At what age should our kids start using skincare? An expert weighs in

How young is too young for a facial?

Some would argue a facial is perfectly fine to start in the preteen years, while others would say it should begin well into the teenage years.

HerFamily reached out to skin specialist, Sherna Malone, to get an expert's opinion on the matter and find out how young her clientele is.

"At the age of 10, children typically have young and resilient skin that doesn't require specialised facial treatments," Sherna explains, adding that, at this age, the focus should be placed on instilling good skincare habits instead.

Establishing a good skincare routine early on will help to benefit their skin health in the future.

Sherna says that teenagers start coming to her for skincare treatments around the age when puberty is beginning.

"While gentle facials can be a nice treat for your children, it’s usually about the age of 13/14yrs when teenagers come to me and begin to have facials to care for their skin.

"That's the age when skin starts to shift, and blackheads, and blemishes can start to show up," she adds.

"Although some teenagers may experience puberty sooner, generally the beginning of puberty is a good guideline for treatments if your child is beginning to experience any skin woes. 

Where to start with preteen skincare

Now that we know the recommended age for a facial, let's talk skincare.

Unsure of where to start or what to buy for your preteen or teenager? The RTE Today Skin expert says a 'gentle cleaner' to remove dirt and excess oil is. a great place to start.

"Look for a product with a mild formula that won’t strip skin - whether it's oily, dry, or combination skin. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a great one."

The specialist says the cleanser should be followed with a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep skin hydrated.

"Even if your child has oily skin, moisturising is important to maintain balance and prevent excessive oil production," Sherna adds.

"Lastly sun protection is crucial for preventing premature ageing and maintaining healthy skin.

"Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 and make sure to apply every morning, even on cloudy days."

Sherna advises that any child having skin issues should seek professional advice.

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