If your child has suddenly developed a 10-step skincare routine, you’re not alone. Teens and even younger kids are picking up skincare and acne advice from TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. While some of it is harmless fun, a lot of it isn’t right for young skin. Here’s how to help your child sort the helpful skincare tips from the hype.

Young skin doesn’t need “anti-aging” products

Many viral skincare products are designed for adult skin. Children and young teens naturally have the qualities these expensive serums claim to create: good hydration, healthy cell turnover and a strong skin barrier. Ingredients like retinol, exfoliating acids and “anti-aging” actives are usually unnecessary at this age and can cause redness, peeling, irritation and allergic reactions. More products do not mean healthier skin.

Keep it simple

For most kids and teens, a good routine is short:

• A gentle cleanser
• A non-comedogenic (won’t-clog-pores) moisturizer
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher

That’s it. Layering lots of active ingredients is more likely to cause problems than solve them.

Acne is a medical condition

If your child is struggling with acne, the most effective treatments are not the trending routines sold online. Safe, proven acne treatments exist and your pediatrician can recommend the right ones or refer you to a dermatologist. Acne treatment takes weeks to work and skin sometimes looks worse before it gets better, so patience matters.

Watch the emotional side, too

Filtered, edited images can leave kids feeling like they have to look “perfect.” If you notice your child feeling anxious about their skin, comparing themselves to others online, spending heavily on products or losing sleep over their routine, gently open up the conversation. Ask what they’re seeing online and how it makes them feel, and let them know you’re there to help.

When to call your pediatrician

Reach out if your child has acne that isn’t improving, scarring, a possible reaction to a skincare product or distress about their skin that’s affecting daily life. A quick visit can replace a lot of online guesswork with advice tailored to your child.

This post is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your child’s doctor about questions specific to your family.