Is your tween ready to start using facewash? Figuring out when your kid needs to start practising a healthy and more targeted skincare routine can be tricky. Honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all kind of answer to this. Generally, it’s a waiting game to see when they hit puberty and need to start using face wash. But, even then, this can be difficult for some kids to pinpoint. So, when should kids start using face wash?
Understanding your child’s skin
We can’t tell you the exact day and time your child will need to start using face wash, but we can help you understand their skincare needs and give you a window where you can expect them to start. Before puberty, kids’ skin is usually soft and supple, not requiring much attention other than protection from the sun.
Their skin is also more sensitive than adults, with much higher water concentrations and less oil production. As a result, harsh skin products could irritate their skin or even strip away essential moisture if they’re exposed to it too soon. This is why children don’t really need to use face wash and other skincare products before hitting puberty.
How puberty changes their skin
Around the tween ages (9-14), your kids will start going through hormonal changes that’ll impact their skin. During this period, you’ll likely notice signs that they need to start using face wash for tweens. When they hit puberty, the hormonal changes they’re having will start to develop more sebum (oil). This excess sebum can build up, leading to clogged pores, acne, and greasier skin.
However, the reason there is no decisive time to start using face wash is that most kids go through these changes at different ages. For example, some kids might start developing oily skin and acne quite early on, while others might only experience it later into their teen years. So, it’s a waiting game for you as the parent. You need to watch and observe them until you notice these signs.
Signs that your kids should start using face wash
Tweens or teens that hit puberty will show several signs that it’s time to start using a face wash, like:
- They’ll have oily skin. If your kid’s skin is shiny, especially around the forehead, nose, and chin, this may be a sign that they’re producing more oil than necessary
- If they have acne breakouts
- Kids who play sports tend to sweat excessively. Sweat can lead to the accumulation of dirt and bacteria on their skin. Face wash is an effective way to clean this off
- If you notice irritation on their face. Dirt and other impurities can often irritate the skin, causing itching, redness, or rashes. A face wash will help relieve these issues
Face wash guide
So, we’ve already established that younger kids don’t need to have an extensive face wash routine to control oils on their face, but they still run around and get dirt and bacteria on their face. For this reason, kids between the ages of 6-10 can use a mild cleanser with natural ingredients to clean their faces. It’s only in the early stages of puberty that you need to consider a stronger face wash designed to help them control the excess oil on their face. At this stage, it’s important to consider your kids’ skin type.
If they have sensitive skin, dry skin, or extra oily skin then you’ll want to buy them and appropriate face wash to help them. As their puberty progresses, their skin might develop other issues that you can use a face wash for. Generally , a face wash should be used once to twice a day aside from other things, especially for kids who have bad skin conditions.
How to choose the right face wash for your kids
Another challenge you might have is picking out the right face wash for your child. Choosing the right face is the only way to help your child manage the effects of puberty on their skin. Here are some tips to help you choose the right face wash:
- Look for face wash products that are free from harsh chemicals like sulphates, parabens, or artificial fragrances. Sometimes, these chemicals have an adverse effect
- Certain face washes offer exfoliating functions. This will help remove dead skin and unclog pores. Avoid exfoliating face washes with large, rough particles, though
- Adding moisture is key to keeping your kid’s skin healthy. Look for a face wash that has aloe, glycerin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid in it to help balance out their skin moisture levels
- Oily skin often leads to acne developing. To manage this, look for products that have salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in it. Follow the instructions clearly on these products, though, as these chemicals have been known to also dry out skin
Starting them on a healthy skincare routine
When you notice your tween hitting puberty, it would be helpful to start teaching them how to effectively care for their skin so they can develop good skincare habits. Teach them to:
- Wash their face twice a day with a suitable face wash to remove all the dirt and impurities they’ve picked up throughout the day
- Encourage them to moisturise to keep their skin hydrated
- If they spend a lot of time outdoors, teach them about the importance of sunscreen and what SPF they should use ideally.
- In cases where they’re struggling with bad acne, they might want to use spot treatments or other acne treatments to help manage their skin
Final Thoughts
Having acne and bad skin can be traumatising for tweens in their social groups at school. Aside from that, practising a healthy skincare routine is vital for maintaining their skin health. To figure out when the right time is for your child to start using face wash, watch for the signs of puberty, like oily skin, excess sweating, irritable skin, or acne breakouts. Once you know it’s time, you can get them onto an appropriate skincare regimen in no time.