The best skin care routine for teens, or the best products for young/teen skin - can one simply answer that? We will try!
Once your child starts showing signs of oily or acne-prone skin and is between 13-19 years old, (each child is different), it's worth introducing them to a good skin care routine. It's at this age that hormones start changing and normal soap, or children’s products (or for some, just water) may not cut it! You may have started noticing their skin is more oily, they may be getting the odd spot, or their skin is becoming reddened and sensitive.
So what can you do as a parent? Talking to your teen is important and explaining why these changes are occurring and what they can do, they may even come to you and ask how they can better look after their skin and prevent those pesky spots. Well this post gives you some good tips and skin care routines for young skin!
Table of content
Key points for Skincare routines for Teens (13-19)
Essential Ingredients for Teenage Skin: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide are highlighted as key ingredients to manage common teenage skin issues like acne, oiliness, and dryness.
Importance of Hydration: Even for oily and acne-prone skin, using a non-comedogenic moisturiser is crucial to maintain hydration and balance, preventing overproduction of oil and further breakouts.
Role of Sunscreen: Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is emphasized to protect teenage skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate acne and lead to premature aging.
Diet and Skincare: The article underscores the impact of a healthy diet on skin health, recommending a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats while avoiding excessive sugar and dairy.
Consistency in Routine: Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is crucial for managing teenage skin effectively, as regular use of the right products helps to prevent and address skin issues over time.
Teen Skin Care Routine - is it needed?
As mentioned, teens start to experience hormonal changes that result in excess sebum (oil) being produced which can clog pores, create excess shine and can cause blemishes to occur. Heavy creams, unsuitable soaps or heavily fragranced products can irritate or clog pores further and add to young skin issues.
If you want to learn more about acne, how it causes spots, different types of spots, then follow this link to the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
We are going to concentrate more on routines and products. A routine is very important for young skin, not only will it set up teens for a lifelong healthy habit, but to truly get good results from any skin care product you need consistency.
Occasionally cleaning the skin or using a cream in isolation, will not effectively help in reducing spots, excess oil or keeping the skin healthy. It's essential at this age to get them in the habit of looking after their skin AM and PM every day.
Easy Skincare Routine for Teens (12-19):
As a standard skincare routine for Teens, they should follow the simple order for AM and PM:
- Cleanse
- Treat
- Moisturise
Depending on your Teen’s appetite for skin care, there could be multiple products per step, or to keep it simple, it may just be one.
FAQ: What order should you put multiple skincare products on? As a simple rule, you should apply the thinnest (formula wise) products first, putting on thicker moisturisers last, and as a given, always cleanse first!
So why this Skincare Routine for Teens (13-19)?
- Cleanser: It is very important for teens to cleanse properly with active ingredients that effectively unclog pores, remove dead-skin cells and fight spot-causing bacteria. It will also help smooth rough or textured skin, soothe reddened/irritated skin and help reduce excess oil, leading to healthier and clearer skin. At this age they tend to play more sports and sweat more which if not effectively removed from the skin can cause breakouts and other skin issuers.
- Treatments: This step can include spot creams or specialised serums. This is important as it provides a specialised cream/serum with certain benefits to help your teens skin. For example, if they are getting lots of whiteheads, a spot treatment can help reduce redness and size of spots. Or a serum can add extra hydration deeper into the skin than a moisturiser, or even fight spot-causing bacteria below the skin’s surface.
- Moisturiser: A very important step, adding a moisturiser will not only help rehydrate skin after cleansing but will also help protect the skin. Your teen should be wearing an SPF every day, even 10 minutes (or more) of exposure to the sun should warrant an SPF. At night, introduce a more hydrating night cream to keep skin looking and feeling smooth, less irritated, and more moisturised. Some teens may not want to have a night cream which is fine, they can wear the SPF cream at night (does no harm) or can just wash their face and treat any spots they may have.
Safe & gentle skincare Ingredients for teen skin care products
Without boring you with all the types of ingredients out there, we will suggest what we believe are some of the best ingredients for young, teen skin, and should be in their skin care routine:
- Salicylic Acid- A proven gold standard ingredient for cleansing the skin and helping to prevent blemishes. This ingredient is a trusted active in most teen/problematic skin care ranges. Used at 2% concentration it will leave skin feeing smooth, and looking less shiny, it will also help reduce the likelihood of new breakouts.
