Acne in Tweens

Building Healthy Skincare Habits with a Gentle, Natural Routine

Acne isn’t just a teenage issue. Many children start experiencing breakouts during the tween years, often between ages 8 and 12, as their skin begins to change.

For parents and tweens alike, this stage can feel confusing. Skin may suddenly become oily, bumpy, or unpredictable - and the temptation to “scrub it clean” or use strong products can be high. However, early acne care is less about harsh treatments and more about protecting the skin barrier and building healthy habits.

Why Acne Happens in Tweens

During the tween years, the body begins producing more hormones. These hormones can increase oil (sebum) production in the skin, which may lead to:

• Blocked pores
• Small bumps or pimples
• Shiny or oily skin, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin

At the same time, tween skin is still developing and more sensitive than adult skin. This means it can be easily irritated by harsh cleansers, strong actives, or over-washing.

The Biggest Mistake: Over-Stripping the Skin

One of the most common mistakes in early acne care is trying to “dry out” the skin.

When the skin barrier is stripped:
• Skin can become irritated and inflamed
• Oil production may increase to compensate
• Breakouts can worsen over time
• Skin becomes more reactive and sensitive

Healthy tween skincare should focus on gentle cleansing, light hydration, and consistency - not aggressive treatments.

Why Natural, Barrier-Focused Skincare Matters

The skin barrier plays a key role in keeping skin balanced and comfortable. Supporting it early helps tweens develop better long-term skin habits.

Natural skincare formulated without harsh detergents or heavy fragrances can:
• Cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier
• Help skin feel calm and balanced
• Reduce the urge to over-cleanse
• Encourage simple, repeatable routines

This approach is especially important for tweens who are just learning how to care for their skin.

The Role of Mānuka Oil in Gentle Acne Care

Mānuka oil is distilled from the leaves of the Mānuka tree, native to New Zealand. It has been widely studied for its skin-supportive properties and long history of traditional use.

In skincare formulations, Mānuka oil is valued because it:
• Supports skin prone to imbalance
• Helps keep skin feeling clean and comfortable
• Is suitable for sensitive and changing skin types

When used thoughtfully in gentle formulations, it complements barrier-focused skincare rather than overwhelming young skin.

A Simple, Tween-Friendly Acne Routine

Keeping skincare simple helps tweens stick to it - and helps parents feel confident in what their child is using.

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing

Our Foaming Face Cleanser is pH-balanced and designed to cleanse without stripping the skin barrier. It helps remove daily build-up from sweat, sunscreen, and the day’s activities while leaving skin feeling comfortable.

Step 2: Lightweight Hydration

Many tweens skip moisturiser, but hydration is essential. The Light Day Cream provides lightweight moisture to support the skin barrier without feeling heavy or greasy.

Step 3: Targeted Care (When Needed)

For individual pimples, Mānuka oil can be used as a targeted treatment, applied carefully to specific areas such as pimples, rather than the whole face.

Together, these three steps form our Acne Bundle, designed to support tween skin with a gentle, natural approach.

Why the Acne Bundle Works for Tweens and Parents

Parents love the Acne Bundle because it:
• Avoids harsh, stripping ingredients
• Encourages good skincare habits early
• Is simple and easy to use consistently
• Supports the skin barrier rather than fighting it

Tweens like it because:
• The routine is easy to remember
• Products feel light and comfortable
• Skin feels clean, not tight or sore
• There’s no complicated multi-step process

Building Good Skincare Habits Early

Healthy skin habits learned during the tween years often carry through into the teenage years and adulthood.

Helpful habits include:
• Washing the face gently once or twice daily
• Avoiding scrubbing or picking at skin
• Using moisturiser even when skin feels oily
• Keeping routines simple and consistent

Skincare should feel supportive - not stressful.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If acne becomes severe, painful, or persistent, or if there is significant redness or distress, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Gentle Care for Changing Skin

Acne in tweens doesn’t need aggressive solutions. In many cases, it needs calm, consistent care that supports the skin barrier while skin finds its balance.

Our Acne Bundle - featuring the Foaming Face Cleanser, Light Day Cream, and targeted Mānuka oil - is designed to support tweens and parents through this stage with confidence, simplicity, and care.

Andrea Dennis-Lowther recommends Manuka Biotic.

Love it!!!!  I contacted Manka biotic regarding Miss 9 and acne. They were amazing and sent out a sample and her skin looks amazing and glowing again. I’ve just brought a big pack as the product is sooo amazing

Michelle Watkins

This is amazing stuff my son had teenage acne it was really severe I tried everything I even got some stuff from the doctor which didn't word and was very harsh .I even sourced products from the UK that worked  with my other sons but nothing worked this was my last chance it was amazing .we had no breakouts it took a week to take the redness and angriness  out of the skin but on the second week the spots were decreasing and we were seeing results it's been 6 weeks and his skin is so much better thanks Manuka biotic one happy son and I've saved a fortune 😃