Teenagers can be tricky customers, and the subject of skincare can be a touchy subject for some of our more sensitive souls.

That’s why beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis decided to write the book ‘Be Beautiful’ with co-author - and 12-year-old daughter - Molly.

Here’s three big tips from the mother-and-daughter book which can hopefully prevent the odd teenage tantrum in the UAE.

The ‘S’ word

Spots are every young girl’s worst enemy and few manage to glide through their teens without outbreaks.

Alice says: “What teens need to know is that spots are basically a side-effect of hormones rampaging around their bodies. If they can keep them under control with tea-tree oil, or with over-the-counter anti-spot products from the chemist, great. But if they are a real problem, go and see your GP.”

Covert operation

Make-up may be new or unknown territory to your daughter but a small amount of blemish cover can make pesky spots virtually vanish. Wearing the right products really can help your complexion.

Alice says: “If make-up is powder-based and made from minerals, then it should be fine. Try not to smother the whole face in make-up.”
 
Pocket-money products

Complex anti-ageing ingredients are a world away, but Hello Kitty and glitter products are too ‘young’. So what should they be investing their pocket money in?

“A cleanser that won’t dry your skin out, so a soap-free cream or lotion that you can massage on, then remove with a flannel wrung out in hot water,” says  Alice. “In the morning, a moisturiser with a built-in SPF. If her skin is on the oily side, a gel moisturiser is more suitable than a creamy one. At night only use a moisturiser if skin feels dry after cleansing.”