“Pre-Teen Skincare: When to Start, What to Use”

“Pre-Teen Skincare: When to Start, What to Use”

By Dr. Mohd Rizwan Khan | Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

⸻

🧼 Do 9-12 Year Olds Really Need Skincare?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask us at our clinic. And the simple answer is — yes, but very basic. Pre-teens don’t need fancy products or 5-step routines. But with early hormonal changes and pollution, it’s smart to start gentle care habits now.

⸻

🌟 Why Skincare Before Teen Years?

Pre-teens (ages 9–12) are in that in-between phase. Not babies, not teens. But their skin is already changing:

• Oil glands start becoming active

• Sweat increases (especially in summer/school time)

• Dust, sun, and screens begin to impact the skin

• Early signs of pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads may appear

Starting skincare early teaches them good habits and helps prevent problems before they get worse.

⸻

🧴 So, What Should a Pre-Teen Use?

Here’s a simple routine we often recommend at our Shahjahanpur clinic:

1. Face Wash (Once or Twice Daily)

✔️ Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser

✔️ Avoid soaps or anything that leaves the skin dry

🧒🏽 Tip: Just a pea-sized amount is enough

2. Moisturizer (Especially After Washing Face)

✔️ Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers

✔️ Cream in winter, gel/lotion in summer

🧒🏻 Tip: If skin is oily, moisturize only once a day

3. Sunscreen (If Stepping Out in Day)

✔️ Choose a mild SPF 30 with no strong smell or harsh ingredients

✔️ Use especially on outings, sports days, or school picnics

🧒🏽 Tip: Dab and spread — don’t rub hard

⸻

🚫 What to Avoid

❌ No toners, serums, scrubs, or face packs

❌ Avoid using parents’ products — they’re often too strong

❌ No DIYs with lemon, toothpaste, or raw haldi

❌ Don’t pop pimples, even if they start to appear

⸻

📌 Skin Concerns to Watch Out For

Even at a young age, skin can show signs that need a doctor:

• Sudden acne or lots of whiteheads

• Redness, rash, or itching

• Extremely dry or peeling skin

• Dullness despite a clean routine

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to get a skin consult once — just to set the right path.

⸻

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Rizwan’s Advice to Parents

• Keep it simple

• Don’t push too many products

• Make skincare a healthy habit, not a beauty pressure

• Always choose products made for sensitive or young skin

Many adult skin problems start because wrong habits were built early. Helping your child learn proper skin care now can save them a lot of trouble later.

⸻

📍 Need help building a basic skincare kit for your child? Visit us at Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur. We guide parents with age-appropriate skincare that actually works.

📱 Follow us on Instagram for easy, honest tips that real families can follow.