Consultant dermatologist Dr Sreedhar Krishna earmarks twelve as a good ballpark age but reiterates that it comes down to the onset of puberty. “This is when hormonal changes can lead to skin issues like acne, making it crucial to establish good skincare habits early on,” he says. Alongside combatting issues such as acne as a result of hormonal changes, pollution – an increasing issue in city living – is also a reason to start skincare young. “Teenagers’ skin is exposed to various pollutants, making a proper skincare routine crucial to cleanse the skin of dirt and pollutants,” Krishna says.
The benefits of doing so are myriad. “Skincare can act as a confidence booster and reduce stress for teenagers dealing with exam pressure, emotional issues, and other challenges,” he notes. It’s also good to get into the habit young. “Skincare is a lifelong pursuit, and starting early can lead to healthier and more youthful-looking skin in later life,” Krishna confirms. A teen skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated, which we will go into more specifically later.
What should a teen skincare routine look like?
One thing all the experts agree on? Less is more. Teens don’t need multi-step routines packed with potent actives – just a few hard-working, skin-friendly basics to build healthy habits (and confidence) from the get-go.
Dr Sreedhar Krishna suggests the following baseline routine for any teen:
Ahead, we’ve tailored that routine to suit different teen skin types.
1. Best teenage routine for all skin types:
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
Why we love it: Like a green juice for the face, this rich gel cleanser is a powerful but gentle daily face wash. Formulated with superfood antioxidants including kale, spinach, and green tea, it works effectively to prevent buildup in pores, remove makeup, and balance pH without drying or stripping the skin.
– Key ingredients: Spinach, Aloe Vera, Green Tea.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Why we love it: Every dermatologist knows that the best hyaluronic acid serums are a safe bet for every skin type, particularly when it comes to face serums. Our top pick? The Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid serum, which comes approved by our very own Senior Beauty Editor Elle Turner, who rates this formula for its hydrating properties and quality ingredients.
Why we love it: Forget a chalky finish or uncomfortable texture, this sunscreen is one of the best formulas around, suitable for every skin type. Making everyday suncare realistic, the formula is totally invisible while providing broad-spectrum protection without ever blocking pores or increasing oil production. A must.
– Key ingredients: Red Algae and Frankincense.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Pros
Feels lightweight and undetectable on skin.
Cons
Can feel a little greasy on oily skin.
Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Cream Moisturiser
Why we love it: Bubble’s Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturiser is a great everyday cream that suits all skin types. It features a nourishing (and non-greasy) formula that’s packed with restorative nutrients, such as Aloe Leaf Juice and Hoya Lacosuna Flower Extract. Soothing, hydrating and hydrating – what’s not to love?
Review: “It does a really good job of hydrating skin and keeping it nourished and soft without it feeling too heavy,” 15-year-old Leela said.
– Key ingredients: Vitamin E, Avocado Oil, Glycerin.
– Fragrance free: yes.
Pros
Skin is left feeling nourished, calm and protected.
Aloe Leaf Juice is an antioxidant that protects, soothes, and moisturises.
Suitable for sensitive skin.
Cons
2. Best for acne-prone teenage skin:
Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel 10ml
Why we love it: A long standing bestseller for a reason, this blemish-fighting formula penetrates deep into pores to help clear them of debris, fight blemishes including blackheads, and help prevent new spots form by absorbing excess oil. With 1.5% Salicylic Acid, it gets to work fast and makes clear skin a reality quick.
Why we love it: Ideal for breakout-prone skin, this super lightweight daily moisturiser with SPF minimises shine and the appearance of pores. Not only is it non-comedogenic, but it’s also formulated to ensure lasting hydration without feeling greasy on the skin. It also features soothing properties as well as a mattifying finish to keep excess shine at bay, making it suitable for oily skin too.
– Key ingredients: Green tea extract and Vitamin E.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Pros
Protects while also targeting spots.
Cons
The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches
Why we love it: Having some pimple patches in your arsenal will not only help keep breakouts at bay, but also help boost confidence. Breakouts can be pretty hard to deal with during teenage years. The INKEY List’s Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches are clinically proven to minimise the look of blemishes in just four hours. Hydrocolloid with salicylic and succinic acids help purify the skin and visibly diminish redness, while ectoin provides a boost of hydration. She can also wear them under makeup.
– Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid, Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid and Ectoin.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Pros
Cons
To help keep in place, they’ll need to avoid applying multiple layers of skincare and/or makeup over the patch.
