What’s the Best Skin Care for Preteens? An Expert’s Tips for Building a Daily Routine

Thanks to social media, many preteens are exposed to the latest skin care trends and beauty routines. With influencers and celebrities showcasing their flawless complexions and daily skin care regimens, younger and younger audiences are eager to join in. 

But when is the right time to start a skin care routine? And what kinds of products should preteens use? Let’s take a look at the recommended skin care for preteens.

Why is skin care important for preteens?

Taking care of your skin is important for your health at any age. As your body’s largest organ, your skin has many essential functions. These include acting as a protective covering to keep out germs and protect your organs from danger.

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During your preteen years, your body goes through lots of changes, and your skin is no exception. Around the time puberty starts, your skin starts to change as well. 

Young children usually have soft, smooth skin. This is because its outer layer is thinner and produces less oil compared to older skin. 

But during puberty, your body starts producing more androgen hormones. Androgen hormones cause your skin to produce more sebum. This is a waxy, oily substance created by sebaceous glands to lubricate your skin. But excess sebum can block pores. This allows bacteria to grow and cause inflammation, which can lead to acne. 

So, skin care for preteens is important because it helps them manage these changes. Keeping the skin clean and free of pore-clogging dirt and oil can help prevent acne — and future skin problems. 

Just as preteens learn the importance of good nutrition and regular exercise, they can also learn the importance of caring for their skin. Adopting good skin care habits early can help these habits stick into adulthood.

When should preteens start a skin care routine?

Preteens should start a daily skin care routine around the time they begin puberty. This is usually between ages 8 and 13.

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• How to manage acne-prone skin: Using sunscreen, avoiding excess oils, and eating sweets in moderation are just a few of the important ways to care for acne-prone skin. 

• Social media safety for preteens: It can be hard to know if your child or teen is having unsafe interactions online. But there are warning signs, as well as safeguards you can put in place.

• What are treatment options for acne? Lifestyle habits, like diet, play a role in managing acne. Fortunately, there are also many effective over-the-counter and prescription treatments available.

You can also follow cues from your preteen. It may be time to start a daily skin care routine if they’re experiencing skin changes or wearing makeup and need a way to remove it.

The best skin care regimen for preteens is one that they can stick to. Let’s take a step-by-step look at what an effective preteen skin care routine might look like. 

What’s the ideal skin care routine for preteens?

The ideal skin care routine for preteens consists of a gentle cleanser, followed by a lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen.

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Here’s the step-by-step guide for a preteen skin routine. It should be done twice daily — morning and night (minus the sunscreen step in the evenings). Preteens should also try to cleanse their skin after sweating, when possible.

1. Cleanse 

Start by washing with a gentle cleanser. Look for products labeled non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores. Cleansers containing hydrating ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid (more on this below) are excellent choices. Preteens with an oily skin type should use a foaming cleanser, which can help lift away the debris from pores.

Cleansing your face helps to:

• Wash away dirt, sweat, and excess oil that can clog pores

• Remove bacteria that can cause acne 

• Provide gentle physical exfoliation to remove dead cells from the surface of your skin

2. Moisturize

While your skin is still damp, apply a moisturizer. For preteens, a lightweight gel or lotion is best. Avoid creams, as they’re heavier and better suited to dry and/or mature skin. 

Those with oily skin may be tempted to skip the moisturizer. But if your skin isn’t properly hydrated, it will produce more oil to compensate. 

3. Protect with sunscreen

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. (Yes, everyday, and yes, even in winter.) This decreases the risk of:

• Skin cancer

• Premature skin aging

• Hyperpigmentation

As much as possible, try to be consistent with this routine. If your teen is skipping the routine at night when they’re tired, suggest that they get it done earlier in the evening. 

Best skin care products for preteens

Regardless of skin type, look for products that are fragrance-free. Drugstore brands that may be a good fit for preteens include Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Neutrogena.

These brands cater to those with sensitive skin, so they don’t include irritating chemicals. Their products are fragrance-free and use gentle, hydrating ingredients that are good for young, sensitive skin. 

If you’re curious about a product, consult your dermatologist for guidance.

Additional skin care products safe for preteens to try

Many preteens are savvy about skin care. If yours is curious about experimenting with products outside of their core regimen, here are some safe options to try:

• Micellar water: Micellar water contains purified water, moisturizers, and a very low concentration of mild surfactants. These help lift away makeup and dirt.

• Clay masks: Peel-off and rinse-off facial masks made from natural clays are fun to use. They’re also good at absorbing excess oil, removing impurities, and unclogging pores. 

• Pimple patches: These small adhesive stickers are placed directly on pimples to treat acne blemishes. Most pimple patches contain hydrocolloid, which absorbs pus and oil. Many also contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. As a bonus, they prevent picking at pimples.

• Hyaluronic acid: Despite its name, hyaluronic acid isn’t an exfoliating acid. It’s a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps keep it hydrated. Look for this ingredient in cleansers, moisturizers, and serums. 

• Facial misting sprays: These water-based sprays help cool and soothe your skin and add extra hydration. They often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and rose water. 

How can you help your preteen with their skin care routine?

As a parent, you can help your child develop good skin care habits by:

• Engaging them in the process: Involve your preteen in choosing products and setting up the routine. Let them drive the process as much as possible. 

• Leading by example: Show them that caring for your skin is a part of your own daily routine.

• Being supportive: Be encouraging and offer positive reinforcement. Help your preteen find answers to any questions or concerns they may have. 

• Sharing information and education: Explain not just how but why it’s important to keep skin clean and protect it from the sun. Knowledge can empower them to stick to their routine and make informed choices about their skin health.

It’s also critical to talk about the role of nutrition in skin health. What you eat matters. Research shows that eating more fruits and vegetables while limiting sugary carbs and dairy products can help with acne. Teach your child that cleansing and moisturizing are just one part of a comprehensive skin care regimen.

What skin care products should preteens avoid?

Preteens are often tempted to try various different skin care products, especially if they see them on social media. But not all products are suitable for young skin. There are some products preteens should avoid.

Products that can clog pores

During puberty, hormonal changes cause the skin to become rougher, more porous, and oily. So, preteens should avoid products that can clog pores and lead to acne. Common examples include:

• Occlusives: Petroleum ointments like Vaseline or Aquaphor (and similar ones used for “slugging”) can block pores.

• Facial Oils: While some skin types may benefit from facial oils as a cleanser or moisturizer, oils can worsen oily skin or acne in preteens. 

• Heavy Makeup: Foundations and concealers can clog pores, especially if they aren’t removed thoroughly during cleansing.

Anti-aging products

Preteens should avoid skin care products designed for mature skin. These products are sometimes labeled as “anti-aging” or “wrinkle-reducing.” 

Skin aging doesn’t start until your 20s when the collagen and elastin in your skin start to break down. Using anti-aging products before this point isn’t necessary and may even cause harm. 

Many of these products contain active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. These ingredients can damage the skin barrier and lead to irritation. Also, many often include oils that can clog pores and aggravate acne. 

Preteens don’t need, and should avoid:

• Retinol

• Vitamin C

• Exfoliating acids, such as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids

• Peptides

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Jennifer Fisher, MMSc, PA-C

Jennifer has 5 years of clinical experience in general and cosmetic dermatology working as a Physician Associate (PA). She has also worked as a surgical PA in plastic surgery and per diem as a hospitalist during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Edited by:

Meredith Hoffa

Meredith Hoffa is a senior health editor at GoodRx, where she leads journalists and clinicians covering various well-being topics, particularly in diet and nutrition.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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