RUBY REVEALS | TEEN SKINCARE

Now more than ever, teens are drawn in to experimenting with beauty and skincare. The allure of neon packaging, fun names and increase in influencer advertising has altered the the thrill of rummaging through your mother's beauty stash draw at 13 to making it must have products no matter your age.

But should teens be using the same as adults? Whilst some products won't cause an issue, the majority of skincare is designed and formulated for adult skin.

Different Skin Needs | Teenage skin is prone to acne, hormonal changes, and is often more sensitive, compared to more mature skin. Adult skincare products often target skin damage, fine lines, boosting elasticity and reducing pigmentation. A great phrase I've heard is teens need to 'protect and preserve' whereas adults are looking to 'reboot and reverse'. 

Drying Effect | Many adult skincare products address concerns such as wrinkles and dryness. These products can contain high levels of ingredients, such as exfoliating acids, that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Since my childhood I've followed three simple steps... cleanse, hydrate and protect. Teens should look for pH-balanced cleansers, moisturisers and SPFs with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides.

Risk of Acne | Some adult skincare products contain ingredients and heavy oils that have the potential to clog pores, causing acne in teenagers. Using these products can lead to breakouts and often make then skin worse rather than better. 

Actives |  The most popular products in skincare tend to contain active ingredients for the most dramatic effects, whether retinoids, AHAs / BHAs or vitamin C these are not designed for teenage skin and can do more harm than good. As adults we wean ourselves into active products using small amounts over periods of time, understanding the interactions between products... but social media would have you believe you need pipettes filled with lotions and potions dripped down your face. 

I could not be prouder of my daughter Reena. Co-founding the NEW teenage led range INDU. Always for teens, always with teens

Founded with teens in mind, Indu involve teens in the creative process from start to finish. From creating formulations, choosing textures, packaging design, naming product and photo shoots.

The teams mission? "To always put teens first, offering an entry point for you to enjoy beauty in a holistic, relatable and healthy way so that we can help you grow, shine and evolve in your own skin: no matter who you are, what you look like, or what beauty means to you." 

The Clarifying Gel Cleanser contains probiotic  inulin to aid the skin's delicate microbiome, willow bark for redness and more. The HydroGel Moisturiser is great for oilier skin types who may find adult ranges to harsh.

TEEN FRIENDLY SKINCARE BRANDS

• Indu
• Sam Farmer
• Avene
• Spots and Stripes
• La Roche Posay

Speaking as a Mother and now a Nani, don't be pulled into the trend of more is more for skincare. A simple routine of cleanse, hydrate and protect is key... as is continuing it throughout your life time for great skin!

And most importantly... If you are unsure of anything or have a particular issue head to a dermatologist rather than TikTok.