There is no magical line between the ages of thirteen and fourteen, nor between seven and eight, but it is between seven and fourteen that youth are often referred to as “tweens.” It is within this age group that children enter a strange limbo where they are still children but find their bodies and their skin changing. One of the major complications of puberty is the onset of increased oil on the surface of the skin. Many tweens begin to experience acne as early as ten years of age, and they start to use harsh, acidic cleansers and drying toners to control their newly developing blemishes. Finding tween face essentials that are effective, yet gentle enough for tween skin, is key.

Some parents think that using harsh cleansers and toners is the normal way for tweens to deal with blemishes. Many of these products, while good for teenage skin, are still too harsh and drying for young skin. Also, most adult products contain ingredients that can unbalance young skin.

The best way for tweens to combat the onset of acne is frequent, gentle cleansing. A gentle face wipe is a great way to handle frequent cleansing because it is portable and can be done anywhere. Specially made tween face wipes lack the potentially harmful ingredients that strip skin of its natural oils. Following cleansing with a sunscreen to protect delicate facial skin is an ideal way to keep tween skin healthy and balanced.

Acne is a normal part of growing and changing, but if it is combated too harshly too early on, it can lead to ongoing problematic skin as a teenager. Protecting skin with gentle cleansers is the most important thing a tween can do at this stage of their lives. Early skin damage can increase acne breakouts in teenage years and beyond. Parents should play an active role in helping tweens develop a good habit of using gentle face essentials. These habits last for a lifetime and pay off in a big way years down the road.