Bubble Super Clear 2% Salicylic Acid Blemish Prevention Serum
Why we love it: This salicylic acid has been blended with colloidal oatmeal to make it gentle. It can help break down dead skin cells that can block pores and lead to acne. Introduce it slowly once or twice a week then increase frequency as needed
Review: “The Super Clear Serum has reduced the appearance of any blemishes I had. However, if you have sensitive skin I would recommend only using the serum a couple of times a week, rather than every night, because it may feel too much for your skin,” tester Josie said.
– Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid and Colloidal Oatmeal.
Why we love it: London-based Spots & Stripes make beauty products for teens and teens only – with an ethos of simple yet effective products that don’t damage delicate young skin. This cleansing lotion follows the same philosophy. Vitamin-soaked oils, virgin coconut and kukui lift away impurities to leave skin feeling balanced and soft while essential oils like chamomile, lavender and mint calm, refresh and combat blemish-causing bacteria.
– Key ingredients: Virgin Coconut Oil , Kukui and Kanuka.
– Fragrance free: No.
Pros
Cleanses effectively and removes build-up.
Cons
May not be suitable for dry/sensitive skin.
Hero Mighty Pimple Patches Original 24
Why we love it: The Hero Mighty Pimple Patches are considered the best for a reason. Whether you’re dealing with an early-stage zit or if you’re trying to sort out a more stubborn pimple, these overnight patches will help in the most effective and quick way possible. Loaded with medical-grade hydrocolloid, The Hero Mighty Pimple Patches will help absorb impurities within 6-8 hours while you’re sound asleep. Also suitable for sensitive skin.
– Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
3. Best teenage skin routine for oily skin:
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser with Niacinamide
Why we love it: A foaming gel face wash is a good choice to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup but you don’t want something that ever strips the skin. This soap-free formula is therefore just the ticket. Packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this cleanser maintains the skin’s protective barrier, combats excess sebum and locks in moisture while calming the skin.
– Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Pros
Cons
May not be suitable for dry skin (the hydrating formula is preferable).
Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50
Why we love it: Young skin needs SPF 30 and above every day – but 50 if possible – without fail. This sunscreen for face is a great choice for teens as it sinks in quickly and doesn’t feel sticky. It features SPF 50 protection and is fortified with vitamins C and E, plus green tea extract, to lead the antioxidant defence against pollutants. Suitable for normal to oily skin types, this SPF formula also features a matte finish and should be reapplied every two hours if sun exposure is high.
– Key ingredients: Vitamin C and E, plus green tea extract.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Pros
Oil-free and high protection.
Cons
Bubble Day Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum
Why we love it: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can protect skin from damage, stimulate collagen growth and support existing collagen. It can provide relief from hyperpigmentation caused by acne and overall, support skin tone and texture. This serum contains a gentler derivative of vitamin C that’s better-suited to young skin.
Review: “When I then used the Day Dream Serum afterwards, and this made my skin feel even and smooth,” 15-year-old Leela told us. “This was a very good product and I rate it an 7/10.”
– Key ingredients: Vitamin C and Niacinamide.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Pros
Brightening and full of antioxidants.
Cons
May be too potent for sensitive skin types.
Nip + Fab Teen Skin Fix Zero Shine Moisturiser
Why we love it: From an affordable skincare brand Nip + Fab, the excellent Teen Skin range is a great starting point. This formula comes with mattifying powders to ensure shine-free days while niacinamide helps to regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
– Key ingredients: Niacinamide and Zinc.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Pros
Mattifying with soothing niacinamide.
Cons
4. Best for sensitive teenage skin:
Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream 50ml
Why we love it: This feather-light, oil-free moisturiser feels cooling on the skin and works wonders on thirsty skin in need of a big glass of hydration. Thanks to the Tri-Ceramide Complex (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids), it bolsters the skin barrier while adding moisture. It’s a great night cream.
– Key ingredients: Ceramides, Niacinamide and Green Tea.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Pros
Lightweight and hydrating.
Cons
Dry skin may need a richer formulation.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser Sensitive Skin
Why we love it: French pharmacy brands are always a safe bet when it comes to simple-yet-effective skincare and La Roche Posay is the cream of the crop. Suitable for the most sensitive of skin types, this milky cleanser soothes skin and removes daily grime and makeup without ever stripping the skin.
– Key ingredients: Glycerine and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
Pros
Very gentle and soothing on skin.
