The 4-step routine a pharmacist recommends for ages 8+

When tweens ask me how to take care of their skin, they're often surprised by how short my answer is. Good skincare at this age isn't about more products, it's about the right few, used consistently. Here's the whole routine.

Step 1, cleanse gently (morning and night)

Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to lift off sweat, sunscreen, and the day's grime. Skip anything that leaves skin feeling tight or "squeaky." That tight feeling is a sign the cleanser stripped the barrier, not a sign of clean.

Step 2, moisturize (morning and night)

This is the workhorse step. A barrier-supporting moisturizer replaces the water and fats young skin needs to stay calm and protected. Look for ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin, and skip added fragrance, which is a common cause of irritation. (This is exactly what our Girl & a GOAT Moisturizer is built to do.)

Step 3, sunscreen (every morning)

The single most valuable habit you can build at this age. A mineral-based SPF protects developing skin and prevents far more damage over a lifetime than any serum could ever undo. Make it the last step of the morning routine, every day.

Step 4, treat specific concerns gently, and with guidance

If there's an occasional breakout, address it with a gentle, targeted approach rather than reaching for harsh actives. And if something more persistent shows up, stubborn acne, eczema, real irritation, that's the moment to see a dermatologist, not to layer on stronger products from the internet.

That's it. Four steps, a handful of well-chosen ingredients, and consistency. The aim at this age isn't to chase a trend, it's to protect young skin and help kids feel confident in the skin they're in.

Educational only. For a specific or persistent skin concern, please check with a dermatologist.