At What Age Should Kids Start Skincare? A Dermatologist’s Perspective

At What Age Should Kids Start Skincare? A Dermatologist’s Perspective

This is one of the most common questions parents ask me, and it usually comes with a bit of hesitation.

They lean in and say, “My child is asking about skincare… is that normal?”Or, “I don’t want to ignore it, but I also don’t want to start something too early.”

That instinct — that pause — is a good one.

The truth is, most children do not need skincare at all for many years. Not because skincare is bad, but because their skin is already doing exactly what it’s meant to do.

In early childhood, skin is naturally balanced. Oil production is low, cell turnover is efficient, and the skin barrier is still developing. Introducing unnecessary products during this phase doesn’t improve skin health — it often disrupts it.

For young children, skincare should be almost invisible. Clean skin when it’s dirty. Sun protection when they’re exposed. Moisturizer only if the skin is truly dry. That’s it.

Where things begin to shift is not with age alone, but with change.

Around the preteen years, usually somewhere between eight and twelve, parents may notice subtle differences. Skin may become slightly oilier. Pores may look more visible. A child might sweat more, especially during sports or warmer months. This is the body preparing for hormonal changes, not a problem to be corrected.

This is often the moment when kids start noticing skincare online. Friends talk. Videos appear. Suddenly, a child who never thought about their skin is asking for products with names they can’t pronounce.

This is where guidance matters.

Instead of asking, “What products should they use?” I encourage parents to ask, “What habit are we teaching?”

At this age, skincare should be framed as hygiene and self-care, not appearance. A gentle cleanser is used once a day, usually in the evening. A simple, fragrance-free moisturizer if the skin feels tight or dry. Sunscreen is a daily habit when appropriate.

Nothing corrective. Nothing harsh. Nothing is designed to “fix” something that isn’t broken.

True skincare routines — the kind that involve active ingredients — generally don’t belong in childhood.

Even during the teenage years, when acne may appear, more is not better. This is where I see the most damage done unintentionally. Teens often over-cleanse, over-exfoliate, and stack products trying to control oil or breakouts. What they end up doing is weakening the skin barrier, increasing inflammation, and making acne harder to manage.

When acne becomes persistent or emotionally distressing, that’s when professional guidance should step in — not social media advice.

One of the most important things parents can do is normalize patience. Skin changes slowly. There is no such thing as “preventative anti-aging” for children. There is no benefit to starting adult skincare early. In fact, early overuse of strong ingredients can create sensitivity that lasts for years.

I also want to say something that often goes unspoken.

How we introduce skincare to children shapes how they see themselves.

If skincare is introduced as something you do because something is wrong with your face, that message can linger. If it’s introduced as care, protection, and respect for the body, it builds confidence instead of insecurity.

I want children to grow up believing their skin is something to support, not control.

So if you’re wondering whether you’re behind or whether your child is missing something by not having a routine, let me reassure you.

Healthy skin doesn’t start with products. It starts with patience, protection, and trust in the body.

There will be time later for more. For now, simple is not only enough — it’s ideal.

May your child grow up skin-confident and cared for.

~ Dr. Lazuk

CEO & Co-Founder

Dr. Lazuk Esthetics® Cosmetics®

Entertainment-only medical disclaimer

This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Individual skin needs vary and should be evaluated by a licensed professional.

At what age do you think kids should start learning about skincare — if at all?

• 0%No skincare needed—only hygiene + sunscreener
• 0%Ages 6–8 (basic habits)
• 0%Ages 9–12 (preteen changes)
• 0%Ages 13–15 (early teen acne)

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