Skincare for Kids: What You Need to Know

When it comes to caring for your child’s skin, you might wonder if skincare is really necessary at such a young age. The answer is yes, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Kids' skin is different from adults', and understanding how it changes from babyhood to the teenage years can help you choose the right products and habits to support healthy skin long-term. Here’s what you need to know.

Skin Development: From Babies to Teens

• Newborns (0-2 years): At birth, a newborn’s skin barrier is immature, meaning it is thinner, more permeable, and prone to trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). This leaves it vulnerable to irritants, allergens, and environmental factors like humidity and temperature changes. Their delicate skin may show dryness, sensitivity to fragrances or soaps, flaky patches, rashes, or even baby acne. This is all normal! The most important thing at this stage is to use gentle, protective products to keep their skin hydrated and shielded from irritants as it continues to develop.
• Children (3-10 years): As kids grow, their skin gets stronger, but it’s still more sensitive than adult skin. Some children develop conditions like eczema, perioral dermatitis, or cheilitis because their skin barrier and immune system are still maturing. A simple routine is key during these years: a gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen are all they need. Protecting their skin from the sun and harsh weather is especially important, as children’s skin is more prone to losing moisture and becoming irritated.
• Teens (11-19 years): Puberty brings hormonal changes that can increase oil production, leading to larger pores and acne. Factors like stress, diet, hygiene practices, and sports (which trap sweat and bacteria against the skin) also contribute to breakouts. At this stage, skincare becomes more important, but a gentle and balanced approach is still necessary to avoid disrupting the skin's developing barrier and microbiome.

Current Skincare Trends and Their Impact on Youth

As skincare becomes more commercialized, children and teens are being exposed to a wide variety of products—many containing strong, adult-targeted ingredients like retinols, exfoliating acids, and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients were once used primarily by professionals but are now widely available to consumers, including children.

To be clear, the concern is not about chemicals “seeping into the bloodstream,” as the skin is an effective barrier against most external substances. The real issue is the overuse and misuse of products that can disrupt the skin’s natural defenses. While young skin is resilient, aggressive treatments may not show immediate harm but can lead to long-term issues like barrier damage, chronic inflammation, and future sensitivity.

What’s more, kids are experimenting with skincare at increasingly younger ages, often without understanding how it impacts their skin’s health. Constantly switching products or using the wrong ones can cause irritation, product dependency, and increase the risk of developing persistent skin conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea later in life.

Appropriate Skincare for Kids

Skincare for children should be simple and supportive, with an emphasis on protecting their skin’s health and barrier function. Just like brushing teeth, teaching kids consistent skincare habits early sets the foundation for lifelong skin health. Here's a basic routine to follow:

• Cleanser: A gentle oil cleanser is an excellent first choice for young skin. Oils rich in linoleic acid (like in Michele Corley Oil Cleanser) balance sebum production and reduce the risk of clogged pores as children begin experiencing oily skin in pre-adolescence. Oil cleansers also preserve moisture and support the skin barrier. Apply to dry skin with clean hands, then remove with a washcloth or in the shower. Unlike foaming cleansers, if some residue is left behind, it won’t cause irritation.
• SPF: Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential from an early age to protect against sun damage, which is cumulative. Opt for lightweight, non-greasy SPFs like Dune Bod Guard or Dune Mug Guard, which are more likely to be used consistently because they don’t feel sticky or uncomfortable. Teaching kids the habit of daily sun protection can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging down the line.
• Moisturizer: A barrier-supportive moisturizer like Hale and Hush Vital Lipid Lotion is great for keeping skin hydrated and preventing issues related to an immature immune response. For acne-prone skin, Roccoco Confident Moisturizer is a lightweight option that hydrates without clogging pores.

Acne in Youthful Skin

Adolescent acne needs to be handled with gentle treatments, as overly aggressive approaches can further irritate young skin. A gentle oil cleanser paired with periodic use of a treatment like Hale and Hush Clear Future Toner (which contains a mild amount of salicylic acid) can help manage mild to moderate acne without causing dryness or irritation.

If acne inflammation worsens, the Roccoco Rescue Balm can soothe the skin and promote healing. Additionally, a gentle mandelic acid serum like Mikura Mandelic Serum can help keep the skin clear while being less irritating than stronger acids.  

For more severe and stubborn acne, products such as Roccoco's Plant Harmonizing Serum, Sulfur Mask and Eruption Emulsion may be necessary.  You can learn more about acne in our 2 part blog post here: 

Part 1 – Acne: What it is and What it Isn't

Part 2 – Acne: How and What to Address

As well as a more in depth article specific to Cystic Acne:

Beyond the Blemish: Understanding and Managing Cystic Acne

Acne Patches and Acne Positivity

One positive trend among teens is the use of acne patches, particularly those made with hydrocolloid, which helps absorb fluid from pimples and speeds up healing. These patches also reduce the urge to pick at breakouts, which can lead to scarring. The fact that teens are wearing brightly colored acne patches openly reflects the growing trend of acne positivity, which encourages acceptance and reduces stigma around acne.

It’s important to look for acne patches that are free of active ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, as these can sometimes irritate the skin. Hydrocolloid patches alone are effective and gentle enough for regular use.

Safe Additions

Part of the appeal of skincare for people of all ages is that it can be fun, something to do alone as a form of self care or with others and something to share and talk about.  It is particularly and even historically a fun activity during sleepovers, so being too strict in this department can certainly backfire - and the goal isn’t to deprive kids of what they want to do, but rather teach them the right way to do it.  There are products that can still be used to cover all of these bases and meet needs outside of just simple skincare.  After all, we don’t exactly view dental care in that same manner.  Masks, mists and creams can all be fun and certain products can still fall into that “simple” guidelines.  

The goal of skincare for children and teens should be to protect, educate, and prevent. Teaching kids early about the importance of gentle skincare, sun protection, and maintaining their skin’s natural barrier can set them up for a lifetime of healthy skin. Keep routines simple—a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF are all they really need. Introduce treatment products slowly and cautiously, always considering their long-term impact on developing skin.

By focusing on these basics, you’ll help your child develop healthy habits that support their skin now and in the future.

Check out our Safe for Children products 

as well as our Teen specific products