How to Have a Good Skin Care Regimen (Pre Teens)

Co-authored by Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD

Last Updated: November 1, 2021 References

The right time to educate teenagers about skincare and the cleanliness of their skin seems to be the age of 10-11 years old. When the hormonal changes begin taking place and kids start maturing, the skin needs more attention.^{[1]
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Research source} Teenagers need a slightly different way from adults to take care of their skin, though. Generally, teens need to be more careful of the cleaning agents they use to avoid harming or irritating their skin. That means teens should opt for gentler, milder products than adults. So what are the components of a good skin care regimen for teens to begin?

Method 1

Method 1 of 9:
Use gentle and mild products.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}

1
You should get your child mild products to take care of their skin including facial wash/mild soap, small towel, toner, moisturizing cream, acne treatment (in case they get acne), in addition to a sunscreen because kids at this age tend to play outdoors under direct sunlight. Use compounds that contain milk and water as a basis.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 9:
Clean!

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Encourage them to wash their face with a facial wash in the morning when they wake up and in the evening before going to sleep in order to feel fresh and clean and to prevent acne. Tell them to use water that is comfortably warm and to lather foam all over their face. Remind them to rinse well and to dry their face gently with a towel (pat do not rub).

Method 3

Method 3 of 9:
Consider a toner.

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If their skin is oily, the toner is the perfect solution to balance oils on the skin. Tell them to wash their face and dry it before using the toner. Also, tell them to get a tissue and wet it with some drops, then wipe their face.

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Method 4

Method 4 of 9:
Moisturize!

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Moisturizing creams makes the skin pure and soft and gives it radiance and vitality and protects it from drying out. Get them a moisturizing cream from the drugstore.
- Use a moisturizer with SPF to protect the skin from UV rays. Pick one with at least 20 SPF and water resistance (often labeled "sport").^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}

Method 5

Method 5 of 9:
Treat acne, if needed.

1
If they've got acne, get them a mild soap made for people with acne. Also, use an acne cream.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} Tell them not to pop pimples or it will become bigger, redder, and itchy! If the situation does not improve, consult a dermatologist.
- Use cleansers containing alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids 1-2 times weekly to help remove dead skin.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}
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Method 6

Method 6 of 9:
Exfoliate.

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Tell them to exfoliate her skin once a week to remove the buildup of dead skin cells. They could make their own natural exfoliator - lemon juice, sugar, and salt will do it. If they have sensitive skin, sugar and olive oil are the solution. Search for other recipes on the internet or buy a mild exfoliator.^{[6]
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Research source} Make sure it's very gentle.

Method 7

Method 7 of 9:
Use a mask, if desired.

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Masks have many benefits. Brighten your skin. Treats acne. Very relaxing. Inexpensive. You can make your own mask at home! Mashed avocados, yoghurt, honey, everything in the kitchen! Look for homemade face masks on the internet.^{[7]
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Research source}^{[8]
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Research source}

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Method 8

Method 8 of 9:
Get enough sleep to banish dark circles.

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Dark circles shouldn't appear at this age. If it appears, you probably do not get enough sleep.^{[9]
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Research source}^{[10]
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Research source} Start treatment before they worsen. Sleep early and don't forget to open the windows for good ventilation. Also, put frozen cucumber slices/ice cubes on your eyes every day until it gradually disappear.

Method 9

Method 9 of 9:
Avoid makeup.

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Tell them they shouldn't use make-up in this age because it's harmful.^{[11]
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Research source} Tell her she can use it a minimalistic at concerts or parties for example. Buy her a set to have fun including lip gloss and nail polish.
- Tell them that they have inner beauty and make-up only makes them look elegant when they goes out with their friends.
- If they wants to use makeup, get them children's make-up. Children's make-up is safe, easy to use, and it's all natural. It's especially made for children.
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Community Q&A

Question

What is a good skin care routine for a tween?

