Between the ages of 8-12, tweens are no longer kids but they haven’t quite hit their teenage years. This is the perfect time to introduce a simple skincare routine to set them up with healthy skin habits for life.

Skincare for tweens should be simple and focused on getting the basics right rather than introducing a complicated routine. Too many products will overwhelm young skin. Besides, how many kids are interested in tackling an intense 10 step routine?

1. Choose a gentle cleanser

The most important aspect of getting a tween skincare routine started? Cleansing.

Cleansing removes the oils and dirt that accumulate leading to shininess and breakouts.

Not just any old soap will do though. Bar soaps will strip the skin of the important oils in its natural barrier and leave skin dry and feeling tight. Tweens should also avoid using harsh cleansers designed to target acne. These formulations are too strong with high pH levels that leave the skin stripped.

Instead, incorporate a gentle cleanser like The Uncomplicated Cleanser into your tween’s morning and evening routine. 

How to use The Uncomplicated Cleanser

• Step 1: Dampen skin with lukewarm water.
• Step 2: Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion.
• Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt.

2. Apply a moisturising serum (optional)

Applying a light moisturising serum after cleansing can help balance oily skin. Hormonal changes in the teen years trigger excess oil production, but tweens at 11 or 12 years might already be experiencing increased shininess.

We recommend Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil for a tween or young teen's facial routine.

A lightweight face oil is ideal for all skin types, especially oily skin with balance concerns. This nourishing oil can replace moisturiser to calm and hydrate while regulating oil flow.

How to use Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil

• Step 1: Using the dropper, drip 2-3 drops of oil directly to the palm of the hand.
• Step 2: Massage the oil gently into clean skin.

This step follows the cleanser and can be incorporated into your tween’s morning and evening routine.

3. Use SPF 30+ protection

It’s never too early to start using sunscreen on a daily basis. The earlier the better. They’ll thank you for this tip in decades to come! We recommend the Sun Skills For All and esmi's Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30.

Sun Skills For All is a super lightweight SPF 50+ sunscreen ideal for congested and oily skin and pre-teens. Due to the light, satin finish and pineapple + mango scent, it's an easy product to convince your pre-teen to include! 

Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 is suited to younger skin as it’s non-greasy, comfortable and has the extra benefit of a nourishing antioxidant boost with green tea and carrot root oil.

How to use SPF

Apply sunscreen after cleansing or the moisturising face oil, if using one. 

Tween/Pre-Teen skincare tips

These easy skin tips will put your tween on the path to a healthier, protected complexion.

• Cleanse in the morning and evening to remove build up, acne-causing bacteria and keep pores clear.
• Use an SPF every day. If your child plays sports or spends a lot of time outdoors, reapply throughout the day.
• Drink plenty of water. Hydration is key for healthy, clear skin.
• Avoid picking pimples. They don’t go away, they just get worse!
• Keep hands clean to avoid transferring bacteria to the face.  

Psst - want to make it easy? Get all three products in a handpicked bundle, designed just for them, with our Tween Skincare Bundle.