Popular skincare for teens: what should you use?

Which skincare should teens start with?

Cetaphil, CeraVe, Neutrogena and Dove are examples of brands with mild cleansing options mentioned in acne care guidance. Choose a mild, nondrying cleanser rather than assuming every product from the same brand does the same job. For moisturizer and makeup, look for water based or noncomedogenic formulas. Brand recognition is not a complete shopping list.3

Should you buy what is popular on social media?

Friends, influencers and celebrities can make elaborate skincare routines seem necessary. Most young skin does not need products aimed at wrinkles, dark spots or sagging, and adult skincare can cause acne, burns or rashes on young skin. Paid skincare videos are advertisements, even when the advertisement has a bathroom mirror. Bright packaging and fun names can attract attention, but neither tells you whether a product suits your needs. Before buying, work out what the routine costs and whether each item addresses an actual concern.1

How do you use a teen skincare routine?

1. 1Wash gently in the morning. For acne prone skin, wash again before bed and after sweating. Do not scrub or repeatedly wash to remove every trace of oil.
2. 2Apply your fragrance free moisturizer. If you get acne, choose an oil free or noncomedogenic formula.
3. 3Apply sunscreen before going outdoors. Use SPF 30 or higher with broad spectrum protection and water resistance on your face and other uncovered skin. Apply it 15 minutes before going outside, after other skincare and beneath makeup.
4. 4Remove makeup before bed and cleanse gently. Leaving makeup on overnight is not part of acne care.
5. 5Use acne medicine according to its package directions or your doctor's plan. The amount, frequency and order depend on the treatment, so do not give every acne product the same instructions.

For outdoor time, add protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses rather than relying on sunscreen alone. An oil free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is a suitable starting choice for teenage skin.6

What if your skin is dry or sensitive?

Start with the basics rather than adding an adult treatment for a problem you do not have. Choose a hydrating cleanser for dry skin and a fragrance free moisturizer. Adjust the routine if your skin becomes drier, including during winter. Stop using a product right away if it irritates your skin. If oiliness is bothering you, ask a doctor about gentle options instead of trying increasingly harsh products.12

Why do teens get spots?

Hormonal changes during puberty increase production of sebum, the skin's oil. Oil and dead skin cells can block hair follicles, the openings commonly called pores, and spots develop. Acne can affect the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. That is why acne care involves gentle cleansing and, when needed, treatment rather than a more determined scrubbing session.467

Which ingredients help with acne?

A pharmacist can help you choose a topical acne treatment, meaning one applied to the skin. Follow the product directions carefully and use it sparingly. Acne medicines can cause redness, dryness or excessive peeling. Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach or discolor towels and clothes. A medicine's strength and application schedule belong to that product's directions.34

Start with one treatment and give it time. Spread a thin layer over the acne prone area rather than treating only visible spots. If there is no improvement after 4 to 6 weeks, a second product targeting a different cause of acne can help. Trying too many products can irritate skin and worsen acne. If a dermatologist has prescribed a plan, follow the whole plan rather than choosing only some parts.5

How long does acne skincare take to work?

Give an acne treatment at least 4 weeks. Some improvement can appear within 4 to 6 weeks, while clearing can take 2 to 3 months or longer. Keep using a treatment that helps to prevent new breakouts. Switching products every few days can irritate skin and worsen acne, so a new bottle is not a shortcut through the calendar.5

What should teens avoid?

• Avoid scrubbing and overusing exfoliating products. Too much exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, the skin's protective outer layer, leaving it raw and irritated.
• Do not squeeze, scratch or pick pimples. Picking can slow healing and cause infection or scarring.
• Avoid greasy cosmetics and creams if you have acne, and remove makeup at night.
• Do not use tanning as acne treatment. Tanning can hide acne while excessive ultraviolet exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.
• Do not assume stress or a particular food explains every breakout. Stress can worsen acne, and there is little evidence that chocolate or greasy foods cause acne in most people.

When should you get help?

See a doctor if spots are deep, painful, numerous or leaving scars, or if acne is worsening despite treatment. Get medical advice for signs of infection, including hot, swollen or red skin; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Acne affecting your confidence or mental health is also a reason to seek help. You do not have to wait until acne is severe to discuss it.4

Prescription options include medicines applied to the skin and tablets, chosen for the type and severity of acne. If you use hormonal contraception, discuss skin changes with your GP because contraception can affect acne. Isotretinoin, an oral medicine used for some severe acne, requires close medical monitoring and must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes severe birth defects.346