Kids skincare: what is safe and what to skip at ages 8 to 14
What kids and tweens really need for their skin, which trendy products to skip and why, a simple routine for the start of puberty and acne, and when to see a doctor.
Written by the Glowpedia team · not yet reviewed by our dermatologist
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Videos of tweens doing ten-step routines have made adult products look normal for children. Young skin is still developing and reacts easily, so it needs very little, and some popular products can do more harm than good.
Quick answer: Children and tweens (about 8 to 14) need three things: a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. If acne starts, add one acne product at a time, and check the age on the label. Skip retinol, vitamin C, strong acids, scrubs and heavily scented products unless a doctor advises them.
What does young skin really need?
Dermatologists agree that basics are enough. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. In its words, consistency matters more than a ten-step routine. The American Academy of Pediatrics' parent site says children's skin is resilient and does not need adult-targeted products.
A simple routine
Morning
- Rinse with water, or use a gentle cleanser.
- Light moisturizer.
- Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the face, ears and neck. Many children find a stick or lotion easy to use.
Evening
- Gentle cleanser, especially after sport, sweat, sunscreen or makeup.
- Moisturizer.
That is enough for most children. The AAD notes that for dry or sensitive skin, washing once a day in the evening may be enough. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating. Many pediatric dermatologists favor mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for children because they tend to irritate less, and the AAP's parent site advises against spray-on sunscreens for children.
What changes at puberty?
Hormones increase oil production, so blackheads, whiteheads and spots become more common. Sweat also changes, and body odor often starts. A daily shower and clean clothes help, and a deodorant can be added when needed. You can read more about sweat and body odor. Acne is very common at this stage and is not a sign of poor hygiene.
What to do when acne starts
The NHS suggests gentle washing, choosing products labeled "non-comedogenic" (made so they should not clog pores), and trying an over-the-counter treatment such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. A pharmacist can help you choose. For breakouts and acne-prone skin, these steps help:
- Use one product, in a small amount. Start every other day and build up. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can dry or irritate skin, so keep the moisturizer.
- Check the age on the label. The US FDA approved adapalene 0.1% gel, a retinoid, for over-the-counter acne use from age 12. Many acne products say to ask a doctor for children under 12.
- Do not pick, squeeze or scrub. The NHS warns this can cause scars and make acne worse.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using a retinoid.
Allow several weeks before judging a product. The AAD advises seeing a dermatologist if breakouts leave dark marks or scars, or if acne does not improve after a few months of over-the-counter treatment.
What to skip, and why
| Skip | Why |
|---|---|
| Retinol and other retinoids (unless a doctor prescribes them) | The AAD says retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids are generally unnecessary for children and tweens, whose skin is thinner and more sensitive. They can cause redness, burning or peeling. |
| Strong AHAs, BHAs and peel pads, and "peeling" or "firming" products | These are aimed at wrinkles and sun damage, not at young skin. They can weaken the skin barrier. |
| High-strength vitamin C and other active serums | Not needed, and they often sting. |
| Scrubs and harsh cleansing | Rubbing irritates skin and can make acne worse. |
| Heavily scented products, body mists and lotions | Fragrance can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Fragrance-free products are a safer choice for sensitive skin. |
| Many layers of products | More products mean more chances of irritation. |
| Adult products shared from a family member | They may be too strong. Ask a doctor first. |
A dermatologist may occasionally suggest a retinoid or salicylic acid for a particular teen or tween. That is a medical decision, not a trend to copy.
Dry skin, eczema and sensitive skin
Children with dry, itchy skin usually do best with a fragrance-free moisturizer used regularly. If the skin is red, itchy, cracked or weeping, it may be eczema, which a doctor should check, because it may need a medicine and not just a moisturizer. Introduce one new product at a time, and patch test on the inner arm before using something new on the face.
Makeup and sharing products
Occasional makeup is usually fine. Remove it every night with a gentle cleanser, choose non-comedogenic products where possible, and avoid sharing products, especially eye makeup, which can pass on germs.
A note for parents
- Social media routines are often advertising. You can talk about what ingredients actually do and why a simple routine is enough.
- Look for labels such as "fragrance-free" and "for sensitive skin", and be cautious of anything that promises to "peel", "firm" or "tone".
- Praise healthy habits, such as daily sunscreen and washing after sport, and not appearance.
- If a product stings or burns, stop using it. The AAP's parent site calls this a red flag.
What not to mix
- Several acne products at the same time, such as a scrub plus benzoyl peroxide plus a retinoid.
- Acne treatments and strong scrubs or acids.
- Scented products on irritated skin.
How long until you see results?
Over-the-counter acne products usually need several weeks to a few months. Redness or a rash caused by an irritating product often settles within a week or two after you stop using it. If it does not, see a doctor.
When to see a doctor
- Painful, deep or scarring acne, or acne that leaves dark marks.
- No clear improvement after a few months of over-the-counter treatment.
- A rash that spreads, keeps coming back or does not improve, or an eczema flare.
- Burning, swelling or blisters after using a product.
- Acne that affects mood, confidence or school life. The NHS also lists this as a reason to see a GP.
- Signs of puberty that seem unusually early. A pediatrician can check.
A doctor can prescribe stronger acne treatments if needed. These can include prescription creams, antibiotic treatments and other options, and your doctor will explain the benefits and side effects.
FAQ
Can kids use adult sunscreen?
Usually yes, if it is broad spectrum with SPF 30 or higher and does not sting. Fragrance-free and mineral formulas tend to be gentler. For babies under 6 months, ask a pediatrician.
Do tweens need toner, serum or masks?
No. A cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen cover the basics.
Is it okay to borrow my parent's retinol or acne product?
It is better not to. Adult products can be too strong. Ask a pharmacist or doctor which product suits your age.
Should my child wash twice a day?
Gentle washing in the evening is the most important. The AAD says once a day may be enough for dry or sensitive skin, while the AAP's parent site suggests gentle washing morning and night. Either is fine if the cleanser is mild.
Is acne a sign of poor hygiene?
No. Acne is mostly caused by hormones, oil and clogged pores. Hard scrubbing can make it worse.
Sources
- A dermatologist's guide to skincare from growing up to glowing up (American Academy of Dermatology)
- Viral Skin Care Trends for Tweens and Teens & What Young Skin Really Needs (HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Acne (NHS)
- FDA approves Differin Gel 0.1% for over-the-counter use to treat acne (FDA)