Dr. Shaun Segal Shares a Daily Skincare Routine That Works

Whether you’re raising a teen with breakouts, a tween with sensitive skin, or simply trying to teach good hygiene early on, skincare can feel like a mystery. So many products. So much advice. And half of it seems to contradict the other.

I’m Dr. Shaun Segal, a pediatrician based in Johannesburg, and I’ve worked with hundreds of children and teens who just want one thing: to feel confident in their skin.

The truth is, you don’t need a shelf full of products. You just need a simple routine that’s gentle, consistent, and built to support your skin, not fight it.

Let’s walk through a daily skincare routine that works at any age.

Morning Routine: Clean, Moisturize, Protect

In the morning, the goal is to get the skin ready to face the day. That means protecting it from the sun, dirt, and environmental stress.

1. Gentle Cleanser

Start with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free face wash. The goal is to clean without stripping away the skin’s natural barrier.

2. Moisturizer

Even oily skin needs moisture. A lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer helps keep the skin balanced and prevents it from overproducing oil.

3. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

This step is non-negotiable. Sunscreen protects against sunburn, aging, and long-term skin damage. Apply it every morning, even on cloudy days.

Also, recommendation:- Understanding Sun Damage and Prevention: Tips from Dr Shaun Segal

Evening Routine: Cleanse, Repair, Restore

Evening is when the skin gets a chance to reset. This is when you remove the day’s buildup and help the skin recover.

1. Cleanser

Use the same gentle cleanser from the morning. This clears away sweat, oil, and any product build-up from the day.

2. Targeted Treatments (if needed)

For children or teens dealing with acne, eczema, or other conditions, now is the time to apply any prescribed creams or medicated treatments. Keep it simple and follow instructions carefully.

3. Moisturizer

The night is when skin heals, so give it some support. A slightly richer moisturizer can help keep the skin hydrated overnight.

Weekly Add-Ons

One or two times a week, you can add simple steps like:

Gentle exfoliation, only if the skin is rough or clogged, and always using a mild product.

Face masks are for older kids or teens who enjoy a little self-care. Choose calming ingredients like aloe or oatmeal.

What to Avoid

Some of the biggest skin issues I see in my clinic come from overdoing it or using the wrong products. Here’s what I tell families to skip:

Don’t scrub the skin harshly.

Don’t use adult products on young skin without medical advice.

Don’t wash your face more than twice a day.

Don’t expect overnight results—good skin takes time and care.e

And most importantly, don’t pop pimples—it increases scarring and inflammation.n

Teaching Confidence Through Routine

Clear skin doesn’t happen in a day, but confidence starts the moment your child feels they’re taking care of themselves. I always tell my patients:

Taking care of your skin isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about respecting your body, being consistent, and knowing when to ask for help.

When to See a Doctor

If your child:

Has breakouts that won’t improve with routine care

Experiences regular rashes, dryness, or itching

Seems upset or withdrawn because of their skin

That’s the time to come in. Early treatment not only clears up skin issues—it can also protect your emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Stay Consistent

You don’t need ten steps or expensive products. A simple morning and evening routine, supported with the right information and a little encouragement, is more than enough to keep your child’s skin healthy and their confidence strong.

Good skincare is good self-care. And when kids learn that early, it sticks with them for life.