By: Teresa Wright, MD, FAAD, FAAP
Millions of tweens and teens are hooked on viral videos promising "glass skin" or "butter skin." These are among terms influencers use to showcase long, expensive skin care routines. Some regimens include 10 or more products and can cost hundreds of dollars. The products may seem fun to try or share in trendy get-ready-with-me posts. But potential risks for younger users are real—and often misunderstood.
Parents are right to ask: Do kids need this?
The short answer: No. Children and adolescents have resilient, youthful skin that doesn't require adult-targeted products or complex routines. What's trending online may look glamorous, but many of these products are inappropriate—or even harmful—for developing skin.
Why youthful skin doesn't need adult products
The skin of tweens and teens is biologically different from adult skin. It's thinner, more sensitive and easily irritated. Anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and vitamin C—often promoted in viral skin care routines—are designed to target issues like wrinkles, dark spots and collagen loss. These aren't concerns for kids. Plus, using such products too early can cause:
Redness and irritation, as well as skin peeling or rashes
Compromised
skin barrier function
Long-term sensitization or allergies
What research reveals about trendy skincare products
A study published in
Pediatrics analyzed 100 TikTok skin care videos popular among teens and tweens. They featured over 250 unique products, many containing potent active ingredients such as retinol and glycolic acid. Nearly 76% of the top 25 most-viewed videos promoted products with known allergens such as artificial fragrance. These chemicals can trigger irritation and sometimes create lasting sensitivities or
contact dermatitis— especially with repeated use on immature skin.
The ideal tween/teen skincare routine: simple & safe
A healthy routine doesn't need to be expensive or time-consuming. In fact, the best skin care for tweens and teens is simple, gentle and consistent.
Here's a dermatologist-recommended 3-step regimen:
1. Cleanse – twice daily
Use a gentle, fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleanser morning and night.
Look for:
Glycerin
Ceramides
Hyaluronic acid
Coco-glucoside
Avoid:
2. Moisturize – nighttime
Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep skin hydrated.
Look for:
Hyaluronic acid
Squalane
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Panthenol
Choose gel-based for oily/acne-prone skin or light creams for dry skin.
Avoid:
3. Protect – every morning
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+
mineral sunscreen every day—even when it's cloudy.
Look for:
Avoid:
Pro skin care tips you won't hear on TikTok
AAP dermatologists offer tailored advice to protect all skin types—from light to deep tones.
For deeper skin tones
Skip physical scrubs. Opt for brightening ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid or licorice root.
Use tinted mineral sunscreens to prevent gray or chalky cast.
Limit AHA use and avoid fragranced products that may worsen hyperpigmentation.
For lighter skin tones
Prioritize daily SPF—light skin burns faster, causing long-term sun damage.
Avoid alcohol-heavy toners and fragranced creams that aggravate sensitivity.
For all skin types
Focus on hydration, protection and consistency—not perfection.
A product that stings or burns is a red flag—irritation isn't a sign it's working.
Never mix too many active ingredients. Introduce one product at a time or alternate use (for example, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night).
Final word: let skin be skin
Youthful skin is already vibrant and resilient—it doesn't need a high-maintenance ritual to glow. A minimalist approach not only prevents long-term skin damage but also encourages self-care rooted in health, not hype.
Encourage your child to feel
confident in their skin—without the filters, fads or 10-step routines.
More information
About Dr. Wright
 Teresa Wright, MD, FAAD, FAAP, is chief of pediatric dermatology at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN, and a professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. Wright has special interests in the diagnosis and management of hemangiomas and other vascular lesions, as well as pigmented lesions and pediatric melanoma. Currently, she is the Chair of the Executive Committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Dermatology and a member of the ACGME dermatology Residency Review Committee.
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