Skincare for 11 yr old?

[forloves]

DC is getting spotty already. I just use a cheap hot cloth cleanser from Amazon with a flannel and my skin is ok but this doesn't seem to be working out well for her. What do I need to get her? Guessing something natural would be good at this age? None of the other kids in her class are, so wondering what we are doing wrong.

Try Cetaphil gentle as a cleanser, not expensive and lasts for ages. La Roche Posay toleraine and effaclar ranges are also great for young skin. I read once (too late for me!) that all the harsh stuff we used in the 90s just makes the problem worse by drying your skin which compensates by producing more sebum. We tried careful and gentle cleansing and moisturising for my DD16 starting when she was about 11 and her skin has been pretty good throughout, except for the usual hormonal breakouts. Establishing decent skincare routines early helped as well, before we got to the ‘parents clearly know nothing about anything’ teenage bit.

Ok that's really really helpful, thank you. Agree, I need to nail down some routines and habits with her as she's a bit of a nightmare with doing what we ask.

Have a look at Nadine Bagott ( or possibly Baggot) on YouTube. She has videos covering skincare for teens and kids.

If I remember correctly, she recommended Cerave non foaming gel cleanser. I use that myself and its really gentle.

Effaclar Duo range from LRP transformed my daughter's skin at that early pre teen stage. She still uses it now (at 19) along with exactly the same products as pp.
CeraVe wash, Toleriane moisturizer and Effaclar.

Yes, it was NB whose video I saw that got us onto those brands. Brilliant stuff.

Mine used Liz Earle, gentle and very light. Really helped.

LRP has been amazing for my daughter since around 11 years old. She is also very strict about her morning and evening routine and knows when she needs a little acid (she has Paula's choice 2% Salicylic acid) and also when she needs a bit more moisturiser. She recognises that parts of her skin need different treatments. She's not started periods yet but we've noticed a hormone (and mood!) cycle which seems to dictate her breakouts.

Ooh, swiping with micellar at night helps too! The first time I tried it I was deeply dubious that it wasn’t just a MASSIVE scam but it’s great stuff.

With a similarly strong willed DD, I made it more of a treat/gift and talked up the self care and pampering aspects which worked for us. Have had much less success with the concept of ‘eating vegetables’ 😂

We also followed Nadine's advice, she can explain it better than I can, she really knows her stuff and all the science behind it

My DS, almost 12, is in the same position we are trying Cetaphil, not the oily skin one, it's a bit harsh. However he is not keen on doing it and always claims he's done it when he plainly hasn't. He hates bathing too, it has always been an issue.

Oh fab, I'm so glad I posted. I will get her onto the routine with those products. Now if anyone has any tips on how to get her to actually do it???! She is just a nightmare when it comes to doing what needs to be done!

have you tried possibly setting specific time in the day to her skincare routine and keeping it very short (cleanser ,maybe serum , moisturiser (with spf) so that it doesn’t seem as much of a chore?
hope this helps

I'm in the same position, my daughter will be 11 in a few months, hasnt started her periods but has a few angry spots on her chin. We have the Paula's Choice salicylic acid which I apply with s cotton wool bud. Its just difficult to get her to wash her face twice a day...with the products. Sometimes she just does a quick wash with water!

If she’s struggling cleansing twice it may be best for her and her skin to only splash her face with water in the morning as it won’t strip her skin. Just make sure she uses a micellar water at night if she wears makeup ☺️

I’m finding more success with face wipes, I know not the best environmentally, but it’s more to get my DDs in a routine and habit of cleaning their faces, there is less push back and more uptake of using the wipes, at least at night. Face wash in the shower, and I do leave one by the sink, I know it dose get used occasionally.

11yo hasn’t had any outbreaks yet, I think when she dose she might be more willing. I’ve explained how spots and blackheads build up, the importance of keeping their skins clean and that everyone is different and they may need to try different products. All I can do is encourage from now on.

Maybe do it together to get her into a routine? I have a 12 yr old boy and he's also reached the spotty stage. We are using a gentle scrub every now and then and a Superdrug spot wand (tea tree oil) . Seems to keep the worst at bay but not sure if I should get him to moisturise? 😂

I agree with doing the routine together. I could do with a better routine anyhow so I've approached her today about doing it together in the evening and she seemed to agree. In the morning it may just be warm water with a flannel, as I'm up at a very different time to her.