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Navid Malakouti is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and medical dermatology. He treats patients of all ages for conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer, botox, fillers, lasers, and chemical peel. Dr. Malakouti is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and a member of the Skin of Color Society. He holds a BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from The University of California, San Diego and an MD from The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his Dermatology residency in Washington D.C. at Howard University, VA Medical Center, Children's National Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health.

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

The foundation of a good skin care routine starts with gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Sunscreens should be at least SPF 30, labeled as “broad spectrum” and have a degree of water resistance.
Question

How do you get rid of oily skin during puberty?

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Navid Malakouti is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and medical dermatology. He treats patients of all ages for conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer, botox, fillers, lasers, and chemical peel. Dr. Malakouti is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and a member of the Skin of Color Society. He holds a BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from The University of California, San Diego and an MD from The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his Dermatology residency in Washington D.C. at Howard University, VA Medical Center, Children's National Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health.

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Every time the skin is washed, it should be followed with a moisturizers. Those with more oily skin can benefit from lighter face-specific lotions.
Question

I am 10, I don’t have oily skin, but I still want to use toner, is that safe/okay?

Lauren Pham

Community Answer

Yes, it is fine. I have very dry skin, however I do use toner as a part of my skin regimen because it gets the dirt I missed when washing my face. I have to tell you that it can be VERY drying, so you should use a good moisturizer after. I recommend using witch hazel. It is natural and it works perfectly. Be sure to avoid any toners with alcohol.
Question

I am 9, and I have no exfoliating cleansers, is there anything I could use instead?

Community Answer

You can use a homemade recipe of coconut oil and sugar if you have no other exfoliators at home. If you don't have those ingredients, there are more options in the article on How to Make a Basic Homemade Facial Scrub.
Question

Is it okay to use some of the skincare products and not all of them?

Ayisha A. Gill

Community Answer

It's up to your lifestyle and your skin type. Some types of care may be essential for a skin type but others may not be helpful or needed at all. Experiment a bit to see what works best for your skin type and needs.
Question

I am 11, should I use a toner and if I should what toner would be good to use? Can I use the witch hazel?

Ayisha A. Gill

Community Answer

Yes, you can use witch hazel. But it's better to dilute it. Use it in small quantities.
Question

Are toners good for the skin because it makes my skin a little red, is that normal?

Ayisha A. Gill

Community Answer

That's not normal. Don't use a product if you're allergic to any ingredient. See your doctor for further help.
Question

I am a 10 year old girl. My mom does not allow me to use toner and exfoliator because I am too young. Can you suggest a mild toner and exfoliator for me?

Community Answer

You are too young to be starting to use toner/exfoliator. In fact, you don't really need to start washing your face until you are 11. For now, if you're really that keen, just wash your face with mild Cetaphil cleanser and then applying lotion.
Question

I am 12 but suffer from a few breakouts on my face and my skin is not oily but it can sometimes get dry. What should I use?

Chloe Palmer

Community Answer

Look in your local drugstore for facial moisturisers made especially for oily skin. These will soothe your dry skin but won't contain the oil that makes your skin anymore greasy or oily. It may take a couple of tries to find the perfect one but once you do, it will work for all your teenage years.
Question

I’m 10 years old and I’m thinking about buying products for a skincare routine. Am I too young?

jayjay 🌷

Community Answer

No you aren't, just don't buy harsh products that can ruin your young skin, use gentle cleansers and rich moisturisers.

Warnings

Don't get products with excess alcohol. These products will probably damage your skin.

Thanks!
Helpful 12 Not Helpful 0
Don't try face masks containing lemon. It may cause irritation and acne.

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Helpful 15 Not Helpful 3
Don't sleep with make-up or it will cause acne.

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Helpful 11 Not Helpful 2
Don't pop pimples! Picking your zits can cause scarring, so keep your fingers away from your face.

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Helpful 12 Not Helpful 3
Don't overdo exfoliation. This will irritate your skin. ONLY once a week.

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Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3