The Truth About Tween and Teen Skincare: A Better Path for Your Children
- Maggie Duplace Schmieder
- Apr 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 12
Navigating the Skincare Craze
As a mom of tweens and teens, you are likely hearing a lot about skincare and beauty products in your home. I’ll admit, I handed over this responsibility to my husband for a few reasons. First, my allergies can't handle the overwhelming scents that invade when new products arrive. Second, I find it exhausting to explain what is actually considered "clean" and what is not. It’s challenging to discern what products are necessary for their age and what isn’t. Let’s not even get started on how many times I have to say I won't spend $45 on harmful products only to find them tossed aside in their room.
According to a recent Beauty Matters study, teens spent a record-high average of $347 on beauty products last year. This is shocking, to say the least!
The Influence of Trends
The skincare and makeup craze among tweens and teens often stems from their eager, impressionable minds looking to follow the latest trends. Unfortunately, this cycle of hype is endless, and not all products are genuinely beneficial.
What causes a skincare or makeup brand to go viral? It's rarely the quality of the product itself; rather, it's the influencer or content creator that captivates young audiences with their recommendations. Dr. Sonal Shah, MD, notes, "Products are recommended on social media, often with paid promotions by influencers whose reviews may come with some bias. Social media can provide a wealth of information, but it’s crucial to follow trusted sources" (Science of Health, 2024).
This trend leads to wasted money and products. More importantly, it can expose our children to items that may not be advantageous for their skin. I can proudly say that I have never paid an influencer to promote Bitty Balm!
What to Avoid in Tween and Teen Skincare
So what should your children steer clear of?
Harsh Exfoliators: These can strip the skin of its moisture barrier, resulting in irritation and dryness.
Anti-Aging Products: Save these for those over 35. Most anti-aging products contain synthetic, chemically processed ingredients that are unnecessary for younger skin.
A Multiplicity of "Must-Haves": Purchasing too many trending items wastes money and adds clutter — both in your home and the environment.
Essential Skincare Needs for Young Skin
Now, what should your children actually use?
Natural Moisturizers: Gentle ingredients like castor oil and marula oil keep skin hydrated without causing harm.
Skin Protectants: Beeswax acts as a barrier, supporting skin health and maintaining moisture.
Non-Comedogenic Ingredients: Avoid products that clog pores. Opt for ones with jojoba oil and vitamin E.
Moreover, parents can play a vital role by discussing these better options with their children and helping them find brands that resonate with their youthful vibe.
Conclusion: A Safer Approach to Skincare
Where does this leave us in the grand scheme of skincare for our teens? It leads us toward products like Bitty Balm, which contain only essential ingredients for optimal performance. Think about it: does the lipstick impart color and smooth the skin effectively? Does the cleanser wash away the dirt and makeup of the day?
It’s crucial to do your own research. Many incredible skincare products exist that never receive the spotlight from influencers. We must be proactive shoppers, seeking what works best for us and our families.
The Story Behind Bitty Balm
The insights I've shared today stem from my own experiences as a parent. An acquaintance recently stumbled upon an Instagram post about my journey in creating Bitty Balm. To her surprise, she had no idea that this was my product! She didn’t know that I had put in the hard work to formulate, brand, and produce it. Even more surprising, she had no clue that I still make and sell it from my home where my tweens, Ebby and Wynnie, keep me on my toes.
This all began because of a simple, relatable moment: "MOM!!!! TAKE ME TO SEPHORA!"
It turns out my daughters and I have very similar needs when it comes to makeup. We all want clean products that safely enhance our features and give us the confidence to face the world.
With all this in mind, let’s prioritize clean, effective skincare solutions that benefit our children and free us from the incessant cycle of trends and waste. Together, we can guide our young ones towards healthier choices that support their skin and, ultimately, their self-esteem.
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