Navigating the skincare aisle can be confusing, especially with so many trending ingredients. While some ingredients may sound impressive, they aren’t always suitable for younger skin, which tends to be more sensitive and balanced. Below, we break down the five most-searched-for skincare ingredients in the UK and explain whether they’re a good fit for tweens and teens.
What It Does: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin from free radicals (the bad stuff caused by pollution) and can also brighten skin and fade pigmentation.
Tween & Teen Skin: While Vitamin C can be too strong for young skin and might cause irritation. If you decide to use it, look for a lower percentage and apply it sparingly.
Tip: Vitamin C can be a great addition to your routine if you’re dealing with dark spots or dull skin, but be cautious of potential sensitivity. Always patch-test first.
What It Does: Hyaluronic acid is a super hydrator that helps your skin retain moisture, making it appear plump and glowy.
Tween & Teen Skin: This ingredient is a win for all skin types, including young skin! It’s gentle, non-irritating, and provides a boost of hydration without clogging pores.
Tip: You can use hyaluronic acid daily in your moisturiser or serum. It’s perfect for keeping your skin hydrated without overloading it with heavy products.
What It Does: Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) is a multitasking hero. It helps balance oil production, reduces redness, and even has antioxidant properties.
Tween & Teen Skin: Niacinamide is a great ingredient for tweens and teens, especially if you’re dealing with oily skin or breakouts. It’s generally well-tolerated and can help keep your skin clear and balanced.
Tip: Start with a product containing around 5% niacinamide to see how your skin reacts. It’s a fantastic ingredient to include in your daily routine if you want to control shine and minimise pores.
What It Does: Retinol is a form of vitamin A that’s known for its ability to boost collagen production and speed up cell turnover, helping to reduce fine lines and improve skin texture.
Tween & Teen Skin: Retinol is generally not recommended for tweens and teens. It’s a powerful ingredient that can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity, especially for young skin that’s still naturally radiant and doesn’t need such intense treatment.
Tip: Retinol is best saved for later in life. Focus on gentler, more suitable ingredients that protect your skin’s natural balance.
What It Does: Tea tree oil is an essential oil known for its antibacterial properties, making it a popular choice for treating spots and breakouts.
Tween & Teen Skin: While tea tree oil can help with occasional breakouts, it can also be quite drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin. Use it sparingly and only as a targeted treatment, not all over your face.
Tip: If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to avoid tea tree oil or choose a product with a low concentration to prevent irritation.
Choosing the right skincare ingredients for tween and teen skin is all about balance. While some of the most popular ingredients can be beneficial, others might be too harsh or unnecessary for young, healthy skin. Focus on gentle, hydrating, and non-irritating products that keep your skin happy and glowing. Remember, less is often more when it comes to caring for young skin!
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