Gen A-Z Skin School
Gen A-Z Skin School
1. Acknowledgements
9. Additional Resources
Acknowledgements
Founded in response to Everyone’s Invited – a scandal that revealed alarming
truths about attitudes towards sex and consent amongst young people – The
Respect Project offers data-driven support on key issues across three pillars
affecting Generation Alpha and young adults: Self-Respect, Sexual Respect
and Social Respect. Established by Chloe Combi – a leading generational
expert – her work addresses critical topics, from online safety to health and
body-image concerns.
Existing to empower and engage all those who touch the beauty industry, The
British Beauty Council works to create a more inclusive, progressive place.
Providing support and advice on all manner of topics – from equity
and inclusion to advertorial integrity – their invaluable work shapes a positive,
representative beauty landscape. Cult Beauty are patrons of the British Beauty
Council and we are proud to have their support on this ongoing project.
i n a n a m e ?
Whats
Generation Alpha, the first cohort to be born entirely in the 21st century,
takes its name from the first letter of the Greek alphabet. As the torch
passes from Gen Z to Alpha, you ignite a new era – one defined by new
voices, new ideas, new innovations and new attitudes to beauty in an
ever-shifting digital landscape. This guide not only maps out the A-Z of
skincare for pre-teens, teens and their parents; it positively celebrates
the dynamic energy and potential of these trailblazing generations
combined.
Busting Myths, Embracing Healthy
Habits, and Building Confidence
What You Can Expect From This Guide.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by skincare. With filters, fads and questionable
hacks, we’re navigating beauty through the lens of social media and its endless
pursuit of unattainable perfection.
A recent beauty report revealed that while Gen Z began experimenting with
skincare at 13, Gen Alpha has eclipsed them by five years – starting at an average
age of eight1. Yet very few are accessing information that is age-appropriate,
accurate and trustworthy.
We’re dedicated to creating a safe beauty space that is defined by you. Beauty is
for everyone, all faces, all ages. Our Can’t (Re)Touch This campaign marked the
first phase in our mission to shatter stereotypes and shape a more transparent
and inclusive industry. It’s both a policy to never retouch our in-house model
imagery, and a petition to the Government to regulate the authenticity of what we
view online. We want you to see real skin – unfiltered and un-photoshopped – and
read advice that is reliable, empowering and grounded in facts.
At Cult, we celebrate the beauty of being human – the dimples, the pimples, the wide
eyes, the laugh lines, and all the unique features that make up your individuality.
1. Source(s): Ulta Beauty Future Proprietary Research, 2023 and Ulta Beauty: Beauty and Younger Generations Prietary Research, 2024
Three non-negotiables
for young skin
The clue’s in the name: skincare is all about care. It’s about
nourishing, protecting, respecting. Too many active ingredients
can weaken the important defences that keep your skin healthy.
The focus should be simple: cleansing, balancing and bolstering
your skin’s barrier.
dry
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Before All Else, Let’s Crack
The Code Of Your Skin Type!
Neither too oily or too dry, balanced skin maintains a healthy
Balanced equilibrium. When everything’s in sync, skin looks smooth and
feels comfortable with a naturally dewy appearance and minimal
sensitivity.
BYOMA
Milky Moisture Cleanser £13.99
KIEHL’S AVENE
Ultra Facial Cleanser £15.00 Cleansing Gel £15.50
GOOD LIGHT
Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser
£17.00
LA ROCHE-POSAY
Effaclar H Cleanser £24.00
CERAVE
Foaming Cleanser £12.50
sk in
for Oily
YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE
Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream £45.00
THE ORDINARY
Natural Moisturising Factors + PhytoCeramides £20.00
l a n c ed s kin
fo r b a
FIG.1
Ceramide Moisturiser £32.00
CAUDALIE
Vino Hydra Sobert Cream £20.00
KRAVE BEAUTY
Oat So Simple Water Cream £28.00
PAULA’S CHOICE
Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid £39.00
for Oily skin
VERSED
Dew Point Moisturising Gel-Cream £13.50
Step 2: Moisturise
All skin – even oily, blemish-prone skin – needs daily moisture. Some moisturisers are
rich, while others are lightweight and typically absorb much faster into the skin. If you find
your skin changes throughout the months or with the seasons, you can switch between
lighter (oil-free) and thicker (ceramide-enriched) formulas as needed.
