Tween & Teen Skin Care: Do’s, Don’ts & Social Media Myths

Navigating skin care during the tween and teen years can be overwhelming—for both kids and parents. As hormones shift and breakouts become more common, so does the temptation to try every product or hack trending on TikTok. At Northeast Dermatology, we’re here to help set the record straight.

Below is a trusted, dermatologist-backed guide on how to take care of young skin—and what to avoid.

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The DO’s of Tween & Teen Skin Care

1. DO keep it simple.

Start with the basics:

• A gentle cleanser - Simple, inexpensive, easy to find name brands shine in this category - Neutrogena, Cetaphil, and CeraVe. Look for those marked “gentle” for tween skin and consider one with a light exfoliant like Salicylic Acid once teenage pimples arrive.

  
  

• A non-comedogenic moisturizer - To be applied after cleansing in the evenings. Simple, mild, and fragrance free are the way to go.  Consider La Roche Posay toleriane, Cerave cream, or Elta MD AM therapy.   

  
  

• Daily sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) - The teen years especially is when sun damage begins to accumulate that will manifest in later decades. Start building healthy habits now. A sunscreen/moisturizer combo applied in the mornings will keep the skin hydrated and protected. Our favorite is Elta MD UV Clear.  

Less is more—especially with young, sensitive skin.

2. DO stick to fragrance-free products.

Fragrance is a common skin irritant, especially in sensitive or acne-prone skin. Look for labels that say “fragrance-free” or “sensitive skin.”

3. DO treat acne early.

Don’t wait for acne to become severe. Early treatment—sometimes just with over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid—can reduce the risk of long-term scarring, and can boost confidence. Seek out professional assistance if breakouts become consistent. 

The DON’Ts of Tween & Teen Skin Care

1. DON’T over-exfoliate.

Many teens think scrubbing harder or more often will clear acne faster. It won’t—it often makes things worse by damaging the skin barrier. Mild AHA exfoliants such as salicylic acid are ok, but avoid abrasive scrubs.  

2. DON’T pick or pop pimples.

We know—it’s tempting. But picking can lead to infection, inflammation, and long-term scarring. Encourage spot treatments with a benzoyl peroxide containing cream and protection with pimple patches instead.

3. DON’T assume what works for adults works for teens.

Many products aimed at adults (retinoids, strong acids, anti-aging serums) can be too harsh for younger skin. Always choose age-appropriate products—or consult your dermatologist.

Questionable Social Media Trends to Avoid in Tween & Teen Skin Care

Social media can be a goldmine of misinformation. Here are a few popular trends to steer clear of:

1. DIY Face Masks (with lemon, toothpaste, etc.)

Kitchen ingredients aren’t designed for your skin. Lemon can cause chemical burns and severe sun sensitivity, and toothpaste is far too drying.

2. Overuse of “Glass Skin” routines

While glass skin routines look appealing, they often involve 10+ products. For young skin, that’s overkill and can cause breakouts or irritation.

3. “Slugging” with petroleum jelly

Slugging (coating the face in occlusive ingredients like Vaseline) is trending—but it’s not for everyone. Teens with acne-prone or oily skin should skip this, as it can trap oil and bacteria.

4. Over-the-counter retinols “just because”

Retinoids can be helpful but also irritating—especially when used without proper guidance. Teens with acne may benefit, but only under professional supervision.

5. Tanning or skipping sunscreen for “clearer” skin

This dangerous myth is still circulating. Sun damage does not improve acne, and tanning increases the risk of early aging and skin cancer. Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable - no matter what the day’s UV index predicts.  

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When to See a Dermatologist for Tween & Teen Skin Carae

If your child’s skin care routine isn’t helping after 2–3 months, or if acne is becoming painful or widespread, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. We can tailor a treatment plan that’s gentle, effective, and age-appropriate.  

At Northeast Dermatology, we offer comprehensive treatment options for your tween or teens' skin care needs. In particular, acne is not a “growing pain” that kids need to suffer through anymore. Schedule an appointment and learn about the myriad of science based treatment options we have to offer our patients.