What should a tween or teen use?

Choose a particular product for its purpose and ingredients, not the brand alone. Young skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. Retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids aimed at adult concerns can cause redness, burning or peeling without benefiting young skin. A routine can do its job with a few consistently used products, even if that leaves the wish list looking underemployed.1

  1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser without scrubbing. For dry or sensitive skin, washing once daily in the evening can be enough.
  2. 2Apply a fragrance free moisturizer regularly to help relieve dryness and itchiness.
  3. 3Use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. Apply sunscreen after other skincare and before makeup, 15 minutes before going outdoors.
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Introduce one new product at a time. For sensitive skin, test a small amount before applying it to the whole face. Stop using a product immediately if it irritates your skin.12

What if a teen needs acne treatment?

Acne treatment is different from buying adult skincare. A dermatologist can recommend a retinoid, a vitamin A based treatment, or salicylic acid for a teen or tween when appropriate. Seek dermatology care if products cause reactions, acne leaves dark marks or scars, or breakouts have not improved after a few months of treatment bought without a prescription.12

Does turning 20 change the answer?

In your 20s, add a treatment only for a concern you actually have. Vitamin C can address dark spots and skin aging; retinoids can address acne, fine lines and texture. Vitamin C goes on after morning cleansing and before sunscreen. Retinoids are applied before bed, 20 to 30 minutes after washing. These are general skincare directions, not instructions for every Drunk Elephant formula.2

Allow at least 30 days of consistent use to judge whether a skincare product is working. Switching products too often can prevent progress, which makes a crowded shelf a poor substitute for patience.2

Why do Drunk Elephant's terms mention 16 and 18?

Drunk Elephant's US website is not intended for anyone under 16. Buying through it requires being 18 or the age of majority where you live. Those are website access and purchase rules, not ages at which every product becomes suitable for your skin.3

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1A dermatologist’s guide to skincare from growing up to glowing upaad.org
  2. 2Dermatologist-recommended skin care for your 20saad.org
  3. 3Terms & Conditions: Our Site’s Rules and Guidelinesdrunkelephant.com