Trending Teen Skincare Crazes: The Viral Routines That Could Be Harming Your Child's Skin

Troubling Trends in Teen Skin Care

With the many benefits of sleeping on silk pillowcases, the Mulberry Park Silks team spends a good bit of time tracking beauty and skincare trends and highlighting noteworthy developments. A concerning fad has caught our attention: teens and preteens who adopt elaborate skincare routines. Driven by social media influencers, viral videos (the shopping "haul," "get ready with me"), and peer pressure, young people are engaging in complicated, multi-step regimens that can do more harm than good. Aggressive exfoliation (young skin doesn't have many dead skin cells; layering incompatible active ingredients; using harsh acne treatment; and-most risky-using anti-aging skincare products can damage young skin.

"Young skin is typically more sensitive and prone to irritation," said Dr. Jake Woods, a dermatologist with natural wellness company, Gya Labs. "Using products with harsh chemicals or strong active ingredients, such as retinoids or acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid), can disrupt the skin's natural barrier and lead to dryness, redness, or even allergic reactions."

The Beauty Industry Pushes Back

When it comes to young teens, social pressure, the promise of great skin, and the lure of bright, attractive packaging can be hard to resist. However many of these products are formulated strictly for mature skin. Fortunately, some sought-after brands are taking steps to discourage the inappropriate use of their products by teenagers. The Ordinary, for instance, has been proactive in addressing this issue with social media posts discouraging young users from elaborate skincare routines and suggesting age-appropriate products and consultation with experts. Drunk Elephant, which has a strong social media presence and playful packaging-has also devoted resources on its website highlighting recommended products for teenage skincare. Other companies, like Bubble and Evereden, are leaning into the demographic with age-appropriate product lines and content to meet the unique skincare needs of tweens and young teens such as pimples and teenage acne.

Even well-informed parents can find themselves confused by the topic of tween skincare. We asked some experts to provide clarity about which products are safe to use; which should be avoided; and how pure silk pillowcases can play an important role in healthy skin even at a young age.

Nurturing Young Skin: Expert Advice for Teen and Tween Skincare

Almost every expert agrees that less is more when it comes to skincare for ages 10-14.

"Tweens and teens should avoid using overly harsh or complicated skincare regimens influenced by social media," said Dr. Hamdan Abdullah, a dermatologist at Power your Curls. "Products like strong exfoliants, anti-aging treatments, or potent acids can cause irritation, dryness, and disrupt their skin's natural barrier." He also warns, "Be cautious with too many layers of skincare, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts."

Dr. Woods advises this simple, age-appropriate skincare regimen for tweens and teens:

1. Cleansing: Use a non-drying, gentle cleanser twice daily to remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

2. Moisturizing: Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer suitable for their skin type.

3. Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.

4. Spot Treatment: If necessary, use a mild spot [pimple]treatment for occasional breakouts, as directed by a dermatologist.

Dr. Woods from Gya Labs also cautions against harsh ingredients, heavy makeup, over-exfoliation, and picking at skin. He emphasizes that young skin typically needs minimal care, and overdoing it can cause more harm than good.

Silk Pillowcases: Supporting Healthy Skin Through Adolescence

With all the complexities of encouraging a safe and age-appropriate skincare routine for your child, one simple change can make a significant difference: switching to a silk pillowcase. Silk offers numerous benefits for skin health, particularly for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

"A silk pillowcase can be a valuable addition to a skincare regimen for tweens and teens," Dr. Abdullah said. "Silk is gentle on the skin, reducing friction that can lead to irritation, redness, or even breakouts. Its hypoallergenic nature makes it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin, as it doesn't harbor bacteria like other materials might. Additionally, silk pillowcases are naturally smoother, which helps maintain skin hydration overnight, contributing to clearer, healthier skin."

We couldn't agree more! Here at Mulberry Park Silks, we regularly discuss the gentle, friction-free, hypoallergenic, and hydrating properties of our silk pillowcases. Unlike cotton, which can absorb moisture from the skin, silk helps skin (and hair) maintain its natural hydration levels overnight. The smooth surface of silk is also gentle on sensitive skin, while the antimicrobial properties of silk repel bacteria. This is why a silk pillowcase can be a game changer for tweens and teens dealing with acne and oily skin. Silk helps keep skin clean and reduces the transfer of oils and bacteria that can exacerbate breakouts. The gentle touch of silk on the skin can also help minimize irritation during an acne breakout and soothe overly dry skin for those using acne treatments. Learn more about why silk pillowcases are so helpful in minimizing acne breakouts.

A Mulberry Park Silks 19 Momme Pillowcase: The Perfect Beauty Product for Teens

For those looking to incorporate the benefits of silk into their skincare routine, Mulberry Park Silks offers an excellent introductory option: our 100% pure 19 momme silk pillowcase. This is our go-to recommendation for anyone new to silk who wants to try it out and is perfect for teens.

Although they are our lightest weight and most affordable choice, our 19 momme pillowcases are made from the highest quality silk-Grade 6A-as all of our products and are hypoallergenic and temperature regulating. They come in a lustrous charmeuse weave and are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified as safe from harmful chemicals. They can also be machine-washed for easy care.

Our 19 momme pillowcases come in three sizes and your choice of hidden zipper or envelope closure. Starting at just $32, these pillowcases offer an affordable entry into luxury skincare. Even better: it comes in trendy color options like blue, green, lilac, magenta, and pink, allowing tweens and teens to express their style while caring for their skin.

As with many issues related to parenting tweens and teens, appropriate care for teenage skin can be overwhelming for parents and children alike. But sometimes the simplest solutions-like the entirely noninvasive and stylish addition of silk pillowcases-can make the biggest difference in laying the foundation for healthy skin for years to come. As always, the Mulberry Park Silks design team is here to answer your questions about our products and help you choose the perfect pillowcase for your teen (or yourself!). 

Our Clients Also Ask These Questions:

What is the downside of a silk pillowcase?

The only downsides of silk pillowcases are the initial investment, which can be higher than other fabrics depending on the momme weight, and the fact that they do need a bit of extra care (washing in a gentle cycle with an enzyme-free detergent and hanging to dry).

Are silk pillowcases good for kids?

Silk pillowcases are wonderful for children and teenagers. They are hypoallergenic, gentle on sensitive skin, and resistant to mold and dust mites. The hygienic, temperature-regulating surface of a silk pillowcase is antimicrobial to help prevent acne breakouts.

Does a silk pillowcase really help your skin?

A real silk pillowcase is wonderful for your skin. Silk fabric is protein-based and helps your skin retain natural moisture (unlike a cotton pillowcase which is absorbent and pulls moisture away). The smooth surface of silk can also prevent wrinkles and sleep creases on delicate facial skin. Silk is also hypoallergenic and minimizes skin irritation.

Is a silk pillowcase good for hair?

A silk pillowcase is wonderful for overall hair health. It helps tame tangles, bedhead, and frizzy hair while helping hair retain its natural moisture.

What grade is best for a silk pillowcase?

Real silk of the highest grade, 6A, is best for a silk pillowcase. Remember, a satin pillowcase can be made of polyester or nylon, which are not genuine silk. Only real silk will deliver the beauty benefits you desire.