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I kept doing it because I didn’t know any better.
Karen Alexander with daughters Zora,left,and Ella.
Spoiler alert: they dont.
So how does a parent help their child navigate the world of skincare today?
Speaking about it as a family is a great starting point.
For practicing dermatologistDr Alexis Granitemother to a 14 and 17 year oldskincare has always been a household conversation.
Hes got at least another decade, if not more.
We have to ensure there is very clear messaging around keeping it simple for young skin.
Charlotte Fidler, founder of tween/teen skincare lineSpots and Stripesand mother of two teenage girls, completely agrees.
Here,Voguebreaks it down.
Its great to get a handle on this from an early age, says Dr Granite.
Youd also be surprised at how many people (adults included) do not wash their face!
There is a healthy balance [to be found] for sure.
I did my best to show them how to cleanse and treat any spots gently.
Children have to be taught, in the same way you teach them to brush their teeth.
Even if they think they are pros already, you oughta teach them how to do it properly.
Id put their cleanser by their toothbrush, so that it was part of their daily routine.
And Id nag them to cleanse in the same way that Id nag them to brush their teeth.
Salicylic acid or mild AHAs can be used, in particular for tweens and teens who are acne-prone.
It took us almost three years to develop our Gentle Exfoliating Liquid because that effectiveness/gentleness balance is so crucial.
), and its great to set up healthy skin habits from an early age.
Its important for younger consumers to use products that are appropriate for their skin.
I think it comes down to everything in moderation, which is a philosophy I always come back to.
Its boring because its true and stands the test of time.
This is a new category, she says, but its growing, so there is choice out there.
Your tween or teen doesnt need toners, serums, most masks, etc.
You should always buy products based on theirneeds, not on whats trending.
And what they need is pretty simple.
We have regular lively discussions about the ingredients and effectiveness of the products she wants to buy.
