If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably noticed the wave of videos featuring kids, sometimes as young as 8, showing off elaborate skincare routines with adult skincare products.
As a mom and licensed esthetician, I understand the excitement around skincare, but I also see the risks when it’s approached the wrong way.
The recent Psychology Today article, The Teen Skincare Craze and Its Impact on Mental Health, points out that “the beauty industry’s targeting of younger consumers is raising concerns among dermatologists, mental health professionals, and parents alike.” One of the biggest issues is that many of these products are designed for adult skin, not for kids or tweens, and can lead to irritation, dryness, or even long-term damage to the skin barrier.
The article also touches on the mental health side of the trend: “Young people are developing unrealistic expectations about their appearance, fueled by influencer content and marketing.” As someone who is around families and my kids friends often, I’ve seen how quickly skincare can shift from a healthy habit to a source of stress or comparison.
Here’s what I recommend for keeping skincare safe, simple, and supportive:
- Skip the harsh actives: No strong retinols, chemical exfoliants, or potent vitamin C serums for tween skin.
- Simplify the steps: A short, age-appropriate routine is more sustainable and less overwhelming.
- Focus on health over perfection: Skin is meant to have texture, pores, and changes, it’s completely normal.
That’s why Pipa exists. Every formula is dermatologist-tested, free from hormone disruptors, and created specifically for young, sensitive skin. Our packaging keeps products clean (because kids’ hands touch everything before their skincare), and our routines are quick enough to actually stick.
My go-to starter routine for tweens:
- Gentle cleanser: removes dirt, sweat, and sunscreen without stripping.
- Lightweight moisturizer: fast-absorbing and hydrating.
- Mineral sunscreen: smooth application, easy to reapply.
No ten-step process. No adult products. Just the essentials for healthy, happy skin.
Let’s give kids the tools, and the mindset to care for their skin without falling into the trap of chasing perfection.