TikTok is a hotspot for the latest skincare trends, and while some can be beneficial, others may not be suitable for your tween's delicate skin. Let's explore 21 trending TikTok skincare below:
1. Slugging 🟢 Safe (With Tweaks)
The Trend: Applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly overnight to "lock in moisture."
Verdict: This can work for very dry skin, but for tweens with acne-prone or oily skin, it may clog pores. If your tween has sensitive skin, try a lighter moisturizer instead.
2. Pore Strips for Blackheads 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Using adhesive strips to pull out blackheads from the nose.
Verdict: Pore strips don’t prevent blackheads and can irritate young skin. Instead, teach tweens to cleanse daily and use a gentle exfoliant.
3. DIY Toothpaste on Pimples 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Dabbing toothpaste on pimples to dry them out overnight.
Verdict: Toothpaste is too harsh and can cause redness or burns. Instead, try a gentle spot treatment with ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid.
4. Ice Rolling 🟢 Safe
The Trend: Rolling a cold ice roller over the face to reduce puffiness.
Verdict: Harmless and can feel nice, but not necessary for young skin. A cool washcloth works just as well!
5. DIY Lemon Juice for Brightening 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Using lemon juice to "naturally" brighten the skin.
Verdict: Lemon juice is too acidic and can cause irritation, redness, and even burns if exposed to the sun. Stick to gentle cleansers instead.
6. Over-Exfoliating with Scrubs 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Scrubbing the face daily with rough exfoliators like sugar scrubs or walnut shells.
Verdict: Over-exfoliating damages the skin barrier. Instead, a mild exfoliant (1-2 times a week) is enough.
7. Using Sunscreen Stickers to "Test" UV Protection 🟢 Safe
The Trend: UV stickers that change color based on sun exposure.
Verdict: This is a fun way to teach tweens about sun safety, but they still need daily SPF 30+ sunscreen!
8. Baking Soda Face Masks 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Mixing baking soda and water for a "deep-cleaning" mask.
Verdict: Baking soda messes with the skin’s pH balance and can lead to irritation. Instead, use a gentle mask (like Be-Tween’s Aloe Powder Mask!).
9. Micellar Water Instead of Washing Your Face 🟡 Use with Caution
The Trend: Using micellar water as a one-step cleanser.
Verdict: Okay for light cleansing, but tweens should still wash with water and a gentle cleanser before bed.
10. SPF Contouring (Using Sunscreen to "Shape" the Face) 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Applying sunscreen in certain areas to create "natural contouring."
Verdict: This doesn’t work and leaves skin unprotected. Sunscreen should be evenly applied all over the face.
11. DIY Coffee Grounds Scrubs 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Scrubbing the face with coffee grounds for smoother skin.
Verdict: Coffee grounds are too rough and can cause micro-tears in young skin. Stick to gentle exfoliators instead.
12. Applying Lip Balm as a Highlighter 🟢 Safe
The Trend: Using clear lip balm to give a dewy glow on the cheekbones.
Verdict: Harmless and can be a fun way to play with skincare! Just make sure it’s not sticky and doesn’t clog pores.
13. DIY Vaseline "Lashes Booster" 🟡 Use with Caution
The Trend: Applying Vaseline to eyelashes overnight for hydration.
Verdict: Safe, but won’t actually make lashes grow longer—just keeps them moisturized.
14. Using Salt Water to Clear Acne 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Spraying salt water on the face to dry out pimples.
Verdict: Salt water can over-dry the skin, making acne worse in the long run.
15. 10-Step Skincare Routines 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Following long skincare routines meant for adults.
Verdict: Tweens only need 3 simple steps—cleanse, moisturize, and sunscreen!
16. Steaming the Face for "Detox" 🔴 Skip
The Trend: Using hot steam to "open up pores and detox the skin."
Verdict: Steam can irritate and dry out young skin. Cleansing properly is enough!
17. Face Yoga for Preventing Wrinkles 🟡 Not Necessary for Tweens
The Trend: Doing facial exercises to "prevent" wrinkles.
Verdict: Face yoga isn’t harmful, but tweens don’t need it—their skin is already youthful and elastic!
18. Toothbrush Scrubbing for Lips 🟢 Safe (Gently)
The Trend: Gently exfoliating lips with a soft toothbrush.
Verdict: Okay if done gently, but don’t overdo it! Use a lip balm afterward to keep lips soft.
19. DIY Rice Water for Skin Brightening 🟢 Safe
The Trend: Using leftover rice water as a toner.
Verdict: Rice water has some benefits, but store-bought toners are safer and more effective for tweens.
20. Using Glitter Masks for "Fun" Skincare 🟡 Use with Caution
The Trend: Applying glitter peel-off masks.
Verdict: Fun, but many glitter masks contain harsh ingredients. Stick to gentle masks!
Final Thoughts
TikTok skincare trends can be fun, but not all of them are safe for tweens (or adults for that matter). The best skincare is simple and gentle—cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen!
💙 Want safe and effective skincare for your tween? Check out Be-Tween’s skincare line, made just for young skin!