Step 3: Protect
SPF SPF SPF. We’re insistent about this so no excuses. UV rays significantly accelerate
the deterioration of skin’s elasticity – also known as ‘photoaging’ – so consistent daily use
of sunscreen is the best defence. After all, prevention is better than cure.
INNIS FREE
Daily UV Defence Sunscreen £17.00
LA ROCHE-POSAY
Anthelios UVmune 400 50+ £22.00
skin
for balanced ULTRA VIOLETTE
Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen £34.00
SUPERGOOP
PLAY Everyday Lotion £23.00
ULTRA VIOLETTE
Fave Fluid Ultralight Skinscreen £37.00
BYOMA
Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50 £14.99
in
How much SPF should I apply?
The right amount of SPF typically equals the length of your index and middle fingers
combined. This visual works well for lightweight formulas, though you might need a bit
less for richer textures. Be sure to cover your entire face – including your eyelids, lips, the
tops of your ears, and neck – for full protection. - Dr. Kelly Saynor
Exfoliants:
Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week (preferably with a PHA or mild BHA) helps
prevent clogged pores, refine skin texture, and improve tone. Avoid harsh physical
scrubs, as they can tear your skin and increase sensitivity.
COSRX
WORKS WELL WITH:
£26.00
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Other acids in low concentrations.
Skin Situations:
Top Tips & What to Skip
1. Managing Blemishes: Cult Top Tip:
Blemishes can affect people with all skin • Morning and night use a gentle, non-
types, not just oily. Hormonal changes, comedogenic cleanser that won’t strip
your skin.
stress, diet, and skincare habits all play a • Look for spot treatments with benzoyl
role in those unwelcome breakouts. peroxide or salicylic acid. Apply them
directly to pimples for best results.
• Apply a calming face mask or soothing
moisturiser with ingredients like
THE INKEY LIST
niacinamide, green tea or aloe vera if your
Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches skin feels sensitive or stressed.
What to Skip:
• Resist overwashing your face – this can strip away your
skin’s natural oils, prompting your skin to produce even
more oil in response.
• Avoid touching your face frequently or picking at
blemishes. This could introduce more bacteria and lead
to scarring.
COSRX
Clear Fit Master Patch
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affected area,
2.Hormonal Breakouts:
Hormonal acne or pimples often appear around the jawline
or chin. During puberty, your body undergoes hormonal
changes, which can trigger oil production, spots or acne.
Cult Top Tip:
• Be consistent and respectful. Look for gentle
formulas with ingredients like with salicylic acid
and niacinamide to soothe redness and help
unclog pores.
• Be patient – hormonal acne can take longer to
What to Skip:
clear if it’s tied to your menstrual cycle. • Stop before popping! This can force blemish-causing bacteria to spread deeper
• Don’t be scared to seek professional guidance. within the skin and provoke swelling, forming a larger, more noticeable blemish.
Dermatologists or licensed skincare professionals
• Inviting negative self-talk to take control and determine your day. Think of
can offer you tailored advice.
blemishes as just mini stepping stones from your teenage years to adulthood.
Hush your inner critic and acknowledge your achievements
with pride.
3. Shaving and Irritation: Cult Top Tip:
• Shaving over broken skin. If you’re
If you’ve just started shaving, you might experience experiencing bumps or redness, wait for the skin
to calm down before shaving again.
irritation, redness, or even razor bumps. Here’s
• Too much pressure will irritate the skin and
what to do (and not do) to prevent discomfort: lead to cuts. A light hand is just enough to get
Ingrown hairs develop when a hair removed the job done and remember to always follow the
grain of your hair.
through shaving, tweezing, or waxing grows back • Dry shaving increases friction on the skin,
but, instead of growing through the skin, it curls meaning razor burns, redness and micro-cuts.
back on itself which results in raised and itchy A good shaving cream is essential for a smooth
and stress-free glide.
bumps. In more stubborn or recurring cases,
professional help may be needed.
What to skip:
• Shaving over broken skin. If you’re experiencing bumps or redness, wait
for the skin to calm down before shaving again.
• Excessive pressure will irritate the skin and lead to cuts.
A light hand is just enough to get the job done and remember to always
follow the grain of your hair.
• Dry shaving – this will create more friction and lead to razor burns. Always
apply shaving cream first and opt for a gentle moisturiser to replenish
the skin.
