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What age should DD start a skincare routine

79 replies

crumble82 · 13/04/2022 21:38

DD is only 8 so I’m probably thinking a bit far ahead but what age should I start teaching her to follow a skincare routine? At the moment she just rubs a flannel over her face after brushing her teeth but at what age do they need to start cleansing and moisturising? I have very dry skin and I’ve noticed she has started getting little dry patches hence my question.

Also when she does start is she better with something like micellar water or a gentle foaming cleanser?

OP posts:
SellFridges · 13/04/2022 21:47

DD is 11 and has been using the Nip and Fab teen skincare range for the last year. She’d started to get patches of under the surface spots and a few blackheads around her nose. The teen Dermologica stuff was also recommended but a bit pricey for me as a starter.

A friend suggested starting her ahead of any real skin problems so she had the routine. We will see if it wards off any breakouts now the hormones are really kicking in.

So I’d say you have time.

ureterr1blemuriel · 13/04/2022 21:49

I think what she’s doing is fine - DD who is nearly 10 uses a flannel and then I pop a bit of aveeno on any dry patches as needed. I don’t plan on that routine changing until the hormones kick in and she gets greasier skin.

I’ve heard great things about tropic although I use dermalogica so will probably try that on her when needed (I think they have a range targeted for blemished skin)

crumble82 · 13/04/2022 22:16

Thank you both, I’ll carry on as I am but give her some moisturiser for the dry bits when she feels she needs it. I’ve heard good things about tropic too, I might look at their moisturisers

OP posts:

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elidelochanthefirst · 13/04/2022 22:19

If I had a daughter the skincare advice I'd want to impart is cleanse, moisturise and Spf. They are the most important.

I would use the Inky List Oat Milk Cleanser as it's really soothing.

If she is oil prone Vichy do a good gel moisturiser, if she is dry prone I would use cerave or La Roche Posay or even the ordinary.

Spf is good habits for life really.

(Ps if she is dry don't use a foaming Cleanser)

elidelochanthefirst · 13/04/2022 22:20

I wouldn't buy from tropic as I don't like the mlm model so I wouldn't support it. But obviously that's not a comment on the products.

crumble82 · 13/04/2022 22:25

Thanks @elidelochanthefirst I actually use the cerave day cream and it’s one of the few that keeps my skin feeling moisturised throughout the day. I’m hijacking my own thread and might steal your recommendation of the oat milk cleanser too!

OP posts:
Onthetrain75 · 13/04/2022 22:27

My daughter has just turned 12. She still just washes with a flannel and uses la Roche posay moisturiser as she has dry skin. I am teaching her about the importance of SPF and as she is very fair skinned she now wears it on her face most days. We definitely don’t talk about any of it in the context of “beauty” though. It’s all about protecting her skin.

APurpleSquirrel · 13/04/2022 22:35

My DD is 7 & she asked to use a cleanser (probably because she's seen me) so I got her a gentle Nivea Cream Cleanser & a Simple Moisturiser. DD has an allergy to chamomile so I have to be careful of what products we have in the house.

MissyCooperismyShero · 14/04/2022 00:01

FFS never! She should never be advised to start a skin care routine other than SPF. What have you all advised your sons to use?

TwinklyBranch · 14/04/2022 00:06

I'm 43 and I still don't have a skincare "routine".

HesGotHisTrombole · 14/04/2022 00:11

@TwinklyBranch

I'm 43 and I still don't have a skincare "routine".
Nor me. I missed the womaning lessons I think. Soap, water, only suncream on July/August beach days. Still sometimes get id checked, so it can’t be doing so bad.
Stevenage689 · 14/04/2022 00:11

@MissyCooperismyShero

FFS never! She should never be advised to start a skin care routine other than SPF. What have you all advised your sons to use?
Hear hear.

Skin is skin. Clean if dirty. Moisturise if dry. Spot treatment if they need it. For your sons and daughters, because they all have skin.

SoggyPaper · 14/04/2022 00:13

Why not let her lead the way here. If she’s washing her face, then you don’t need to worry beyond that. Let her decide if and when she wants a skincare routine.

Beecham · 14/04/2022 00:21

Abso-fucking-lootly!!! I have fab skin and have never used a 'cleanser' or similar 'beauty product' in my life!

