Plant-Based Skincare for Young Skin: Gentle, Effective Care for Pre-Teens and Teens

Why Less is More for Young Skin

As a Clinical Aromatherapist and mum of two teenage girls, I know how tempting it can be to start a full skincare routine as soon as puberty hits. Around age 10–12, girls may notice oiliness, blemishes, or early spots — perfectly normal signs of hormonal changes.
However, young skin doesn’t need harsh treatments or complicated routines. The protective barrier is still forming, and overuse of exfoliants or strong products can irritate, worsen inflammation, or disrupt the skin microbiome.

A plant-based, gentle approach is ideal: it supports natural barrier function, hydrates
without clogging pores, and helps build healthy habits without overwhelming young skin.

The Power of Plant-Based Skincare

Carrier oils like jojoba and grapeseed mimic natural sebum, regulating oiliness while being lightweight and non-comedogenic.

Hydrosols such as rose or lavender mist hydrate, soothe, and calm skin — perfect for young, sensitive faces.

Essential oils, when carefully diluted, can be used as targeted treatments. For instance, tea tree oil is an excellent spot treatment for occasional blemishes.
This approach respects the skin’s microbiome, reduces inflammation, and encourages a
healthy relationship with skincare from an early age.

Gut Health: The Root of Clear Skin

As discussed in my blog on gut health what happens in the gut can influence skin health, particularly during puberty.

Key factors for young skin:
- Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
- Prebiotics: Garlic, onions, and leeks feed beneficial bacteria.
- Hydration: Plenty of water supports digestion, circulation, and toxin removal.
- Anti-inflammatory foods: Omega-3s from fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts reduce systemic inflammation, which can manifest as acne or sensitivity.

Supporting gut health alongside gentle plant-based topical care can reduce blemishes and calm skin during hormonal changes.

Simple Plant-Based Skincare Routine for Young Skin
Morning:
1. Cleanse: Massage 2–3 drops of jojoba or grapeseed or Sweet Almond oil onto dry skin, then wipe gently with a warm, damp cloth.
2. Hydrate: Spritz lightly with rose or lavender hydrosol.
3. Moisturise: A few drops of carrier oil if needed.

Evening:
1. Remove makeup / dirt: Use micellar water or repeat the carrier oil cleanse.
2. Hydrate & soothe: Light mist of rose or lavender hydrosol.
3. Spot care: Apply a tiny amount of tea tree essential oil to the spot on a cotton wool pad and hold for a minute. 

This routine is simple, non-irritating, and encourages good hygiene without overwhelming young skin.

My Daughter Bella’s Rosacea Journey

When my daughter Bella developed mild rosacea, her skin was sensitive, red, and prone to flushing. Instead of harsh treatments, we adopted a plant-based approach using green tea ice cubes for calming and soothing her skin.

 How to Make Green Tea Ice Cubes:
1. Brew 2 green tea teabags in a cup of boiled water and allow it to cool.
2. Pour the brewed green tea into an ice cube tray.
3. Freeze until solid.
4. In the morning, glide a green tea ice cube gently over the face to reduce redness, calm
inflammation, and soothe sensitive areas.

This simple method helps to cool the skin, reduce visible flushing, and support the skin
barrier naturally.

Why Plant-Based Skincare Matters
- Respects the skin barrier
- Hydrates without clogging pores
- Supports natural oil balance
- Minimises risk of irritation
- Encourages mindful routines from a young age

By combining topical plant-based care with gut health, hydration, and nutrition, you can
support your child’s skin during puberty while teaching lifelong healthy habits.

Morning:
1. Cleanse: Massage 2–3 drops of jojoba or grapeseed or Sweet Almond oil onto dry skin, then wipe gently with a warm, damp cloth.
2. Cool & Calm: Glide a green tea ice cube over the face to reduce redness and inflammation.
3. Hydrate: Spritz lightly with rose or lavender hydrosol.
4. Moisturise: A few drops of carrier oil if needed.

Evening:
1. Remove makeup / dirt: Use micellar water or repeat the carrier oil cleanse.
2. Hydrate & soothe: Light mist of rose or lavender hydrosol.
3. Spot care: Apply a tiny amount of tea tree essential oil to the spot on a cotton wool pad and hold for a minute. 

Explore our gentle, plant-based skincare ranges and personalised aromatherapy blends

Micellar Water vs Carrier Oil for Gentle Cleansing

Micellar water and carrier oils are both gentle ways to cleanse the skin, but there are key
differences:

Micellar Water
- Contains tiny micelles that trap dirt, oil, and makeup.
- Cleanses without harsh rubbing or water.
- Gentle and fast, often suitable for sensitive skin.
- Check labels: avoid alcohol or fragrance for young/sensitive skin.

Carrier Oil Cleansing ( jojoba or grapeseed or Sweet Almond)
- Massage oil onto dry skin to dissolve makeup, oil, and impurities.
- Nourishes and supports the skin barrier.
- Very plant-based, safe, and non-irritating — ideal for young or sensitive skin.

Can be followed by a hydrosol mist for extra hydration and soothing.

Tip: For young girls, a carrier oil cleanse is often the gentlest and most nourishing option
but fragrance-free micellar water can also be used occasionally.

References
1. Harper J, et al. The skin microbiome in health and disease. Nat Rev Microbiol, 2020.
2. Kober M, et al. Sebum composition and acne pathophysiology. Dermatoendocrinology,
2019.
3. Navarrete N, et al. Probiotics in dermatology: Mechanisms and benefits. Front Microbiol,
2022.
4. International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFPA). Essential oil safety guidelines for
children, 2023.
5. B Calm. Heal Your Skin from the Inside Out: Gut Health & Personalised Skincare (2024).