Girls are bombarded on social media with advice from influencers touting elaborate skin care routines with high-priced serums, mists and creams. But what is the right skin care routine for preteens? Simple is best, dermatologists say. Before puberty hits, most kids only need three things: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer and sunscreen.
“That’s it. Full stop. You don’t need anything else,” says Dr.
Sheilagh Maguiness, a Minneapolis-based dermatologist. She and other dermatologists around the U.S.
have seen growing numbers of teen and preteen girls using anti-aging skin care products. In some cases, the adult-strength products have damaged young girls’ skin. And the obsession with achieving the looks has raised concern about the impact on their mental health.
Many of the popular products from Drunk Elephant, Glow Recipe and others — which can cost $70 or more — contain active ingredients like retinols and hydroxy acids intended for mature skin that can irritate young faces and damage the skin barrier. Experts say they are unnecessary and a waste of money for children. “I hear all day, every day from all my patients who have children in their teens, and younger, that they are so fixated on all of these skin care products and TikTok trends and they’ve gone overboard,” says Dr.
Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist in Manhattan. Here’s what dermatologists say about what’s safe for young skin and how families can navigate the fast-growing trend. Should kids use an.