Cons
Not always enough to remove makeup alone.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Facial Moisturiser
Why we love it: When it comes to picking the right moisturiser for sensitive skin, you can’t go wrong with French pharmaceutical brands such as La Roche-Posay. Formulated specially for sensitive skin in mind, this cream is enriched with glycerin, ceramide and niacinamide to help soothe the skin and deliver lasting hydration.
Eucerin Sun Allergy Protection Sun Cream for Face & Body SPF 50+
Why we love it: Whether you’re prone to allergies or eye sensitivity, this suitable SPF formula from Eucerin is one of the most quality option out there, and for a good reason. This clincally-proven formulation is fragrance free, water resistant, non-greasy and lightweight – all of which are important factors to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin.
– Key ingredients: Glycerin, among standard SPF ingredients.
– Fragrance free: Yes.
5. Best for dry teenage skin:
BYOMA Moisturising Rich Cream
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a quality moisturiser for dry or dehydrated skin, we highly recommend this rich formula from Byoma, which boasts a unique barrier boosting Tri-Ceramide Complex that will soothe the skin and help strengthen its natural moisture barrier. Oh, and did we mention that it also comes tested and approved by dermatologists?
Why we love it: This gentle, fragrance-free cleanser removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin of moisture, plus it’s packed with barrier-building ceramides. It can be used in the morning and evening. All you’ll need to do is wet the skin with lukewarm water and massage the cleaner into your face in gentle, circular motions. Then, rinse.
Why we love it: Name a more fitting duo than dry skin and hyaluronic acid… we’ll wait. This hydration hero from The Ordinary is not only affordable but is also proven to deliver instant results, offering a visibly glowy and plump complexion immediately after application. Over long-term use, this formula can also help soothe irritation and deliver the necessary nourishment that the skin so desperately needs during the change of seasons.
– Key ingredients: 5 forms of hyaluronic acid, ceramides.
Why we love it: Ultra Violette is a coveted Australian brand that’s known for their quality sunscreen formulas. One of their bestsellers? The Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF, which is one of the best hydrating formulas we’ve tried at GLAMOUR HQ. Offering a dewy finish, this sunscreen doesn’t result in a white cast and sits beautifully underneath makeup.
Hold up: what are the differences between skincare products for teens and adults?
Teens have different skin types and concerns in comparison to adult women, so products should be adjusted accordingly. “Skincare routines should be personalised and adapted to address the specific needs of each age group,” Krishna notes.
For teens that are suffering at the hands of puberty-induced oily and acne-prone skin, a very common concern, there are particular products that can be beneficial. “Products that target oiliness and acne, such as oil-free cleansers, spot treatments, and non-comedogenic moisturisers, are beneficial,” Krishna says. “Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help treat and prevent acne,” he also adds.
Beyond this, it’s better to stick to a simple routine that includes a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF – and not experiment with active ingredients aimed at older skin. “Teenage girls on the whole need very gentle products with minimal ingredients. They have delicate skin and it should be protected,” Crawthorne recommends.
“Older women tend to need to focus on products that will repair long term UV damage such as mottled pigmentations, sun spots, melasma and lack of glow to the skin. These are not things that teenage girls suffer from – their glow is abundant,” Crawthorne says.
Furthermore, popular ingredients seen in adult skincare, like retinol, are a definite no-no on teen skin. “When teenage girls use many of these products they end up causing irritation to the skin barrier that might induce acne and/or a rosacea or so commonly a perioral dermatitis,” Crawthorne adds.
Should teens and tweens be using active skincare?
There’s some unease around more potent active ingredients and whether they’re appropriate or safe for tween skin. “The main thing to keep in mind when it comes to younger skin is that we build a routine that is simple, effective, but one that doesn’t overwhelm the skin to the point where their delicate skin barrier can be compromised,” insists Dr Mahto. “If, however, there are some skincare concerns, the most common one being acne, then there are a few actives that can be introduced,” she adds.
“For young adults prone to breakouts, salicylic acid is a great active ingredient to introduce in the form of cleansers and the best toners. Benzoyl peroxide can also help manage acne and spots,” advises Dr Ayed.
However, there are ways of adding these ingredients in that are measured and gentle. “Depending on the skin concern, I would advise introducing one active at a time,” recommends Dr Mahto. “If acne is a concern, then choose salicylic acid to begin with and keep the rest of the routine streamlined,” she says.
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