Why Teens Don’t Need A 12-Step Skincare Routine

Social media trends, especially on platforms like TikTok, are taking over the skincare world. Aesthetic day-in-the-life videos and trendy get-ready-with-me’s showcase popular creators using an endless supply of toners, serums, creams, pimple patches, and more. Soon, your teen might be begging for a Sephora run where you’ll spend hundreds. But is all of this really necessary?

Keeping It Simple

The truth is, those extensive routines are not necessary—and may even cause harm. Dermatologists emphasize that all children and teens (and often even young adults) need is a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF sunscreen. These three steps form the foundation for healthy skin. Using too many products or harsh ingredients too early can actually create more problems down the road. It’s not harmless!

Too Much, Too Soon

The TikTok skincare routines that your teen loves are not only expensive—they also pose risks to young skin. One study found that the average TikTok routine contains 11 actives, which can increase irritation, cause allergic reactions, and damage the skin barrier. Even more concerning: only 26% of the routines included sunscreen. This sends the wrong message—that SPF isn’t important—when in reality, daily sunscreen use drastically reduces the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and other long-term damage.

Safe And Sustainable 

Beyond just safety and effectiveness, a simple skincare routine is also better for your wallet and the environment. It’s not a secret that quality skincare products aren’t cheap. Unnecessary products add up quickly, even if they’re individually affordable. Plus, the environmental impact of using so many products is undeniable. Using only what you need, when you need it, is a great way to limit excess waste. 

Skincare Fatigue 

We all wish there were more hours in the day. While some nights are perfect for a relaxing self care session, most people don’t have time for an extensive morning and night skincare routine on a daily basis. This can lead to inconsistency—which is one of the worst things for your skin! Our skin thrives with consistency, and that’s hard to maintain when you have 12 products to get through. Sticking to the golden three-step routine will help your skin know what to expect and how to respond. Inconsistency can confuse your skin and cause oil imbalances, irritation, and dryness.

Mystery Reactions

There is another concern hiding deep in the 12-step routine. If you develop irritation or an allergy, it can be really hard to narrow down what product is at fault when you’re knee deep in serums and creams. With a simple routine, it’s much easier to identify the culprit and adjust accordingly. Even as you grow older and add an anti-aging product or two, keeping it as simple as possible will give you a better idea of what products are working and help you settle into the best routine. 

Where Should Your Teen Start?

Just because your teen doesn’t need an expensive, 12-step routine doesn’t mean you have to skip out on fun and trendy products. Girlyish Skincare’s Glowing Girly Routine offers the ideal three steps (cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF), free from hormone disruptors, fragrances, and parabens. The fun packaging is definitely “get-ready-with-me” approved, but without compromising safety, effectiveness, or affordability. It’s the perfect way to make skincare fun and beneficial for them, and doable for your wallet!

Skip The Trends

It’s important for both you and your teen to understand the purpose of skincare and why some things are more helpful than others. It might be hard at first for them to skip the skincare roulette trends, but teaching them the “how” and “why” of skincare now will set up them to have glowing, healthy skin for years to come.