We’ve spent the last year creating a great one, so here’s what we think!
Teen/tween skin is so naturally well-balanced, that, left to its own devices, it doesn’t need a lot of extra hydration. But everything from cold weather to too much sun, or harsh cleansing and anti-acne products that strip and dry, can upset that balance. That’s where moisturisers come in.
THE UPSIDE OF MOISTURISING
It protects the skin barrier - Your skin barrier is your face’s first line of defence. It keeps in the good stuff (moisture!) and keeps out the bad stuff (UV rays, heat, cold, pollution, irritants and bacteria). When your skin barrier is compromised, it can’t do its job and the skin can become irritated and dry.
It prevents irritation and sensitivity - When your skin is dry - whether that’s caused by too harsh products or just a cold snap - it becomes fragile and can literally crack. Those tiny cracks will make it super-sensitive and more likely to be irritated and prone to flare ups
It helps prevent acne - It seems counter-intuitive, we know, but moisturisers can be an acne-sufferer’s friend. Nope, they won’t make your skin more oily or trigger break outs. Moisturisers can actually help regulate oil production, which will decrease breakouts and reduce pore size. They also help counteract the drying effects of some harsher acne treatments (hello, benzyl peroxide) and soothe the irritation they cause.
It can improve the look of your skin - Moisturisers are great at softening, plumping and adding a dewy glow. Yes, young skin is already a winner in the plump and soft stakes, but anything that boosts this is a bonus, right?
So, having proven the case for a little moisturising, what actually makes the perfect Teen/Tween moisturiser?
WHAT DO THEY NEED TO BE?
✔️Make sure it’s light - Teen/tween skin is naturally well-balanced, so they don’t really need a lot of moisture (lucky them!). Look for gel and water cream moisturisers (bonus: they are delicious to use).
✔️Yes, to ingredients that protect their skin barrier! - Teen/Tween skin is thinner than adult skin and produces less sebum up till age 12, so it’s super-easy to upset its natural barrier. Look for Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid and Ceramides on the ingredients list. The first two are humectants that draw water into the skin’s surface, while Ceramides help to lock it in.
✔️Add Antioxidants - These wonder ingredients will protect their delicate skin from environmental damage from pollution, UV rays and blue light from their screens (Vitamin E and Aloe Vera are genius at this).
✔️Non-comedogenic is a must - Translation: it contains no ingredients that will block their pores or aggravate acne!
✔️Fragrance-free, too - Because teen/tween skin tends to be sensitive and fragrance can cause irritation or allergies. Particularly if they are prone to eczema or rosacea.
✔️Anti-bacterial action is a bonus - it’s going to be sitting on their skin all day, so if it can zap spots and downsize irritation while it’s there, with anti-bacterial ingredients like Witch-Hazel, that’s a win-win!
WHAT THEY DON'T NEED TO BE:
⛔️Steer clear of heavy creams, even if their skin is dry - traditional moisturisers, packed full of oils, silicones and rich emollients, can overload young skin and cause breakouts.
⛔️They don’t need anti-aging ingredients - Vitamin C, Retinol and Peptides are definite no-nos and can actually irritate and damage young skin.
⛔️Over complicated ingredients lists - Teen/tween skin needs are relatively simple. If an ingredient list is super long and full of unnecessary stuff, that usually means more irritants and allergens that could impact their skin barrier.
⛔️Super expensive moisturisers - Simple moisturising ingredients don’t cost much! It’s the snazzy, mostly anti-aging, ingredients that up the prices. Ditto glitzy packaging and marketing campaigns.
You can find out more about our NEW Featherlight Moisturiser - specially formulated for teen skin - and our famous Hydrating Face Mists here. And get to know all our award-winning teen skincare here.