Non-comedogenic –
Pre-period Skin
Your skin may misbehave a little before your
Pimples vs acne:
period due to hormonal fluctuations. Clinically
known as the ‘luteal phase,’ a spike in the
what’s the difference?
hormone progesterone can lead to oilier, A blemish is a common, individual spot that forms when pores become
more congested skin, resulting in blackheads, clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
blemishes, and excess shine. Acne, in comparison, refers to a broader, more persistent skin condition that involves
multiple spots and is often triggered by hormonal changes, genetics, and bacteria.
‘Acne’ is a medical term and there are many different types. If you think you may be
experiencing acne, be sure to consult a licensed skincare professional.
Skincare Truths & Self-love wisdom
21-year-old content creator Miah Carter
warmly refers to herself as your, “self-love
big sister.” And, much in the spirit of an astute
older sibling, her honest, empowering message
of self-acceptance has inspired all 3.3M of her
TikTok followers to find comfort in their curves,
beauty in every bump and pride in their path to
self-belief. Her philosophy is simple, yet profound:
confidence is the best dress to slip on each morning.
OLE HENRIKSEN
Peptine Boost Moisturiser £42.00
M i a h C a r t e r
CERAVE
Facial Moisturisng Lotion £16.50 THE INKEY LIST
£12.00
Oat Cleansing Balm
“I wish I'd known when I was younger that patience
is essential and that skin needs time to heal.
My hyperpigmentation and scars once made me
self-conscious, but consistency changed everything.
Must do’s:
SPF daily, gentle skincare, hydration
Avoid:
Picking spots, harsh products, comparing yourself.
Your skin doesn’t define you; confidence comes from
within. You are more than your reflection.”
Skincare, Self-worth and
Empowering Life Lessons for Her
Teenage Daughter (and you!)
Writer, creator, and mum-of-two, Louise
Pentland, has been rightfully crowned
YouTube royalty. One of the platform’s first
stars, she pushed the parameters of
beauty blogging to share – with unguarded
intimacy – her candid reflections on mental
health and the realities of modern motherhood.
Now the author of five bestselling books,
Pentland remains a fairy godmother-like figure
to her 3.7M Instagram followers, standing by
the belief that growth isn’t linear; neither is
beauty a duck-to-swan moment of magic –
true confidence glitters when we embrace
the spectrum of our emotions and
intentionally invest in ourselves.
Louise Pentland
Three Avoids You are SO MU
1. Avoid wearing make up every day,
your skin needs to breathe! than your wra CH MORE
2. Don’t over-use make up wipes. pping paper.
3. Never compare yourself to
airbrushed media.
<3 xxx
Three Encouragements
1. Moisturise your face every morning.
2. Read trusted reviews of anything you
use on your skin.
3. Use SPF, even when we’re not on
holiday!
“ My Mum passed away when I was seven, so
I didn’t have a female role model at home. I had
no idea how to take care of my skin, so it’s been
a real joy to teach my daughter, Darcy, now that
she's a young teenager.I have naturally very rosy
skin, and as a teen, I was extremely self-conscious.
I thought I looked like a tomato and would flush
bright red if anyone mentioned it.I used
foundation to cover it up, but without skincare, my
skin was often dry and cakey.”
“It wasn’t until later that I understood good
skincare is the foundation of everything.
I started with day creams, moved to eye creams,
and switched from face wipes to a cleansing balm.
Simply put, looking after my skin is a
non-negotiable in my life now.”
Play The Personas Quiz!
If you flit and flutter across social feeds or prefer to soak up some offline bliss with
a cocooning bubble bath and a good book, take our quiz to reveal your beauty
persona below.
Click here to
find out
which persona
you are... The Personas Quiz
Skintellectual
A fount of beauty knowledge, you seek them out
to answer all your skincare FAQs (and get an
unexpected lesson on why moisturiser is a non-
negotiable). They know the ins and outs of all the
formulas you’ve read about – never one to skip their
cleansing routine.
Pampering Pro
Mastered the art of self-care and magicking everyday
moments into a mini spa experience. They delight in
pamper nights, pastels, and Pilates sets that perfectly
match their lip gloss. Green juice in hand and a fresh
pedicure on the agenda, they’re all about relishing the
little joys – a cancelled plan? Pure bliss.
Trailblazer
Never one for beauty-by-numbers, their
individualistic, fiercely independent attitude cuts
through the clamour of fads, ads, and fleeting trends.
Valuing ‘vibes’ over flashy luxury, they follow the
creative beat of their own heart – always attracted to
the niche, raw and authentic.
