Teen & Tween Skincare Craze

Our teens need skincare that's appropriate, supports, heals and is affordable - here are my views and product suggestions.

It’s slightly worrying, and as a mum I cant help noticing and discussing the rise of teens & tweens in beauty halls, all fawning over brightly coloured, luxury skincare that can potentially harm their skin, plus expensive makeup to boot.

This is not just a phase, or are viral TikTok trend, this obsession for our youngsters is here to stay.

Are Tweens Being Sold the Wrong Beauty Standards?

Let’s talk about the rise of tweens and teens diving headfirst into beauty—and not just lip gloss or mascara, but skincare products with *active ingredients*. Thanks to TikTok and beauty brands sending free PR to 14-year-old influencers, we’re seeing a surge in younger audiences being marketed products that are completely unsuitable for their delicate, still-developing skin.

Shouldn’t the Industry Know Better?

Brands that claim to prioritize skin health and ethics seem to have no scruples when it comes to promoting potentially harsh ingredients to an audience who simply don’t need them. Active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinols are being thrown around like buzzwords, without the proper context or education. What message are we sending to our teens? That their young, healthy skin isn’t good enough? I feel very strongly about promoting self worth and confidence in our youngsters and this is not proving that, it’s to my mind, saying you are not enough

The Parent Dilemma

For parents, this creates a minefield. Many who aren’t familiar with terms like salicylic acid or niacinamide, leaving mums feeling less armed to guide their impressionable kids. Meanwhile, teens are coming to us with a flood of “knowledge” they’ve picked up from TikTok—but how accurate is it? Are parents being duped into thinking their child “needs” a 10-step skincare routine, when in reality, they just need a simple cleanser and SPF?

Let’s Get Savvy

It’s time to push back. Parents, we need to educate ourselves and teach our kids that skincare is about protecting their natural beauty, not chasing trends or perfect skin that doesn’t exist. Delicate, young skin doesn’t need harsh exfoliants or anti-aging products; it needs care, hydration, and *protection*.

Brands, Please Take Note:

It’s time to stop exploiting young, impressionable audiences for profit. Teens deserve better. Parents deserve better. Let’s set realistic, healthy beauty standards—and let kids be kids.

Got a teen in your life? Start the conversation, get informed, and arm yourself with the knowledge to protect their skin—and their confidence.

NB; I’m only an email away if you need help and want to book a workshop with me in person or on zoom for mums, daughters to understand the science of skincare,

And Then Came Indu:

The beauty brand created for Teens, by Teens. *Indu* has emerged as a beacon of sanity when it comes to teen skincare. Indu is rewriting the narrative. The brand understands what young skin truly needs, along with eye catching, sustainable packaging —simple, effective, and safe solutions that protect and nurture without compromising our youngsters delicate skin barriers.

And it’s not alone. Trusted brands like *La Roche-Posay*, *Vanes*, and *CeraVe* may not have the TikTok hype, but they’re earning loyal fans for one reason: they work. These brands focus on efficacy and education, offering solutions backed by science rather than marketing gimmicks.

A New Era in Teen Skincare

Brands like Indu are proving that less is more when it comes to caring for young skin. Gentle cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, and SPF are the holy trinity of teen skincare—anything more is often unnecessary (and sometimes harmful).

This shift is a win for parents and teens alike. Parents can breathe easier knowing they’re not being sold a product lineup designed to overwhelm, while teens are learning to embrace and protect their natural beauty without chasing impossible standards.

Trusted Brands for Teens

If you’re searching for brands you can rely on, here’s my VMM list of teen-safe skincare options that prioritise skin health over trends:

- **La Roche-Posay:** Known for their dermatologist-approved, effective products, especially the Effaclar range for oily or acne-prone skin.

**CeraVe:** Affordable, no-nonsense skincare with gentle cleansers and moisturizers suitable for young skin.

Byoma: Simple, appealingly packaged, fun and effective formulas designed to nourish, protect and not overwhelm young skin.

- **Simple:** Straightforward and free from harsh chemicals, perfect for teens starting out.

- **Vanicream:** Excellent for sensitive skin, offering ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formulas.

**Bioderma:** Their Sensibio micellar water and Sebium Gel Moussant are ideal for keeping skin clean and fresh.

**Indu:** Created specifically for teens with input from teens, this brand focuses on safe, gentle solutions.

Let’s Get Savvy

As parents, it’s time to get savvy. Educate yourself, question the trends, and don’t let clever marketing make you feel out of your depth. Start conversations with your teens about what their skin truly needs—and what it doesn’t.

Teens deserve better from the beauty industry, and as parents, we have the power to guide them toward brands that uplift, educate, and protect. Together, let’s celebrate the shift to realistic, healthy beauty standards that empower young people to love and care for the skin they’re in.

SPOT BUSTERS: when it comes to ‘treating’ teen skin and specifically breakouts, Bisous Clear Spot Treatment Gel (we love this brand that is specifically targeted for young skin) is one of the best spot busters we've found. We also love Starface HydroStar stickers which are brilliantly marketed - your kids will love them! - and work a treat. Cerave Blemish Control Gel is another impressive product, and we think that any household with teens should have a bottle of Clinisoothe Skin Purifier to hand. It's a beauty no-brainer.