When Can I Use Skin Care Products?
Most kids need just three skin care products:
- Mild (gentle) soap that you wash your face with in the morning and at night.
- Sunscreen that you put on each morning.
- Unscented oil-free lotion that you put on at night.
You can start using those things right now, as long as your parents say it’s OK.
Is It OK to Use Products for Older People?
Some kids also want to try fancy skin care products they don’t need, especially if they see their friends, people in ads, or influencers using them.
The truth is that your skin doesn’t need fancy skin care products. Most products are made to help adults with things like wrinkles or sagging, but kids don’t have those problems! Using those products can make your skin clogged and irritated (red or swollen). This can also lead to acne, burns, or rashes. Avoid any skin care products that have things called retinol, acids, vitamin C, or peptides in them. They’re more likely to bother kids’ skin.
What If I Get Pimples?
Some kids do get skin problems, like pimples and other spots. If you’re worried about a skin problem, ask your parents to take you to the doctor. You may also visit a dermatologist (say: derm-uh-TOL-uh-jist). This is a special doctor who takes care of skin. That way, you’ll get expert advice about how to heal your skin and keep it healthy.
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date Reviewed: Apr 1, 2025
