The Truth About Pre-Teen Skincare: What Our Kids Actually Need

Like many of you, I’m a mom. I have an 8-year-old daughter who’s already asking questions about skincare—and let me tell you, she’s not the only one. Whether you’re a parent or an esthetician, you’ve likely noticed that young girls (and boys!) are getting more and more interested in skincare at younger ages.

It’s fun, it’s trendy, and let’s be honest—it’s everywhere. From YouTube to TikTok to the aisles of Sephora and Ulta, these kids are being marketed to like never before. But here’s the thing:

Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s appropriate.

And that’s why we, as professionals and parents, need to understand what young skin really needs—and what it doesn’t.

The Skin Is Smarter Than We Think
Our skin is brilliant. It has its own microbiome, its own natural oils, and its own built-in intelligence. Especially in children, the skin is still developing and finding balance. It knows how to protect itself, regulate itself, and thrive—as long as we don’t get in its way.

Unfortunately, the beauty industry doesn’t always prioritize science over sales. And young, impressionable kids are being targeted with products that were never intended for their age group.

What Pre-Teen Skin Does Not Need:

• Retinol or retinoids
• AHAs, BHAs, or any other exfoliating acids
• Brightening serums (like vitamin C)
• Heavy moisturizers or occlusive barrier creams
• Anti-aging anything
• Clay masks and pore strips

These products can disrupt a child’s natural skin barrier, throw off their microbiome, and even create issues where none existed before.

So What Does Pre-Teen Skin Need?
Simple, gentle, and supportive routines. That’s it.

Here’s a safe starting point for most 7–11-year-olds:

• Gentle cleanser (preferably sulfate-free and pH balanced)
• Light moisturizer (without active ingredients like acids or retinoids)
• Optional facial mist with hyaluronic acid or soothing botanicals
• Mineral sunscreen for daily sun protection (especially for outdoor kids)

That’s all. Truly. The goal at this age is not correction, it’s education. We’re not trying to treat acne, fight aging, or brighten anything—we’re simply teaching them how to care for their skin, keep it clean, and respect it.

Why We Want Our Kids to Start Now—But Start Right
There’s a reason we encourage skincare routines early on. It’s not about vanity. It’s about teaching:

• Consistency
• Self-care
• Awareness of what they put on and in their bodies
• How to listen to their skin and treat it with kindness

But none of that works if we’re unintentionally damaging their skin barrier in the process.

A Note on Gut Health and Acne
While hormones certainly play a role in breakouts as kids get older, the truth is that gut health plays a massive role in skin issues too. The foods they eat, their digestion, and even their stress levels can show up on their skin long before puberty kicks in. Harsh skincare isn’t going to fix what starts from within.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple. Keep It Safe.

• Parents—your daughters (and sons) don’t need the $400 Sephora haul.
• Estheticians—your clients’ kids need education, not exfoliation.
• Professionals—we have a duty to speak truth over trends.

Let’s teach our kids the why behind skincare, not just the how. Let’s raise a generation that doesn’t need to repair the damage—because they never did the damage in the first place.

Want to learn more about skincare for every age?
Stay connected with the Aesthetics Academy of Idaho for resources, courses, and honest conversations that support estheticians, professionals, and families alike.