The Ordinary skincare for teenage skin

What does teenage skin actually need?

The foundation is gentle cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection. The Ordinary can supply the cleanser and moisturizer, without turning the bathroom shelf into its entire catalogue. For younger tweens without acne, those basics are enough; teenagers with breakouts can need an acne treatment as well.12

During puberty, rising hormone levels increase production of sebum, the skin's natural oil. Excess oil and dead skin cells can block hair follicles and lead to spots. More oil does not mean the face needs harder scrubbing: excessive exfoliation can cause inflammation.34

Which The Ordinary products should you start with?

Choose one cleanser and one moisturizer to begin. For sensitive skin, look for fragrance free products, because added fragrance can trigger irritation or allergic reactions. When acne is present, look for products marked noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.24

How to build the morning and evening routine

1. 1Cleanse gently. For acne, wash morning and evening without scrubbing. For dry or sensitive skin, cleansing only in the evening can be enough. Remove makeup before bed.
2. 2Apply a targeted treatment only if needed. The Ordinary places its treatment products after cleansing and before moisturizer. Follow the directions for the exact product.
3. 3Apply moisturizer. Keep moisturizing even if the skin is oily or you are using acne treatment, since treatment can cause dryness.
4. 4In the morning, finish with a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Use sunscreen daily, not just when you plan to spend the day outside.

Serums are optional rather than a compulsory middle course. Without a concern that needs treatment, cleansing, moisturizer and sunscreen remain the useful routine.2

What if you have blackheads or spots?

Salicylic acid helps exfoliate and unplug blocked hair follicles. Benzoyl peroxide reduces bacteria and inflammation, meaning redness and swelling. Both are acne treatment options, and a pharmacist can help choose one. For a younger teen or tween, discuss salicylic acid or a retinoid with a dermatologist before adding it.245

The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Masque targets pore congestion, but it is not a starting essential for every teenager. The brand places it after cleansing, once weekly in the evening. Its Balancing & Clarifying Serum targets the appearance of excess oil, pores and uneven texture; those cosmetic goals are different from treating severe acne.1

Blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt, so extra washing does not address their cause. Avoid picking or squeezing spots because it increases the risk of scarring and infection. Choose oil free products for acne prone skin and avoid harsh products or excessive exfoliation.56

Which products should teenagers leave out?

Leave out adult routines built around retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acids for wrinkles and sun damage. These ingredients can cause redness, burning or peeling in young skin without serving an age appropriate need. Acne treatment is a separate case: a dermatologist can recommend salicylic acid or a retinoid when appropriate.2

Prescription acne retinoids such as adapalene and tretinoin are vitamin A related medicines, not a reason to buy a cosmetic wrinkle serum. They are applied to the affected area rather than just individual spots. A clinician can set the treatment plan; sensitive skin often needs a gradual start because retinoids can initially cause dryness and peeling.57

How should you introduce a new product?

Introduce one new product at a time. The Ordinary advises patch testing first and starting new products every other day before increasing use as appropriate. A patch test cannot rule out a later reaction. Take a break or stop if a product causes discomfort.1

If sensitive skin is reacting to shop bought products, see a dermatologist rather than adding another active ingredient. Daily moisturizer helps with the dryness caused by salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but persistent reactions need assessment.2

How long should acne treatment take?

Most acne treatments take at least four to six weeks to produce a noticeable difference, and significant improvement can take one to two months. That is a general acne treatment timeline, not a promised result for a particular The Ordinary product. If acne has not improved after a few months of treatment without a prescription, arrange a dermatology appointment.257

When is skincare shopping not enough?

• See a GP if spots are numerous, deep, painful or causing scars, or if treatment is not helping.
• Seek assessment for hot, swollen or red skin that could indicate infection. Redness can be harder to see on brown or black skin.
• See a dermatologist if breakouts are leaving dark marks or scars.
• Ask for help if acne is affecting mood, confidence or mental health. Emotional impact is a reason to seek treatment, even without severe spots.
• If you use hormonal contraception, discuss skin concerns with your GP because it can affect acne.

Widespread, scarring or persistent acne can need prescription treatment rather than more cosmetic products. Options include medicines applied to the skin and tablets chosen by a clinician. Oral isotretinoin is not safe during pregnancy and requires pregnancy prevention for people who could become pregnant; it is not a treatment to choose or manage yourself.5