As it turns out, the skincare aisle isn’t just for adults anymore. With social media trends and influencer routines making their way into elementary and middle school conversations these days, many parents find themselves fielding questions about serums, toners, and face masks, often from kids who haven’t even hit puberty.
But when does skincare actually need to begin? What’s appropriate for developing skin, and what’s simply too much too soon? To get some clarity, we turned to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deirdre Hooper of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. Her advice? Keep it simple, keep it gentle, and above all, keep it age-appropriate.
START WITH THE BASICS
For young kids, tweens, and even many teens, a “healthy skincare routine” doesn’t require a shelf full of products. In fact, it starts with just two simple steps: applying sunscreen in the A.M. and washing your face in the P.M. This foundational approach helps protect against environmental damage during the day while removing dirt, oil, and pollutants in the evening. Over time, children may need to add moisturizer or additional steps depending on their unique skin needs, but the basics don’t change.
“If you can teach your kids to wear sunscreen in the morning and to wash their face at night, they’ve laid a great foundation for what they may need later in life,” says Dr. Hooper. “That’s a healthy routine whether you’re four or 14.”
According to Dr. Hooper, daily sun protection is the single most effective way to protect the skin’s health and appearance long-term, and it’s never too early to start! One tip? Opt for sunscreen in a pump bottle. Studies show that kids are significantly more likely to use it consistently when it’s easier to apply.
LET SKIN NEEDS GUIDE THE ROUTINE
Skincare should never be based solely on age; It should respond to the skin’s actual condition. Some children may need a gentle moisturizer or eczema treatment as babies, while others may not need any additional products until their late teens. If a child begins to experience persistent dryness, redness, breakouts, or irritation, it’s time to adjust their routine or consult a dermatologist.
One major turning point for many families is acne. While breakouts are common during puberty, acne can appear earlier, and Dr. Hooper agrees that even a single pimple is reason enough to consider treatment. Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or adapalene products can be effective starting points for mild acne. However, anything that causes stinging or burning is likely too harsh and should be avoided.
THE SOCIAL MEDIA SKINCARE TRAP
In recent years, dermatologists have seen a surge in kids—some as young as eight or nine—experimenting with trendy skincare products meant for adults. It’s not uncommon for preteens to request popular anti-aging serums, chemical exfoliants, or influencer-approved “multi-step routines.” But things can take a turn for the worse. Using too many products or even the wrong ones can overwhelm and irritate young skin, and Dr. Hooper has seen it firsthand.
“One of my daughters broke out with clogged pores because she was applying so many different products to her skin,” she shares. “Kids see influencers using 10-step routines and think more is better. But more often, it backfires.”
Anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and exfoliating acids are designed for adult skin concerns and are generally unnecessary for young users. Physical scrubs and heavily fragranced products, while often marketed as “natural,” can also trigger reactions in sensitive or acne-prone skin. So in short, more is not better, and “clean beauty” doesn’t always mean “safe.”
WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST
Parents often spend months or even years trying to treat their child’s skin issues with over-the-counter solutions. But there comes a point when professional guidance is essential.
If a child’s skin is painful, itchy, or showing signs of eczema, discoloration, or persistent acne, it’s time to book an appointment. And if acne is leaving behind dark marks or scars, don’t wait. Scarring can be difficult and costly to treat later on, but it’s often preventable with early intervention. It’s also important to remember the emotional toll that skin issues can have, especially in today’s selfie-heavy, social media-driven world.
“Parents often underestimate the psychological impact of acne, especially in this age of Snapchat and constant photographs,” says Dr. Hooper. “Acne is such a treatable disease. No one should feel like they have to live with it.”
WHAT TO BUY (AND WHAT TO SKIP)
You don’t need a huge Sephora haul to build a smart skincare routine. Dr. Hooper recommends starting at the drugstore, where brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, Vanicream, and La Roche-Posay offer effective, dermatologist-tested options for young skin. These products are affordable, accessible, and designed with sensitive skin in mind.
For families dealing with particularly reactive skin, brands like Vanicream and La Roche-Posay are often recommended by dermatologists for their gentle, minimal-ingredient formulas. La Roche-Posay, for example, includes thermal spring water known for its soothing and antioxidant properties, and some products feature prebiotics to help support the skin’s microbiome. On the flip side, avoid products with strong fragrances, harsh exfoliants, or buzzy ingredients like retinol unless specifically recommended by a dermatologist.
Skincare doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, or trendy to be effective. For most children and teens, healthy skin begins with a gentle cleanser, a daily sunscreen, and a watchful eye for any issues that arise. And when those issues do show up, don’t waste time guessing—reach out to a board-certified dermatologist. The goal here isn’t perfect skin; It’s healthy, comfortable skin that supports your child’s confidence, no matter their age.