Social Butterfly
Streets ahead of the trends, they haunt their social
feeds to guarantee they’re in the know. Thrilled by the
new, the bold, and the innovative – never one to miss a
viral moment.
Mindful Maverick
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DO some Doodles...
At this stage, you might feel a little adrift in a cyclone of skincare tips, tricks and truths. Let your creativity erupt
across these blank pages – scribble, scrawl or jot down what you’ve discovered so far. After all, Imagination is the
blueprint for all that’s groundbreaking in beauty, so share your artistry with us on socials using
#cultbeauty #fortheloveofbeauty #generationAZ #skintuition
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Clearing Up Common SkinTok Myths
Myth #1: More is more
Using too many products or constantly switching between them can
REALITY: irritate your skin and exacerbate problems like acne. A simple, consistent
skincare routine is best for young skin.
ll o w a c c o u n t s w h o
Fo o t iv a t e you!
ins p ir e o r m
ONLINE - Choosing not to be part of negativity can help keep up your own mood.
Soc i a l M e d i a T i p s
- Choose how much time you would like
SET to spend on social media.
LIMITS - Check your settings and see if you can
set a limit on social media.
- It’s common to feel like you’re missing out when you see others
COMPARING posting.
YOURSELF TO - Everyone has downtime, challenges, and lonely times —
OTHERS you’re only seeing a small fragment of their life.
Time for some FAQs
We pitched your burning beauty questions to a team of dermatologists, brand founders
and skincare experts to help you conquer your common skincare bugbears.
AHA Alpha-hydroxy acids; chemical exfoliants that work by dissolving the uppermost layer
of protective skin cells.
Aloe Vera A soothing, plant-derived extract that’s prized for its calming and comforting powers.
Effectively works to reduce rosacea, acne and pigmentation, while neutralising the
Azelaic Acid harmful effects of free radicals that trigger inflammation. Its mild exfoliating properties
may cause sensitivity.
Not as scary as it sounds, this organic acid targets acne by killing bacteria on the skin
Benzoyl Peroxide and removing dead skin cells that can clog pores.
Beta-hydroxy acids; these have pore-purifying properties. Great for oily, congested
BHA complexions.
While mineral sunscreens act like a shield, chemical sunscreens are like a sponge,
Chemical SPF soaking up damaging UV rays before they can harm your skin. Light, easy to apply,
and non-greasy, they’re best suited to oily and combination skin types.
Collagen A naturally occurring protein in the body, it’s commonly included in creams and
serums to help keep skin smooth, firm and plump.
Fragrance Heavily fragranced formulas can disrupt the skin’s barrier, leading to breakouts and
redness. Anyone with sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema should avoid fragranced
products.
Glycerin A humectant, this draws moisture into the skin to hydrate without clogging pores.
Glycolic Acid The smallest of AHAs, this chemical exfoliant dissolves dead skin cells on the surface
and boosts cell turnover to brighten and smooth skin.
Green tea A natural alternative to chemical antioxidants, great for soothing sensitivity and
redness.
Niacinamide A form of vitamin B that helps minimise enlarged pores and balance oil production.
Mineral SPF Forms a physical barrier on the skin that blocks and scatters both UVA and UVB rays.
It sits on top of the skin, instead of soaking in, so it’s a great choice for sensitive skin.
Will need reapplication every few hours for optimum protection.
Pre/Probiotics ‘Good bacteria’ that support the skin barrier. Great for blemish and acne-prone
skin types.
Retinal A more potent form of vitamin A than retinol, it’s less harsh and quicker to act on the
skin, but can still compromise it’s protective barrier if overused.
Retinol A vitamin A derivative known for a spectrum of benefits. It works by encouraging cell
turnover to promote brighter, smoother skin – so it’s great for mature skin types, but
can deplete the skin’s barrier when used too soon.
Salicylic Acid A common BHA, found in pore-purifying and clarifying cleansers, toners and
moisturisers.
Squalane A highly effective emollient that mimics your skin’s natural oils to deeply hydrate and
support your natural moisture barrier.
Vitamin C Often listed as ascorbic acid, this powerful antioxidant targets pigmentation, refines
skin texture and brightens.
Zinc An essential mineral that helps reduce the appearance of redness and acne scars.
Essential Oils Highly concentrated extracts that should be used with extreme caution for young,
developing skin. If not properly diluted or used appropriately, they can lead to irritation
or a burning sensation.
Caring for your skin and overall
–
Read More
GIGI/ YEAR 9/ DOWN HOUSE