16 Feb Our MASC Laser Clinic therapists answer some FAQ’s regarding your tween and teen’s skins

What age should you start your children using skincare?

There is no single “correct” age to start children on skincare; it should be needs-based, minimal, and age-appropriate. In practice, skincare for children is about skin health and protection, not a cosmetic routine. A good broad spectrum sunscreen is vital as prevention is better than cure. Most of our sun damage is done in childhood, so teaching the younger generation good sun habits should be recommended as soon as they are exposed to the sun. Below is a recommended focus on skincare for children:

• Infancy (0–2 years)
  Skincare goal: Protect and maintain the skin barrier. Environ recommends the introduction of their mild Vitamin A moisturiser (Debut) from as early as 6 months and this can be continued throughout their childhood.
• Early childhood (3–7 years)
  Skincare goal: Hygiene and sun protection.
• Pre-teens (8–11 years)
  Skincare goal: Prevention and routine building. This is a good age to teach consistency and restraint, not complexity. Always apply sun protection.
• Early teens (12–14 years)
  Skincare goal: Manage puberty-related skin changes and consistent sun-protection
• Mid-to-late teens (15+)
  More active ingredients may be introduced if there is a clear need, preferably with professional guidance. Sun-protection is vital.

Key principles for parents

• Less is more. Overuse of products may damage young skin.
• Adult skincare ≠ child skincare.
• Sunscreen is the most important product at any age.
• Social media trends should not drive skincare choices.
• If a child has persistent acne, eczema, or sensitivity, consult a healthcare professional rather than escalating products.

What should teens be doing for their skins?

For teenagers, the objective of skincare is maintenance and prevention, not transformation. Puberty-related hormonal changes increase oil production and breakouts, but teenage skin is otherwise healthy and resilient. A simple, consistent routine is both sufficient and preferable. An introduction to a gentle cleansing routine, a mild moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen, appropriate to their skin type/condition can be started. The earlier they learn to have a consistent skin routine, the easier it will be to treat any concerns that may arise. Our therapists at Masc can guide you on the best options for your teens skin and can guide them through this. A regular Cleanse and Extract treatment to gently clean their skins can also be introduced.

Is make-up bad for the skin?

Makeup is unlikely to harm the skin if the following are true:

• Products are non-comedogenic and suitable for the skin type
• Makeup is removed completely every night
• Brushes and sponges are cleaned regularly
• Skin care is the most important ‘foundation’ to prepare the skin prior to applying make up

Used this way, makeup does not damage healthy skin

At what age can you start using vitamin A containing products?

Vitamin A (retinoids) are generally introduced when signs of ageing start to appear, although depending on the type of retinoid, they may be introduced at an earlier age. This incredible ingredient can assist normalising the skin, reversing damage, refining skin texture and preventing and treating signs of ageing.

Retinoids are a vital ingredient in the treatment of acne skins and in low doses and in a mild form (Retinyl), can be used in early childhood to normalise and strengthen the skin (Environ Debut moisuriser). More potent forms are recommended to be started in the evening a 2-3 times a week and always introduced slowly – the theory is: Go low, Go slow.

Talk to our therapists about which product is best for your skin concerns and how to introduce the product. A few options are: Lamelle RA 3.0 serum, Neostrata Skin Active Potent Retinol Complex, Endocare Comfort Cream, Mesoestetic Skinretin, Environ Retinol Serum and Original Range.

With love and gratitude,
Sheldene Toogood