The rise of social media influencers has given way to a growing obsession with skincare for tweens. 

Children as young as ten are being targeted with products they may not need and watching endless #getreadywithme videos which create a culture that suggests skincare routines are essential from an early age. 

But is skincare for tweens truly necessary, or is this just another marketing trend driven by beauty brands?

Why is there an obsession with skincare for tweens?

In today’s digital age, tweens are more connected to social media than ever, and with that comes exposure to influencers and celebrities promoting skincare and beauty routines. These ‘skinfluencers’ often build audiences of young followers, who lap up their recommendations to buy products in the name of self-care, beauty or trendiness. Brands have tapped into this market, often positioning skincare products as a must-have for pre-teens who may be starting to become more conscious of their appearance.

However, the question arises whether these messages are beneficial or even ethical. As the ABC reported in February 2024, this trend is concerning for some parents and experts, who argue that skincare at such a young age can do more damage than good. 

Is Skincare for Tweens Necessary?

For most pre-teens, intricate skincare routines are not necessary. Tweens' skin is generally healthy and resilient. Their skin issues, like occasional breakouts or oiliness, can usually be managed with a simple, gentle routine. 

There's little need for expensive products or complex regimes. In fact, introducing harsh ingredients such as exfoliants, anti-ageing serums, or strong active ingredients at this stage can strip the skin of natural oils or cause irritation.

The focus for pre-teen skin should be on maintaining cleanliness and hydration, especially during the years when hormones start to kick in. For this reason, a basic cleanser, moisturiser and body wash are usually sufficient to keep their skin in balance.

How to Choose Skincare Products with Your Pre-Teen Child

If your tween is keen on starting a skincare routine and wants to make #getreadywithme clips of their own, it's important to guide them towards making safe, informed choices. 

Parents can play a critical role in educating children about the ingredients and purpose of skincare products. For example, they can guide children to look for products that are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and parabens, as these can irritate young skin. Instead, opt for natural, gentle formulations that won’t disrupt their skin’s natural barrier.

Sit down with your child and do some research together. Talk about the difference between brands that prioritise natural ingredients and those that use "filler" ingredients, which do little or nothing for the skin. 

The other important conversation to have is about ethics and the fact that some brands still test on animals. 

Best Skincare for Tweens

When it comes to skincare for tweens, simplicity is key. Look for products that focus on basic skincare needs without overwhelming young skin. The following products from Botani are designed with all-natural, vegan ingredients that are gentle yet effective for pre-teen skin:

• Purify Facial Cleanser: A gentle, natural cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
• Boost Balancing Moisturiser: A light, hydrating moisturiser that nourishes the skin and keeps it balanced without clogging pores.
• Rescue Acne Cream: a multi-purpose, gentle, non-drying topical cream to relieve the symptoms of acne such as redness & inflammation

At Botani, we believe skincare for tweens should be about maintaining skin health in the simplest way possible. It’s important to resist the temptation of trendy, complicated routines and instead focus on gentle, natural products that support a healthy young complexion.