Best Skincare for Teenagers: A Guide for Mums to Care for Teenage Skin
As your child enters their teen years, fluctuating hormones can cause their skin to shift from one extreme to the other. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best ways to support your teen’s skin and set them up with a healthy, confident start with their skincare routine.
As a mum, you’re probably asking yourself, 'what skincare should my teenager use?' From acne and oily patches to dry spots and irritation, hormones can change your teens skin from one extreme to another. The truth is, skincare for teenagers is all about finding balance. It’s about offering them products that are gentle yet effective, helping them navigate the ups and downs of teenage skin with confidence.
Skincare for Teenage Skin: Understanding the Basics
Teenage skin is a world of its own. One day, it’s oily, the next, it’s dry. This fluctuation is a normal part of growing up, driven mostly by hormones. It’s no wonder many teens feel frustrated with their skin. But the good news is, with the right skincare for teenage skin, it’s possible to keep things under control without overwhelming their skin.
So, what skincare should my teenager use? The answer lies in choosing simple, straightforward products that address their skin’s needs without being harsh. From cleansers that remove oil to moisturisers that hydrate, a gentle but consistent skincare routine is key.
When Is the Right Age to Start Skincare for Teens?
While some may argue that skincare routines are reserved for adults, the truth is that the right habits can set them up for healthy skin later on in life. Most experts recommend introducing a teen skincare routine around the age of 11 or 12, when the first signs of puberty start to appear. Of course this is all relative, but at this stage, skin can be prone to dryness or the first little breakouts, so it’s the perfect time to start.
Starting a routine that includes skincare for teenage skin early means your teen will have the tools to handle anything puberty throws at them. And by introducing them to a good habit early, you’re helping them build confidence, not just about their skin, but in their approach to self-care.
Best Skincare for Teens: A Simple Yet Effective Routine
Teenage skin can vary greatly from one person to another, but the foundation of a great skincare routine remains the same. Cleanse, tone, moisturise, and protect. Here’s what to look for when building your teen's routine:
1. Best Cleanser for Teenage Skin: Start Simple
Cleansing is where it all begins. But what’s the best cleanser for teenage skin? The answer is simple, one that’s gentle but effective. Look for a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping their skin of its natural moisture. Clean skin should feel refreshed, not tight.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This gentle cleanser is perfect for teens with sensitive skin. It removes dirt and excess oil without causing irritation, making it one of the best cleansers for teenage skin.
2. Toner: Balance Oil and Pores
After cleansing, toner helps balance their skin’s natural oils and shrinks pores. It’s essential for teens who are battling oily or acne-prone skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Clarifying Lotion
This toner unclogs pores and control excess oil production creating a powerful yet gentle toner. Helping to exfoliate and clears blemishes, it will help your teens skin to look brighter and refine skin texture.
3. Moisturiser: Hydrate Without Overloading
Even problematic skin needs moisture. When choosing a moisturiser, make sure it’s lightweight and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Your teen’s skin will need that extra boost of hydration, especially after washing, to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 30
This two-in-one moisturiser not only hydrates but also protects your skin from harmful UV rays. It’s a perfect match for busy teens who need to shield their skin while keeping moisturised.
4. Sunscreen: Protecting Their Future
One of the most important steps in any skincare routine. Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage, which can lead to premature ageing and skin irritation. Make sure your teen wears a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF30
This sunscreen not only shields against harmful UV rays, but has been specifically developed for sensitive skin. This comfortable formulation isn't sticky and doesn't leave any white marks.
Skincare for Teenage Skin: Addressing Common Concerns
Acne and Breakouts
Acne is a normal part of growing up, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to deal with. For teens struggling with breakouts, it’s important to introduce products that target acne without causing excessive dryness or irritation.
Nip+Fab Teen Skin Fix Spot Zap
Pores and Blackheads
These little pimple patches are an overnight fixer to make whiteheads, blackheads and picked zits disappear by morning.
Dryness and Sensitivity
Dry skin can also be an issue for teens, especially with the changing seasons. Hydrating serums and moisturisers can help keep their skin soft and smooth, preventing irritation and tightness.
Nip+Fab Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 2% Hydration Serum
This serum instantly replenishes and conditions their skin. This formula ensures all layers of your teens skin gets a much-needed hydration hit to look and feel healthy.
Skincare That Gives Your Teen Confidence
Supporting your teen’s skin doesn’t have to be a stressful journey. By offering skincare for teenage skin that is gentle yet effective, you’re giving them the tools they need to feel confident. The best skincare for teens isn’t about perfection, it’s about balance, and creating habits that empower them to feel good in their skin.
Shop Skincare For Teenage Skin
Daily cleanse your skin whilst softening and hydrating with the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 473ml.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Clarifying Lotion targets irregular texture within oily and blemish prone skin, this unique clarifying lotion is also suitable for sensitive skin.
Protect your complexion from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF30! This is ultra-waterproof, sweat-proof and sand-proof!
An easy to use hydrocolloid pimple patch that can be used overnight or under makeup to help treat blackheads and whiteheads.
Need more skincare tips to help your teen? Explore our recent blog on Why Teens Shouldn't Be Using Acids In Their Skincare Routine (And What They Should Use Instead)