- Succinic Acid- A big up-and-comer, this ingredient has been proven to be just as effective as Salicylic Acid but more suitable for sensitive and easily irritable skin. It can be used in treatments such as serums or spot creams and can help effectively exfoliate, reduce the appearance of pores, and reduce likelihood of breakouts.
- Niacinamide -This all-rounder ingredient, also known as Vitamin B3, is perfect for young skin. It helps restore the skin’s natural barrier and promote an overall clearer complexion. Niacinamide can reduce inflammation, which can help ease redness from acne and eczema, and even help reduce inflammatory spots such as papules and pustules. By keeping skin smooth over time you may notice a reduction in the appearance of pores, smoother skin, as well as less excess oil which regulates 'skin shine'.
- Hyaluronic Acid –Whether your teen has oily, dry or combination skin, this ingredient is great in reducing inflammation, soothing irritated skin and most of all, locking in the skin’s moisture. This ingredient is perfect for skin that’s easily irritated, acne-prone or oily, as it doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts and it’s gentle on young skin! It’s also perfect for those that suffer from dry skin, or mild to moderate eczema!
- Azelaic Acid –Another great ingredient that helps target bacteria that causes irritation or breakouts, while also reducing inflammation. This helps skin and blemishes to become less visible, red and irritated. Azelaic acid also promoted cell turnover which helps skin heal more quickly and therefore reducing the likelihood of scarring from spots.
- Jojoba Oil –This Oil is a great anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the symptoms of Dermatitis, Acne, and Eczema. Having a similar composition to that of sebum (skin’s natural oil), Jojoba oil is easily absorbed into the skin, and doesn’t clog pores, meaning it won’t cause breakouts like some ingredients. It also helps fight bacterial growth in pores while strengthening the skin barrier, leading to healthier skin that’s less likely to breakout! As jojoba oil is a great source of moisture, skin will look less dull, feel softer and smoother, and will bring back that childhood glow!
Skincare Routine for Teens (12-19) - Developed with Dermatologists
Navigating the world of teenage skincare is crucial, as teen skin undergoes rapid changes that require special attention. Adopting a routine that includes skincare for teens and face products for teens can make all the difference. It's not just about applying products; it’s about consistency and the quality of ingredients used. The best skincare routines for teenagers focus on gentle yet effective components like salicylic acid and niacinamide, known for their prowess in targeting teenage acne and promoting clear skin.
How can we make your life easier?
We know there is a lot to take in. So, we have made it simple, follow the three to four skincare routine steps and the best active ingredients for teens, formulated into the best products for teenagers with our Bare Addiction skin care range. We have three value bundles to make it easy, we have gift set options if you want to make their routine more special:
Bare Necessity Kit – Your perfect tween starter kit with all the essentials to get your Teen's skin under control and start their journey to healthy skin. An easy, three product routine, perfect for those Teens needing a first routine, or who just want a no fuss, result driven routine (Top Tip: Use the day cream at night for extra hydration).
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Includes:
- Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser: Deeply cleanses to unclog pores while reducing excess oil and the appearance of spots, redness and pores.
- Rapid Action Spot Gel: Moisturises and soothes to reduce the appearance of redness, spots and pores without drying the skin.
- Daily Defence Moisturiser: Hydrating spot protection that reduces excess oil and controls shine.
Clear by Day & Night Kit - All the necessities for daily & nightly defence against spots, oily and sensitive skin. This kit gives your Teen all the basic skincare products, with two moisturisers to give a proper AM and PM routine.
- Includes:
- Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser: Deeply cleanses to unclog pores while reducing excess oil and the appearance of spots, redness and pores.
- Rapid Action Spot Gel: Apply a thin layer to target area to reduce the appearance of redness and size of spots. Follow with an SPF or night cream. Apply serums before applying the spot cream.
- Daily Defence Moisturiser: Apply liberally to the face 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply frequently or after towel drying, swimming or extensive perspiration. Limit time in the sun, especially between 10am and 2pm.
