Beginner’s Guide to Teen Skincare: Keep It Simple

I am a mum of a teen girl and a beauty content creator myself, so I know all too well about how social media trends are currently influencing young people today with skincare becoming more like toys, ornaments and collectors items, rather than treatment for delicate, young skin.

A quick browse through social channels will have you thinking you need a 10 step routine that’s packed with active ingredients such as retinol and acids. I am here to tell you that this is absolutely not the case. Skincare doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or like a big task. Especially while your skin is so young.

Take it from me, teenagers do not need an expensive 10 step routine, exfoliating toners just because the packaging is pink and pretty, or skin actives that will quickly land you with an expensive appointment with a dermatologist. What teens need is a delicate approach to skincare keeping things simple with a less is more approach. It will surprise you just how simple a teens skincare routine needs to be!

With teenage skin its important to support your skin barrier by keeping it happy because its when it’s stripped, over exfoliated, dry and made unhappy that skin concerns start to occur.

Think of your skin as a garden that you have to look after. It needs hydration, gentle care, patience and nurturing.

The Essential Daily Routine for a Teenager

Whats's the minimum steps required for a teenage skincare routine?

A teens skincare routine is just 3 simple steps. ‍

Step 1 - Cleanse

Use a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove impurities that include dirt, sweat and oil from your pores. Keeping pores clear is essential for avoiding breakouts.

Step 2 - Moisturise

Apply a lightweight moisturiser morning and night, that’s formulated to avoid clogging pores (non-comedogenic. This will allow the skin to breathe and will help prevent blackheads and white heads while combating and dryness and eliminating excess oil. Keeping the skin well balanced.

Step 3 - SPF (morning only)

If I could every teach my readers one thing is that no matter your age SPF 365 days of the year is a must! It's a non negotiabe step and a product that sghould be used even in the winter! Use SPF30+ to protect your skin from sun damage, skin cancer and pigmentation. The older you will thank the younger you when you get to your forties!

What Acids are safe to use on Teenage skin?

Whilst I have touched upon the fact that teenagers do not need acids for their skin there is two exceptions. These skincare ingredients that can be helpful when it comes to teenage skin.

Hyaluronic Acid – This is a hydrating acid that does not strip the skin. An amazing ingredient for all ages that you will find in most serums and moisturisers for a boost of hydration. I like to think of this ingredient as a thirst quencher. A drink for thirsty skin.

Salicylic Acid – If you suffer with blackheads and blemishes this is the ingredient that will help. It’s antibacterial and also anti-inflammatory. So will help clean out your pores and reduce the size of any blemishes and the appearance of blemishes by calming redness. It’s also a fab ingredient if your skin is quite oily as it helps balance the skin reducing excess oil. If you haven’t tried this ingredient before please use with caution. Only using on the congested areas of the skin.

My Teenage skincare helpful hints and FAQ's

Where can I go to get advice on skincare products?

If you aren’t sure seek help. Whilst skincare has been created to help the skin, if used incorrectly it can cause damage. Damage that’s sometimes irreversible and damage that may need the help of a dermatologist to correct. There are so many people that can now help you when it comes to deciding if a product is right for you. Lot’s of brands have online AI skin consultants now thats asks specific questions about your skin and also can map the face to identify your skins needs. You can also contact the brands directly by DM on social media or even visit the professionals that work for the brands in store or at beauty stockists such as SpaceNK & John Lewis.

What age should I start using skincare?

There is no right or wrong answer here, but, from me to you I would advise no younger than 10 and definetely start by the age of 12. Using only my Essential daily guide. Cleanse, Moisturiser, SPF. No actives needed. Keep it simple.

When it comes to skincare for teenagers what Ingredients or steps should teens avoid?

Exfoliation – Unless advised professionally that this is needed, I would stay clear or physical and chemical exfoliating products. Over exfoliating can upset the skin barrier causing irritation, redness, inflammation, ACNE and blemishes. Remember our skin is like a garden that needs gentle care.

Active ingredients -  Active ingredients usually present in the form of a serum and are aimed at more mature skin for targeting skin concerns such as anti ageing, hyperpigmentation, brightening and exfoliating. These ingredients are Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal & Bakuchoil), Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Gycolic Acid. All ingredients that are not teen approved.

Fragrance & Alcohol – Believe it or not, lots of skincare contains fragrance. Artificial fragrance, essential oils and also alcohol. These ingredients can be drying and also can cause inflammation and irritation.

Over Cleansing – The skin requires harmony. It needs some of its own natural oils so we must cleanse but not strip using a gentle mild cleanser no more than twice a day.

Can teens share skincare with their parents?

Generally no, as a parents skin is more mature their skincare is likely to have ingredients to help target skin concerns such as fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Teenage Skincare Brand Recommendations – The ones I trust

Remember when it comes to skincare for teens we are keeping it simple. Its not about the packaging it’s about what’s good for your skin and it definetely doesn’t need to be expensive. My own teens tried and tested these brands for you so I can wholeheartedly recommend.

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Cera-Ve

La Roche Posay

The Ordinary

Byoma

Dermalogica – Clear start

The Inkey List

Bioderma

Kiehls

Bubble

I hope my guide to teenage skin was helpful.

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Nicola XXX

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