Your teens’ obsession with skincare and trips to Sephora is nothing new (thank you TikTok) and neither are their requests to add a few products they “need” to their back-to-school cart. Stay strong mamas, because most of the stuff on their skincare wish list is likely unnecessary and, in some cases, could be doing more harm than good. We asked Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham (known as Dr. Smita), a board-certified plastic surgeon with locations in East Brunswick and Montclair, for some basic rules to remember when shopping for skincare with your tweens and teens.
Dr. Smita sees the boom in skincare content on social media as a double-edged sword. “I think it’s great in the sense that it brings a lot of awareness to skincare … and getting those healthy skin habits started early is always going to be a benefit,” she says. “The problem is, there isn’t a lot of guidance on social media on what a teenager or a parent should be looking for as far as what ingredients are going to be safe for young, healthy skin.” That’s where education about ingredients comes in.
Always Read the Ingredients
Kids and teens don’t need the same skincare products as adults, especially when it comes to the anti-aging category, Dr. Smita says. Products with acids—like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and retinol—are designed for skin that’s already showing signs of aging. These ingredients can do more harm than good for teens, she says, and could cause irritation and worsen acne.
Remember Simpler Is Better
The best skincare routine for your teen is simple. A gentle cleanser, a basic moisturizer and sunscreen are all they need. “Cleansers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid are good choices,” Dr. Smita says. And while sunscreen is often overlooked, it’s crucial—even on cloudy days. “I think we forget that we need sunscreen every single day, even if you’re inside,” she says. “Sunscreen should be a daily habit, just like brushing your teeth.”
Parents should steer their teens away from products labeled as “anti-aging” or “wrinkle-reducing.” Fragranced products are another no-go since they can irritate young skin.
Practice Good Makeup Hygiene
Dr. Smita urges parents to remind their teens about the importance of hygiene when it comes to makeup application. “Using clean brushes is key, especially if you have acne,” she explains. At the end of the day, all makeup should be thoroughly removed to prevent clogged pores and further skin issues.
Know When to Get Professional Help
When it comes to acne, many teenagers head to the drugstore for over-the-counter products. While these products can help in many cases, Dr. Smita recommends consulting a specialist if your teen’s acne persists. “If you’ve tried over-the-counter products and your skin isn’t improving, it’s time to see a professional,” she advises. Dermatologists can offer tailored advice, recommending products that won’t exacerbate the problem. A plastic surgeon can deal with acne scars.
And what to do if your teen is fixated on a TikTok trending product made by a popular brand you know she doesn’t need? “If they’re obsessed with a particular brand, try finding a product within that line that’s just moisturizing or a good sunscreen,” she advises. That way, they can feel like they’re using a trendy product without damaging their skin.
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