I'm a celebrity facialist, here's the biggest mistake your tween is making

“Doing this just isn't worth the potential risk,” she said about the common skincare step. 

Image: TikTok

Skincare-obsessed tweens, also known as ‘Drunk Elephant tweens’, are on the rise. 

Their pricey hobby is fuelled by social media influencers posting their ‘Get ready with me’ videos on TikTok and only further encouraged by celebrity children touting their elaborate nine-step routines online.

Because of this, every tween now has the latest Mecca products on their Christmas and birthday wishlists, ranging from anti-aging moisturisers to serums jam-packed with active ingredients. 

So, is it just the latest manifestation of our ever-present obsession with beauty, or is it cause for concern for parents?

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Image: TikTok

RELATED: Dermatologist responds to 'concerning' tween skincare trend

A celebrity facialist weighs in 

Kidspot chatted with former LA-based celebrity facialist Ingrid Seaburn, who has been in the skincare space for over two decades, to find out more. 

Working with A-list celebrities, she quickly earned her reputation as the ‘go-to girl’ for beautiful glowing skin in Hollywood. Since moving back to Sydney and setting up her studio in Bondi, she now looks after Delta Goodrem, Pip Edwards, Jessica Rowe, Celeste Barber, and Erin Molan. 

But while she may recommend clinical treatments, exfoliants, actives, enzymes and LED light masks to her clients, she warns parents against fancy skincare regimens for their kids. 

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“The rise in social media influencers and marketing towards tweens is dangerous. Tweens under the age of 12 simply do not need active anti-ageing products or rich chemically based moisturisers or masks,” she says. 

Not only could it upset and irritate their skin, but they’re also virtually useless on young faces, which don’t need products that target fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation or dullness. “They’re a waste of money,” she notes. 

In addition, Ingrid says many people don't know that using these products prematurely could lead to more skin problems later on. 

“If they use these things before their skin needs them, they potentially risk creating long-term sensitivity and damage to their skin,” she says. 

“It’s not worth the potential risk of making your skin worse in the future”

RELATED: ALDI dupe of $72 cult Mecca product hits shelves

The skincare routine tweens should follow

So, the question remains - what should tweens do in terms of skincare?

Well, according to Ingrid, all they need is a “good natural cleanser like the Mx Foaming cleanser” and, of course, a “good natural sunscreen.”

“Be vigilant with sun care,” she emphasises. 

And her final takeaway message? 

“Tweens do not need moisturiser!!!” 

Originally published as I'm a celebrity facialist, here's the biggest mistake your tween is making