If your child has suddenly become interested in skincare, you’re not alone.
Around 12, 13 or 14, skin often begins to change. It may become oilier, blackheads can appear and the occasional spot may become a more regular visitor.
At the same time, social media is introducing young people to serums, acids, masks and complicated routines that their skin may simply not need.
For parents, knowing where to start can feel surprisingly confusing.
The good news is that teenage skincare should be simple.
Start with the basics
Young skin doesn't need a bathroom shelf full of products.
For most 12- to 14-year-olds, the foundation of a good skincare routine is just three things:
Cleanse. Moisturise. Protect.
Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt and sunscreen without leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped.
Follow with a lightweight moisturiser to support the skin barrier.
And during the day, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Consistency matters far more than the number of products being used.
What if they're starting to get spots?
A few spots or blackheads are very common as puberty begins.
The temptation can be to attack them with stronger cleansers, scrubs and multiple treatments. But young skin can easily become irritated by doing too much too quickly.
If breakouts are becoming a regular concern, introduce skincare designed specifically for young, breakout-prone skin, rather than automatically reaching for stronger adult products.
We'll explore teenage breakouts and how to manage them in a separate guide.
What don't they need?
Unless there is a specific reason for using them, most young teenagers don't need complicated multi-step routines or shelves filled with fashionable active ingredients.
Skincare at this age should be about building good habits and looking after changing skin - not chasing every new trend on TikTok.
Because skincare at 13 shouldn't look like skincare at 35.
Where does Zanna fit in?
Zanna was created specifically for young, changing and breakout-prone skin.
Our philosophy is simple: use carefully selected ingredients, support the skin rather than overwhelm it, and create routines that are straightforward enough for teenagers to actually follow.
Because the best skincare routine isn't necessarily the one with the most products.
It's the one that's right for your skin - and simple enough to stick to.
Sources & Further Reading
• American Academy of Dermatology: A Dermatologist's Guide to Skincare from Growing Up to Glowing Up
https://www.aad.org/news/dermatologist-guide-skincare
• American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org: Trendy Skin Care for Tweens & Teens: Is It Safe?
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/trendy-skin-care-for-tweens-and-teens-is-it-safe.aspx
• DermNet: Acne in Children
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-in-children
