHAs and BHAs)
While acids such as glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) are effective for exfoliation and acne, they can be too harsh for tweens’ young, sensitive skin. Overuse can lead to:
- Redness and irritation
- Chemical burns
- A weakened skin barrier
Instead, check for milder alternatives, such as salicylic acid in low percentages, or products that include natural exfoliators like willow bark, which is more calming. At this age, just regular cleansing usually does all the exfoliating they need.
However, we know that a super simple cleanser may not do the trick for everyone’s skin, and finding the best face wash for teens to help fight imperfections without being too harsh can be quite the challenge, so let us make it easy for you! Our tbh spot foaming face wash helps deep clean pores, gently exfoliate, and remove impurities without being too drying. Made with 0.4% beta hydroxy acid derived from plant extracts, willow bark, and jojoba, it is the perfect face wash for tweens with more problematic skin.
Retinol and Retinoids
Retinol is a potent anti-acne and antiaging agent, but it’s way too potent for tweens. Side effects may include:
- Extreme dryness
- Flaking and irritation
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
For tweens experiencing occasional breakouts, consider gentler ingredients such as niacinamide, or beta hydroxy acids in very low percentages (0.4 percent), which are less likely to irritate.
Chamomile is another effective natural ingredient for young skin. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, so it’s great for sensitive and blemish-prone skin types. It’s also anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant, lessening inflammation, breakouts, and even minor scars.
Fragrances and Dyes
Products are often fortified with synthetic fragrances and dyes to increase their sensory appeal, but these ingredients can also trigger:
- Allergic reactions
- Eczema flare-ups
- Skin irritation
Instead, select products that are fragrance-free, made with a natural and phthalate-free fragrance, or made with natural essential oils. These are all much gentler options, perfect for tweens’ and teens’ young skin. (though always patch-test for sensitivity).
Harsh Chemical Exfoliants
Tweens are learning about skincare, and one of the biggest mistakes they’re making is over-exfoliating. Harsh scrubs and chemical peels may cause:
- Damaged skin barrier
- Increased sensitivity
- Redness and peeling
Opt for gentle, natural exfoliants, such as jojoba, or work a soft washcloth into the cleansing routine if exfoliation is needed. Do not exfoliate more than once a week.
Drying Alcohols and Sulfates
Alcohols and sulfates are often included in cleansers and toners for a foamy or quick-drying characteristic. But they also can remove the skin of its natural oils, leading to:
- Over-drying
- Tightness and discomfort
- Compensatory oil production
Use sulfate-free cleansers and alcohol-free toners with hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, cucumber, or calendula.
What to Use Instead
Keep preppy tween skincare routines simple and hydrating. Here are some must-have features to look for in products:
Gentle Cleansers: Formulations that incorporate cucumber, calendula, and chamomile are strong without being abrasive. Shop our dermatologist-recommended gentle face cleanser for a cleanser that's preppy but safe for tweens!
Lightweight Hydrating Creams: Products with hyaluronic acid, peptides, or antioxidants offer moisture without blocking pores. Shop our best-selling oil-free face moisturizer as the perfect final touch to your teen’s preppy skincare routine without threatening their skin barrier.
Sun Protection: A broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF is a must to shield young skin from UV damage. Mineral sunscreens are great for sensitive skin! Look for ones that are formulated with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide.
Want to make sure your tween’s preppy skincare routine is just right? Learn how to choose products that protect their skin while keeping it trendy! Read more here.
How to Build a Tween-Friendly Preppy Skincare Routine
Encourage your tween to adopt an uncomplicated, three-step skincare routine:
Cleanse: Use a mild, sulfate-free cleanser to help lift dirt and oil from their skin without over-drying it.
Hydrate: Gentle, oil-free moisturizer to keep skin moist
Protect: Apply a mineral-based sunscreen each morning, even on cloudy days.
Optional: If your tweens are struggling with mild breakouts, you might consider introducing a targeted solution into their routine. Look for products that contain a low concentration of salicylic acid with a balance of natural extracts like willow bark and jojoba. This ingredient cocktail is ideal for tackling those hard-to-reach blemish-prone areas gently and effectively! Shop our spot care kit for the ultimate 3-step routine!
A Note to Parents
A parent like you is an important factor in your child’s skincare journey. By teaching them to use safe and age-appropriate products like tbh kids, you’re setting the foundation for healthy skin and healthy habits. Want the full scoop on guiding your tween through the preppy skincare trend? Read our complete guide for moms!
Tbh kids offers gentle, effective products designed specifically for tweens, helping you avoid those trendy, adult-oriented “preppy” products that can be too harsh for young, sensitive skin. With tbh kids, you can help your children build a balanced routine that not only supports their needs, but their desires for a perfectly aesthetic, preppy skincare routine! Don't wait — click here to build their aesthetic, but safe skincare routine today that you'll both love!
