What is a good skincare routine for teenage girls?

Why does teenage skin get spots?

Hormonal changes during puberty increase oil production. Oil and dead skin cells can block the openings where hairs grow, allowing bacteria to grow and cause inflammation. Acne can include blackheads, whiteheads, pus filled spots and deeper painful lumps. The type of acne helps determine whether shop bought treatment is enough or you need a doctor.12

What is a simple skincare routine for teenage girls?

In the morning:

1. 1Wash gently with a mild cleanser and your fingertips. Do not scrub with a washcloth, sponge or cleansing tool.
2. 2Apply moisturizer after washing.
3. 3Before going outdoors, apply a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to skin not covered by clothing. Look for "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" on the label.

At night:

1. 1Remove makeup and wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
2. 2If you use an acne treatment, apply it as directed on the package or by your doctor. The amount and frequency matter.
3. 3Apply moisturizer. For retinol, moisturizer goes on after the treatment.

Makeup removal wipes do not replace washing your face, even if the packet would like the job. Wash after sweating, too, but do not add repeated washes throughout the day: excessive washing can irritate acne prone skin.14

What skincare products should teenage girls use?

Choose gentle products, with "alcohol free" on the label, and skincare and makeup labelled "noncomedogenic," meaning designed not to clog pores. Some products with these labels still cause breakouts in some people, so replace a product if it seems to be causing problems. Cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen form the basic routine, which gives the bathroom shelf fewer departments to run.134

For acne, a pharmacist can help you choose between treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Adapalene is another acne treatment worth discussing. Availability and prescription requirements depend on where you live.12

What if your skin is oily or sensitive?

Oily skin still needs gentle washing, not scrubbing. For sensitive skin, lower strength benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are options to discuss with a pharmacist. Avoid irritating astringents, toners and exfoliants while treating acne: they can dry the skin and make acne look worse. An exfoliating step is not something you need to add automatically.134

Should teenage girls use retinol?

Retinol is not a required step in a basic teenage routine. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help prevent clogged pores, but an acne treatment such as adapalene has a specific role in treating teenage acne. Retinoids are the broader family of vitamin A treatments; retinol and adapalene are not interchangeable product names.15

If you choose retinol, test a small area first and wait a couple of days for redness or itching. Follow its directions, start slowly at bedtime, and finish with moisturizer. For adapalene, a pea sized amount across the face after cleansing is general guidance; follow your particular product or prescription instructions. Do not use adapalene only as a spot treatment.15

Retinol can cause dryness, peeling, itching or burning and increase sensitivity to sunlight. If a test patch becomes very red or itchy, do not proceed with full face use. Sensitive or allergy prone skin needs extra care. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare provider before using retinol. If you already have prescribed acne treatment, follow that plan rather than adding products independently.45

How do teenagers get clear skin?

• Keep using a suitable treatment consistently instead of switching products every few days.
• Do not pick or squeeze spots. Picking increases the risk of scars and dark marks and makes acne take longer to clear.
• If your hair is oily, shampoo more often and keep hair away from your face. Hair oil can contribute to forehead acne.
• Avoid tanning outdoors or in tanning beds. Seek shade and use protective clothing as well as sunscreen; some acne medicines increase sensitivity to sunlight.

For acne medication intended to treat an area, spread a thin layer over acne prone skin rather than treating only visible blemishes. This helps treat existing acne and prevent new breakouts. Follow the label for individual spot treatments, and use the full plan if a dermatologist has prescribed several medicines.4

How long does an acne routine take to work?

Give an acne treatment at least four weeks. If it works for you, improvement usually appears in four to six weeks; clearing can take two to three months or longer. Keep using a treatment that is helping, even after spots clear, to prevent new breakouts. If nothing improves after four to six weeks, ask about adding a treatment that targets a different cause rather than buying several similar products.4

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor early for deep, painful lumps, lots of spots or scarring. Get medical help for hot, swollen or red skin that could signal infection; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Acne affecting your mood or confidence is also a reason to seek help. If a consistent routine has not controlled acne after about three months, arrange an appointment. Prescription options include creams, gels and tablets, chosen for the type and severity of acne.12