- Nightly Refresh Moisturiser: In the evening, apply a small amount to hands, then gently massage onto the face and neck.
Clear & Bright Kit - All you need to help protect your teenager's skin against sensitive, red & problem-prone skin. This is our full range, with a cleanser, a serum and spot treatment, and two moisturisers, giving a more full and complete AM and PM routine for the most difficult and problematic skin.
- Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser: Deeply cleanses to unclog pores while reducing excess oil and the appearance of spots, redness and pores.
- Anti-Blemish Boost Serum: Reduces the appearance of redness, spots and pores, while supporting healthier skin for a shine-free glow.
- Rapid Action Spot Gel: Moisturises and soothes to reduce the appearance of redness, spots and pores without drying the skin.
- Daily Defence Moisturiser: Hydrating spot protection that reduces excess oil and controls shine.
- Nightly Refresh Moisturiser: Overnight spot and oil defence that soothes and hydrates skin while improving overall complexion.
Skincare gift sets for tweens & pre-teens
Being a Teenager is hard enough. Experiencing hormonal changes, getting oily skin and spots is not fun, and sometimes getting skincare to help target these problems isn't always exciting. That's why we have created our giftsets to have some fun accessories to help raise their mood and perfect for 13-19 years old!
So if you are looking for the best acne cleanser for teens, or the best teen skin care products, you can find it all below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about teen routines
What are the best ingredients for teenage skin?
Teenagers should look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants. These ingredients help to control acne, hydrate the skin, and protect against environmental damage. For more information, check out Acne Support .
Why is salicylic acid recommended for teenage skin?
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce acne. It's particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin, making it ideal for teenagers dealing with breakouts.
How often should teens cleanse their skin?
Teens should cleanse their skin twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. This helps to remove dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to acne. More details can be found at British Association of Dermatologists.
Is it necessary for teens to use a moisturiser?
Yes, even if a teenager has oily skin, using a moisturiser is essential. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturisers that won't clog pores but will keep the skin hydrated and balanced.
What type of sunscreen is best for teenage skin?
Teenagers should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Non-comedogenic and oil-free sunscreens are ideal to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Can diet affect teenage skin?
Yes, diet can play a significant role in skin health. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can improve skin condition. Avoiding excessive sugar and dairy may also help reduce acne.
What is the role of niacinamide in teenage skincare?
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, helps to reduce inflammation, control oil production, and improve the skin barrier. It's beneficial for teens with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
How can teens deal with severe acne?
For severe acne, it's best to consult with a dermatologist. They may recommend prescription treatments such as retinoids, antibiotics, or hormonal therapies to manage the condition effectively.
Why is consistency important in a teenage skincare routine?
Consistency is key to seeing results from skincare products. Regular use helps to maintain skin health, prevent breakouts, and address ongoing skin concerns effectively.
Are there any skincare ingredients teens should avoid?
Teens should avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates, as these can irritate the skin and exacerbate acne. Always choose products that are gentle and formulated for sensitive skin.
Summary: Best skincare for Teenagers
For those experiencing teenage skin concerns, selecting the best skincare for teenage acne means finding solutions that cater to the unique hormonal fluctuations that characterize these years. Regular use of products designed for teenager skin, which may include specialized teenage skin care products or even gift sets for teens, helps to establish a habit of skincare that can lead to long-term benefits.
Effective teen skin care is about more than clearing up today’s acne; it's about setting the foundation for healthy skin for life. By integrating the best skincare for teenagers into daily routines, young individuals learn the importance of self-care and the value of investing in their well-being. Whether they’re dealing with teen skin, teenage skin, or more mature teenager skin, the right teenage skincare products can boost confidence and encourage a positive self-image.
You will be on your way to giving your teen their best skincare routine and products!
Let us know if this article helped or if there was anything you wanted us to cover?
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About the Author: Mark Poole
Mark Poole is the founder and managing director of Bare Addiction. Mark has extensive experience in the beauty and cosmetics industry, as well as founding and developing the Bare Addiction range with industry leading dermatologists and formulation experts.
