Skincare and hair care for kids and teens can feel like a lot these days. With all the hype around “glass skin” and 10-step routines, it’s easy to think our kids need a drawer full of products to stay clean and healthy. But the truth is, they really don’t. What they really need are simple, age-appropriate habits that help keep their skin and hair in good condition as they grow. And as parents, our job isn’t to buy everything the internet recommends. It’s to guide them in building routines that actually work.
That said, living in the Philippines—with all the heat, humidity, and pollution—means we do need to be a bit more mindful. Don’t worry, though, as it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here, we share 10 practical and easy-to-follow tips, plus recommendations from Guardian Philippines that will help your kids and teens take care of their skin and hair without the drama.
- Keep It Simple
First things first: don’t overcomplicate things. All your child really needs is a gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer, and sunscreen. That’s it! Kids and tweens have naturally healthy, resilient skin, so using too many products can actually do more harm than good.
Try products like Guardian’s tear-free and hypoallergenic shampoo and body wash, which are made especially for kids. After bath time, the Guardian baby milk Lotion is a great go-to for both the face and body.
Older kids might start watching skincare TikToks or YouTube tutorials and that’s normal. Just remind them they don’t need fancy serums or exfoliants yet. Washing their face twice a day and applying SPF regularly are more than enough for now.
- Wash Regularly but Gently
The Philippines is a tropical country, so it’s normal to sweat a lot. Moreover, tweens and teens in particular are exposed daily to dirt, vehicle smoke, and other pollutants. That’s why it’s important for tweens and teens to wash their face daily to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities. A mild scrub like Guardian Radiant Facial Scrub works well in this case.
If your teen has started wearing makeup, teach them how to double cleanse: first with a bit of oil or micellar to remove makeup, then follow with a gentle cleanser. This habit ensures that every bit of makeup is removed, keeping their face fresh and clear for longer.
- Moisturize, Even for Oily Skin
Some people think oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer, but it actually does! That’s because too-dry skin produces even more oil to compensate, which results in even more oiliness. If your child has oily skin, go for non-comedogenic moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. These are safe for teenage skin, light, hydrating, and won’t clog pores.
- Make Sunscreen a Daily Habit
The sun’s rays can affect the skin even on cloudy days. That’s why sunscreen should be part of your kid’s daily routine, no matter what. Choose one that’s lightweight, broad-spectrum, and gentle on young skin. If your child doesn’t like sticky or heavy formulas, try gel or water-based sunscreens. They feel cooler and more comfortable, especially in hot weather.
- Handle Pimples Gently
Getting pimples is part of growing up, but popping them is a big no-no. It’s important to teach your kids to avoid touching their pimples to prevent further irritation. Then, in addition to washing, have them use gentle spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Start with low-strength formulas to avoid drying out their skin. Equally important, let them know that treating acne takes time and patience, not picking or squeezing.
- Don’t Overdo the Routine
With so many beauty products and trends out there, it’s easy to go overboard. But trust us—less is more, especially for young skin. So, encourage them to avoid exfoliating acids and anti-aging products for now. Their skin is already doing a great job renewing itself naturally, so it’s actually better to stick to a simple, consistent routine. That’s the real secret to healthy skin.
- Pick Hair Products That Match Their Hair Type
Hair care is just as personal as skincare. If your child has dry or frizzy hair, use a moisturizing shampoo and apply conditioner only to the ends. A light leave-in conditioner can also help manage tangles and keep hair soft. For oily scalps, focus shampoo on the roots, use conditioner just on the tips, and try a bit of dry shampoo or even baby powder between washes.
- Protect Hair from Heat and Chemicals
Many Filipinas love having long, straight hair. However, straightening irons, curling wands, and chemical treatments can all damage young hair. So, encourage your kids to embrace their natural hair and save heat styling for special occasions. Additionally, when they do use heat tools, make sure they use a heat protectant spray.
- Get Regular Hair Trims
As your child grows, puberty can change their hair’s texture and thickness. Let them know that this is normal. Still, regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks help get rid of split ends and keep hair looking neat and healthy. Plus, it’s a good way to teach them about grooming and self-care.
- Eat for Healthy Skin and Hair
Lastly, remind your child that what they eat shows up on their skin. Luckily, Filipino food has lots of natural skin-friendly options. Mangoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and fish like bangus and tilapia are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that nourish the skin from within.
Also, encourage them to drink plenty of water and cut back on sugary drinks. Too much sugar can make acne worse and cause inflammation. A balanced diet helps their skin heal faster and look better overall.
For Child and Teen Skin Care, Less Is Definitely More
At the end of the day, caring for your child’s skin and hair doesn’t have to be a daily battle or break the bank. It’s all about consistency, smart habits, and gentle products that match their age and needs. So, don’t stress about what’s trending online. Instead, help your child build a routine that makes them feel clean, confident, and comfortable in their own skin. After all, real self-care isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling good, inside and out.
Find the perfect essentials for your child’s everyday routine. Explore Guardian Philippines' wide range of skin and hair care products at Southstar Drug. These are made especially for kids and teens—gentle, effective, and parent-approved.
