Not to fear monger here, but there are some ingredients that no pre-teen or teen should be using in their skincare! See what some of those are here and keep your kid's skin safe and healthy.
Not to fear monger here, but there are some ingredients that no pre-teen or teen should be using in their skincare!
ULTA and Sephora have been coming under attack for housing brands that aggressively target children and teens for skincare routines.
My rule of thumb is, if your child isn't experiencing acne, leave well enough alone and don't rock the boat.
If they are experiencing acne, even if 10 years old, then you need to make smart choices that help their skin now and also avoid future issues.
What to Avoid
1. Retinol/Retinoids
These vitamin A products can thin their skin, increase cellular turnover (which is already high in kids and teens). This will be too stimulating for their skin and create inflammation, dryness, irritated skin, and worsen the impact of sun exposure. It can also exacerbate acne in teens.
2. Fragrances
Can irritate skin and make normal skin become sensitized. Artificial fragrances can also create dermatitis rashes due to irritation. Exposure to heavily and artificially fragrances products can create a life long issue with skin sensitivities.
3. Chemical Exfoliants
Put down the Ordinary's red acid peel! No glycolic acids and no face scrubs! Scrubs create micro-tears/injuries in the skin allowing for the spread of bacteria, including acne. In terms of acids, most are formulated too strong for pre teens and teens. If in doubt, seek a derm or a skincare expert. They are best to avoid unless you have guidance.
So What Is Safe?
Gentle, no artificially fragranced or dyed cleansers. Teens should cleanse twice a day - AM and PM. No child or teen needs any anti-aging products. In terms of treatment serums, safe ones are low percentages of Salicylic Acid and Mandelic. Face scrubs, seek out ones which are very finely ground up but, talk to your child about using them very gently - minimal pressure when cleansing. Most people - kids and adults - are far too heavy handed when using face scrubs!
Oily skin still needs moisturizer but find one which is not heavy and made for sensitive skin, again no artificial colors or fragrances.