What Age Should You Start Skincare?

From ‘skinfluencers’ to aesthetic packaging, it’s easy to see why skincare has captured the attention of younger audiences.

While interest in self-care at an early age can be a positive thing, many trending products and routines contain active ingredients that aren’t always suitable for younger, developing skin.

So, at what age should you start skincare? From early childhood through to the tween and teen years, this guide explores how to support healthy, age-appropriate self-care habits, with expert insight from Christine Dunn, a highly respected authority in the esthetics industry.

Why Are Children and Teens Interested in Skincare

Teens' and kids' skincare routines have become widely discussed topics, and there are a few reasons why.

Increased exposure to online beauty content means younger audiences are encountering multi-step routines earlier than ever before, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok.

While it’s positive for young people to take an interest in self-care, it’s important to remember that developing skin has different needs.

In many cases, simpler routines are not only safer, but more effective too, with fewer steps and gentler products helping to minimize unnecessary irritation.

What Age Should You Start Skincare?

With so much noise online, it’s natural to wonder, ‘what age should you start a skincare routine?’

The truth is that individual needs matter more than a specific number, and there is no single ‘best’ age to begin.

As Christine Dunn notes, for many individuals, “it may begin in the pre-teen years or at puberty, when hormonal changes can lead to oily skin or acne that requires dedicated care.”

For others, she explains, skincare doesn’t start until “their twenties to mid-thirties, when the first signs of aging start to appear.”

Whenever you begin to notice specific concerns, speaking to a healthcare professional can help you better understand your skin’s needs and decide on the most suitable approach.

What Skincare Ingredients Are Bad for Kids

When choosing skincare for children, it’s important to be cautious of formulas that contain strong or highly active ingredients.

Christine Dunn states that “certain products and ingredients, such as acids or essential oils, should be avoided in very young and younger children.”

Without medical supervision, components like exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs), retinoids and resurfacing formulas could pose risks, including redness, irritation, dermatitis and other adverse skin reactions.

Is Retinol Bad for Young Skin?

As a powerful active typically associated with age-related concerns, retinol is generally unnecessary for young skin unless used under specific professional guidance.

As Christine Dunn explains, “active ingredients like retinol may be used under professional guidance to manage acne effectively,” but outside of this context, they are “not intended for regular, long-term use on younger skin.”

She also notes that retinol may be “too strong or overly active, and improper use may lead to irritation, pigmentation issues or other complications.”

For this reason, retinol and similar actives are best avoided during childhood and early adolescence.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Young Skin?

Hyaluronic acid may be used as a basic moisturizing ingredient for younger skincare users.

While often used to encourage a bouncy, youthful glow in adults, it also helps to attract and retain water for overall healthy, balanced-looking skin.

When found in simple, fragrance-free formulas, it’s generally suitable for all ages, though it isn’t essential as part of a younger skin routine.

What Skincare Is Good for Kids?

So, what skincare is safe for kids?

When it comes to building a skincare routine for kids, simplicity is key. While this will look very different from an adult regimen, introducing gentle self-care habits early on can still be beneficial.

Christine Dunn suggests that “if supervised, children can benefit from a very gentle and simple cleansing and protecting routine.” For most healthy skin, she explains, “a gentle cleanser that maintains barrier moisture, along with sunscreen, is sufficient.”

More intensive products and ingredients, such as exfoliating acids and retinoids, are best reserved for later adolescence and adulthood, and should always be explored under professional guidance.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to ‘what age should you start skincare?’ What matters most is adapting your routine as your needs change.

Ultimately, children’s skin usually requires little intervention, with gentle cleansing and moisturizing often being enough. As you mature, more active, specialized products may be introduced.

For teens navigating these transformative years, explore our SpaTeen line, compiled of gentle formulas designed to support developing complexions.