Let’s be real 12 is the age where skincare starts to matter just enough to feel confusing. Between random blemishes, oily T-zones, and TikTok trends with 8-step routines, it’s hard to know what’s actually necessary.
At tbh kids, we’re all about making life easier. Complex routines? Children don’t need them. Children using adult products? We say a BIG NO! Our safe, effective solutions are fast, powerful, and always ready to save the day. This leaves more time for fun while feeling confident and smelling great. For tweens, skincare should be gentle, simple, and age appropriate. That means building healthy habits, not reaching for every “trending” products.
What a 12-Year-Old Really Needs
- Gentle cleanser
- Lightweight moisturizer
- Daily sunscreen
- Keep actives minimal and introduce slowly
The Basics: A Simple Routine That Works
Step 1: Cleanse (Morning + Night)
Start and end the day with a gentle face wash to remove oil, dirt, and sweat without drying or irritating young skin.
Try:
tbh Gentle Face Cleanser – Made just for tweens, it uses natural ingredients like cucumber, calendula, and chamomile to calm, balance and promote clear, glowing skin without using harsh chemicals.
Or for those pesky blemishes try:
tbh Spot Foaming Face Wash- This foaming formula contains ingredients like willow bark extract (a gentle source of salicylic acid) to cleanse and help prevent blemishes. This is the perfect first step to deeply clean those pores, exfoliate and remove impurities without drying skin or damaging a tweens skin barrier.
Step 2: Moisturize
Every tween, yes, even those with oily skin, need a moisturizer. Most think adding a moisturizer on top of oily skin will increase oil production but keeping skin hydrated helps protect the skin barrier and keeps flakiness away. A healthy skin barrier = happy skin.
Try:
tbh Moisturizer – This is lightweight, non-greasy and fast-absorbing. It’s the perfect hydrator for young skin that doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. With age-appropriate levels of vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to maintain the protective barrier.
Step 3: Sun Protection (AM only!)
Sunscreen is a daily must. Even when it's cloudy, UV rays can still affect young, sensitive skin.
Bonus:
For those times your tween is at a sleepover, just finished sports practice or is too tired to worry about washing their face, tbh face wipes are the perfect solution. They come in 2 different packs that complement the Gentle Face Cleanser and the Spot Wash. They are an easy, travel-friendly biodegradable wipe that are perfect for on the go to keep skin clean and hydrated. Check out our kits for the full routine!
Morning Routine Tip:
Cleanse → Moisturize on damp skin → Wait 5 minutes → Apply 3–4 pumps of sunscreen to face + neck
If Blemishes Pop Up...
Blemishes are totally normal during the tween years. If blemishes begin, stick with your gentle routine and add in blemish-specific products slowly. Overloading skin too fast can cause redness or irritation which is exactly what we don’t want.
tbh Tip:
Our face wash already contains naturally derived salicylic acid to help gently unclog pores so no need to add strong treatments right away. Start there and build up only if needed. When trying anything new, whether it’s a moisturizer or blemish treatment, introduce one product at a time. *ADD IN This helps you spot any irritation and keeps your skin happy. We always recommend doing a patch test before full use.
Spot Treatments & Pimple Patches
Have a big pimple coming through?
- Don’t pop it.
- Do use a gentle spot treatment or try a hydrocolloid patch to protect the area overnight. These reduce picking and help calm swelling.
What to Avoid
Tween skin doesn't need harsh ingredients. Steer clear of:
- Retinol or anti-aging products
- Strong chemical exfoliants
- Fragrance or essential oils
- DIY or preservative-free skincare
These can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity, especially with sun exposure. Interested in learning more about ingredient education? Check out our Ingredients Your Tween Should Avoid in Their Preppy Skincare Routine blog.
Signs of Skin Irritation
Skin not loving a new product? Look for:
- Redness or rashes
- Dry, peeling patches
- Itching or burning
- Swelling, especially around eyes
- Hives or little bumps
If any of these pop up, pause your routine and stick with only cleanser + moisturizer until skin calms down.
Healthy Habits = Healthy Skin
Skincare doesn’t stop at products! Help your tween support their skin from the inside out:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Drink water
- Eat balanced meals
- Keep hands off your face
- Be consistent
tbh… You Don’t Need a Complicated Routine
Skincare at 12 should feel good, not stressful. By starting simple and staying consistent, your tween is setting the foundation for healthy skin now and into the teen years.
tbh kids is here for all of it clean, gentle, no-fuss skincare that’s made just for them. Don't wait — click here to build their aesthetic, but safe skincare routine today that you'll both love!
