What Should My Daughter Be Putting on Her Skin?

This is a question we are being asked more and more by parents:

“What should my daughter actually be putting on her skin?”

And increasingly, it isn’t only daughters. Mums and dads are asking me about their sons too - and sometimes about children who aren’t even teenagers yet.

Usually, the conversation starts because their child has seen a particular skincare product online, a friend is using something, or they have suddenly become interested in serums, masks, acids, creams and multi-step skincare routines.

It is not difficult to understand why.

Young people are surrounded by skincare now, particularly on social media. Products that were once marketed almost entirely to adults are appearing in videos watched by children and teenagers, often alongside elaborate routines involving bottle after bottle.

As a mum of three daughters, and now a Nani to a young granddaughter too, I understand the concern from both sides.

I completely understand why young people want to join in.

But I also understand that instinct as a parent to look at everything they want to put on their face and ask:

Does young skin actually need all of this?

For me, the answer is usually very simple.

Young skin needs less, not more.

Does young skin need a skincare routine?

There is nothing wrong with a young person taking an interest in skincare.

Actually, learning to wash and look after their skin can be a really positive habit.

What I don't think we need to do is turn that interest into an adult skincare routine.

Young skin generally does not need anti-ageing ingredients or a shelf full of specialist products.

It certainly doesn't need to be treated as though there is something wrong with it simply because it has the occasional spot, changes during puberty or doesn't look like the filtered skin they see online.

For most children and young teenagers, I would start with something much simpler:

Keep the skin gently clean.

And then see what it actually needs.

Start with cleansing - not adding products

When parents ask me where they should begin, I suggest starting with cleansing.

Throughout the day our skin naturally comes into contact with sweat, dirt, excess oil and everyday grime.

Gently washing that away is a very different approach from trying to continually strip, exfoliate or “correct” young skin.

For younger children, teenagers with sensitive skin, or simply parents who want the most uncomplicated starting point, our Sensitive Skin – Unperfumed Fragrance Free Soap is the bar I would begin with. It contains no essential oils and is our simplest soap formulation. Sensitive Skin – Unperfumed Fragrance Free Soap

Wet the skin, create a gentle lather, wash and rinse.

That's it.

No complicated routine required.

What about teenage spots and breakouts?

Of course, as children move into their teenage years, skin can change.

Hormones can bring increased oiliness, blocked pores, spots and breakouts. For some teenagers this is occasional; for others it can be much more persistent.

Again, my instinct wouldn't be to suddenly introduce five different products.

Our Tea Tree and Poppy Seed Soap has become a favourite with Kushboo customers of all ages who are prone to breakouts and blemishes. Tea Tree and Poppy Seed Soap

Tea tree essential oil is well known for its naturally cleansing and antimicrobial properties, and over the years we have had so many customers tell us how much they value this simple bar when their skin feels congested or unsettled.

I think its simplicity is a big part of its appeal.

Rather than layering several different products onto the skin:

Cleanse. Rinse. Give the skin some space.

If acne is persistent, painful, scarring or causing your child distress, that is different. I would recommend speaking to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist rather than continually adding stronger cosmetic products and hoping that one of them works.

Does teenage skin need moisturiser?

Not necessarily.

This is another area where I think we have become used to believing every skincare routine must contain certain steps.

If your teenager washes their face and their skin feels comfortable afterwards, there may be no need to add another product simply because a skincare routine online says they should.

If their skin regularly feels dry or tight, then additional moisture may be helpful.

The important thing is to respond to their skin, rather than to a trend.

There isn't one perfect teenage skincare routine because there isn't one type of teenage skin.

Let them enjoy skincare without making it complicated

This is where I think being a mum has probably influenced my view just as much as being a skincare formulator.

If your daughter desperately wants skincare because all her friends are talking about it, simply telling her:

“You don't need any of that.”

may not get you very far.

Because often it isn't only about the product.

It's having something of their own.

Washing their face before bed.

Putting their things in the bathroom.

Feeling a little more grown-up.

And, importantly, feeling included when their friends are all talking about skincare.

I don't think we need to take that enjoyment away.

We can simply make the ritual a little more sensible.

Let them have the ritual. Keep the products simple.

Start with one gentle cleansing product.

See how their skin responds.

Then only add something if there is a reason to.

This is part of wellness too

We often think of wellness as something we need to add.

A new routine.

A new habit.

A new product.

But wellness can also be about removing some of the noise.

Simplifying.

Understanding what our bodies actually need.

And helping the next generation feel comfortable in their own skin rather than continually looking for something to improve.

That, for me, is very much part of this conversation.

And if you're unsure about which Kushboo product might be suitable for your daughter or son, please get in touch.

It is a conversation I am having with more and more parents, and I am always happy to help you keep it simple.

Sarwat x