As we all know, the preppy skincare craze has taken the tween world by storm. While there are an endless amount of reasons for this, the phenomenon is largely driven by the influence of social media and marketing. However, with just a little awareness of these factors, parents can better guide their children through this trend and encourage them to be more conscious about what skincare products they are putting on their skin. At the end of the day, just because a skincare product is viral on TikTok, does not mean it was formulated to be used on young skin.
The Impact of Social Media
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, have a major influence on trends among young tweens and teens. Countless influencers with millions of followers regularly post and promote all of these extravagant 10-step preppy skincare routines with expensive products, and many tweens watch them through an aspirational lens. Their perfectly curated content may make tweens feel they need to have these products in order to fit in or remain on trend. When tweens are constantly watching their favorite influencers use and promote these preppy skincare products, it may make them feel as though it is an immediate need or a necessity, even though it is not formulated for their age or skin type. With Gen A largely trying to become the newest generation of influencers themselves, it is no wonder why they are easily influenced by what they see on social media.
Marketing and Branding is a Powerful Thing
Many of the most popular skincare brands, typically displayed on shelves at Sephora and other beauty retailers, take advantage of influencer marketing to reach a younger audience. Unfortunately, these promotions don’t necessarily emphasize the potential dangers of using such products on youthful, sensitive skin. Instead, these brands emphasize their aesthetic packaging and preppy product lineup that they know tweens will fall in love with. By touting the outside look of their products, teens are often left unaware of the risks of using the harsh ingredients on the inside.
Peer Pressure and The Desire to Belong
Tweens are in the time of their life when fitting in with their peers is nearly the most important thing to them. If their friends are using certain skincare products, odds are, they are going to want to use them too. This feeling only intensifies their pre-existing need to buy the hottest preppy skincare brands and follow their favorite influencers’ latest routines, even if the products are not suited for their skin.
There Are No Tween-Specific Products
Our CEO, Risa Barash, identified a huge gap in the market for skincare that spoke to tweens, and that’s where tbh kids comes in! We are a hair, skin, and body brand designed FOR tweens to offer them all the aesthetic skincare they love, but formulated with ingredients their skin loves too.
However, too many tweens are still using products that are designed for adults because they are seen as preppy and aesthetic. The concentrations of ingredients in these products like retinol and acids are too harsh for young, sensitive skin and can cause skin irritation and damage to the skin barrier. Tbh kids offers a safe, but effective alternative that is age-appropriate and designed for the needs and desires of tweens.
Want to know why tbh kids is the top pick? Read more here to see why it’s the best choice for skincare for tweens and discover safe, age-appropriate products that check all of their preppy and aesthetic boxes!
Risks of Using Skincare Products Created For Adults
Skincare products formulated for adults and developed skin tend to have high concentrations of active ingredients that younger skin does not need. Consistent use of these harsh ingredients can lead to increased sensitivity and irritation, and a damaged natural skin barrier.
Educating tweens about the importance of using age-appropriate products can help them make thoughtful choices when it comes to selecting their preppy skincare routines.
How Parents Can Help
As a parent, you play a pivotal role in navigating your children through the craziness of the preppy skincare trends. Here are a few concrete steps to make that journey easier:
1. Educate
-
- Open the door to conversation with your children about using age-appropriate, safe skincare.
- Describe the risks of using skincare products created for adults.
2. Monitor Social Media Use
-
- Monitor what your kids view and whom they follow on social media.
- Encourage them to read from credible sources when it comes to skincare.
3. Promote Critical Thinking
-
- Encourage your kids to think critically about the messages the influencers they watch are putting on social media. Teach them that sometimes, influencers are just paid to say certain things!
- Help them realize that just because it’s the newest trending item online, does not mean they need it.
4. Encourage Healthy Habits
-
- Promote simple, quick skincare routines that focus on gentle washing, moisturizing, and using SPF.
- Purchase age-appropriate skincare brands like tbh kids, so that you can both rest easily at night knowing the products they are putting on their face are designed for them and won’t hurt them.
Guide Your Tween Through Trends
Understanding the influence behind the preppy skincare craze might help parents be more proactive when it comes to helping their children make informed decisions about their skincare routines. By encouraging open communication, critical thinking, and healthy skin care practices, parents can help navigate their teens through these trends safely and confidently. All it takes is the right guidance and the right, age-appropriate products, for tweens to still live out their aesthetic skincare fantasy while ensuring their skin stays healthy and happy too. Shop our curated collection of safe skincare for kids, designed with tweens in mind from the gentle formulations to the preppy packaging!
Want the full scoop on guiding your tween through the preppy skincare trend? Read our complete guide for moms!