Don't get your daughters into the mindset of having to buy such things. Soap, flannel, light cheap moisturiser like Nivea is all that's required. For girls and boys alike.

maddy68 · 14/04/2022 00:27

I'm going to get flamed here. Forner beauty therapist here. It doesn't matter.

Just wash and moisturise when needed. Always use spf

Dont bother with a routine. Sots are hormone induced and part of marketing campaign. If you get acne. Get medication.

WithANameLikeDaniCalifornia · 14/04/2022 00:29

I'm 30. When should I start my skincare routine?

strrawberriesandcream · 14/04/2022 00:30

@MissyCooperismyShero

FFS never! She should never be advised to start a skin care routine other than SPF. What have you all advised your sons to use?
Bit dramatic.Hmm

Basic skincare is a good habit to get into when hormones kick in or if skin is particularly troublesome in some way. I wish I had some help navigating through it and I might have looked after my skin better and have less acne scarring.

For either boys or girls I would say when the need arises start with a face wash that suits their skin type, some light moisturiser and acne treatment for when that starts.

Many brands have teenage ranges including face wipes or moisturiser that also combats acne.

YvanEhtNiojYvanEhtNioj · 14/04/2022 00:31

what age do they need to start cleansing and moisturising?

It's not a NEED

stevalnamechanger · 14/04/2022 00:42

Sunscreen daily , cleanse off at night . Moisturizer morning and evening - agree re Aveeno

strrawberriesandcream · 14/04/2022 00:42

@YvanEhtNiojYvanEhtNioj

what age do they need to start cleansing and moisturising?

It's not a NEED

I don't understand why people are being so tetchy about skincare Confused

Do you never wash your face? Ever do anything for your skin if it is oily or dry or spotty? That is basic skincare.

The OP has already said her daughter has dry skin so she's obviously wondering when is a good time to introduce something to help this. I don't understand why this is so offensive Confused

MrOllivander · 14/04/2022 01:45

@MissyCooperismyShero

FFS never! She should never be advised to start a skin care routine other than SPF. What have you all advised your sons to use?
You need to wash SPF off Even if you're only using soap and water in the shower and SPF, that's a "routine" It doesn't have to be complicated or male/female biased but learning to clean your skin (gently), protect it with SPF and moisturise it if dry and getting into the habit. It's like cleaning your teeth or learning how to shave your legs or face
lugeforlife · 14/04/2022 07:01

We have little pump bottles of cerave (I decant a big one) next to bath/sink/shower rather than soap as we all find soap drying for face.

There is a bottle of Simple basic moisturiser available for all plus a Nivea soft for Dd2 who is prone to get dry patches which get a bit uncomfortable if not tended to.

Dd1 likes the Aldi hot cloth cleanser - she is peak puberty at the moment (joy of joys) and alongside baffling mood swings has been visited by the blackhead fairy. This helps.

Dh has a face wash in the shower that is all black and orange and hardcore for MEN. I am pretty sure it has ground up ammunition shells and glass in it. But he has a routine and lovely skin. To smear two tracks of black camouflage on probably.

Hercisback · 14/04/2022 07:05

There's no NEED to have a skincare routine.
The best thing to recommend is no make up and water only for washing.
I'm another one that moisturises as needed and SPF in the summer. I only wash my face in water in the shower. I also get ID checked well above the 25 limit.
Don't make it into a big thing.

Travelwiththree · 14/04/2022 07:16

I'm 39 but look much younger and only use water!! Leave your daughters alone!

Fuuuuuckit · 14/04/2022 07:26

I'm 46, use a flannel and whatever shower gel/random soap is handy in the shower, and cheapo nivea body moisturiser occasionally on any dry bits. Spf 50 should I ever expose my flesh to the sun (learned that lesson the hard way).

At 8 your dd doesn't need a skincare routine. I assume she does a basic am/pm routine of washing and teeth brushing? Gentle moisturiser if needed (my dc still used Johnsons baby stuff at that age).

You're setting her up for so many problems op, let her enjoy (and be blissfully ignorant of the simplicity of) her youthful skin by not worrying about dryness, breakouts, constant inspection for the most minor blemishes. That will come with hormones and spots and teenage friends and boys.

Ue god