Skincare for teens: what to use and what to skip

What changes during the teenage years?

Hormonal changes during puberty increase oil production. Excess oil and dead skin cells can block hair follicles, the openings where hair grows, and bacteria inside can cause inflammation and pus. Acne can affect the face, chest and back. Blackheads and whiteheads are different from deep, painful lumps, and the treatment needed depends on the severity. Teen skincare does not automatically mean acne treatment: without breakouts, focus on cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection.123

How should teens use skincare morning and night?

1. 1Cleanse gently. For acne, wash up to twice daily and after sweating. Use your fingertips rather than a washcloth, sponge or scrubbing tool. Dry or sensitive skin can need only one wash, in the evening.
2. 2Apply acne medicine if needed, following its own directions. Different products have different schedules, so do not give every treatment the same instructions.
3. 3Apply moisturizer after washing. Keep moisturizing when using acne treatments, which can cause dryness.
4. 4In the morning, finish with sunscreen. Apply broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin when outdoors. Seek shade and use protective clothing too.
5. 5At night, remove makeup and cleanse before treatment and moisturizer.

Introduce one new product at a time so you can tell whether your skin tolerates it.1

What skincare products are best for teens?

Choose a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser and a lightweight, fragrance free moisturizer. Added fragrance can trigger irritation or allergic reactions. For acne, look for skincare and makeup labeled noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores. Choose sunscreen with that label too. A product looking fun or costing more does not make it better for teen skin, even if the packaging has excellent career prospects on social media.12

Skip cosmetic retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids bought to target wrinkles or sun damage. These are not routine needs for young skin and can cause redness, burning or peeling. Acne treatment is a separate decision: a dermatologist can recommend an appropriate retinoid or salicylic acid. During acne treatment, avoid astringents, irritating toners and extra exfoliants, and choose gentle products labeled alcohol free.14

What can teens use for acne?

For blackheads, whiteheads and milder breakouts, pharmacy treatments can help. A pharmacist can advise on salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Deep, painful acne needs a doctor rather than a stronger shopping basket.25

Benzoyl peroxide washes at 5% to 10% are an option for oily teen skin; sensitive skin calls for a lower percentage. Adapalene directions include a pea sized amount over the entire face after cleansing. Ask a clinician which medicine fits your acne before adding a retinoid, especially if you already have prescribed treatment.15

How long does acne treatment take?

Expect several weeks to a few months before seeing a difference. Use treatment regularly for about three months before deciding it has not controlled mild acne. Switching treatments repeatedly can irritate skin and cause more breakouts. A spot treatment applied overnight does not mean the pimple will be gone by morning. Do not wait three months for help with painful lumps, scarring or significant distress.245

Is The Ordinary skincare good for teens?

Some formulas suit teen needs; choose the individual product, not the whole brand. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is labeled suitable for teenagers with mild to moderate acne and targets congestion including blackheads and whiteheads. Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan is a lightweight gel moisturizer offered for oily skin. Neither example makes additional serums or masks necessary.167

For the US Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, The Ordinary's routine instructions say once daily in the evening, after cleansing and before moisturizer. Apply a thin layer to the affected area. The medicine directions allow gradual increases if needed, but start once daily; reduce to every other day for bothersome dryness or peeling. Test a small area once daily for three days before full use. Sensitive skin can find this formula unsuitable.7

The Ordinary advises against combining this solution with other acids, retinoids or peptides, and advises daytime sunscreen because sun sensitivity can increase. Another topical acne medicine raises the risk of irritation and dryness; if irritation occurs, use only one at a time. Rinse off and stop for irritation, hives, swelling around the eyes or mouth, blistering or difficulty breathing, and seek medical help right away.7

What skincare tips help teens?

Makeup removal wipes do not replace a face wash, however convincingly the packet auditions for the job.5

• Do not pick or squeeze spots. Picking delays clearing and increases the risk of scars and dark marks.
• If hair is oily, shampoo more often and keep it away from your face. Hair oil can contribute to forehead acne.
• Wash after sweaty exercise, and regularly clean items that touch your face, including phones, sports helmets and makeup brushes.
• Avoid tanning outdoors or in tanning beds. Tanning can worsen acne, and some acne medicines increase sensitivity to ultraviolet light.
• For body acne, wear loose, breathable clothing, especially when exercising.
• If you use hormonal contraception, discuss skin changes with your GP because contraception can affect acne.

When should a teen see a doctor?

Get help for deep or painful spots, scars, persistent dark marks, reactions to skincare or acne that has not improved after a few months of treatment. Hot, swollen skin with redness can indicate infection; redness can be harder to see on brown or black skin. Acne affecting confidence, anxiety or mood is also a reason to seek care. A pediatrician or GP can start treatment and refer to a dermatologist.125

Prescription options include medicines applied to skin, such as retinoids and antibiotics, and tablets for more severe acne. Topical antibiotics should be paired with benzoyl peroxide to reduce antibiotic resistance, when bacteria become harder to treat. Oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments and isotretinoin require a doctor's assessment; isotretinoin is generally reserved for severe acne when other treatments have not worked.25