5-Step Teen Skincare Routine For Healthy Skin

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Teen skincare routines are essential to maintaining healthy, youthful skin, especially with the many products available from the best skincare brands. But how do you choose the right products when starting your journey to clear, radiant skin? From cleansers to moisturizers, we've got the lowdown on the best teen skincare products and when to use them. Combining the right products in order can help you maintain clear and healthy skin, regardless of age.

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Table Of Contents

Should Teens Have A Skincare Routine?

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Establishing a skincare routine is essential for teenagers, although it may be more relaxed than adults. As children enter puberty, it's still important to instill healthy skincare habits to nourish their skin.

Teenagers produce more oil, have faster skin cell turnover rates, and possess thinner skin than adults. As a result, their skin does not require an extensive routine to maintain its health. Less is more in the case of skincare for teens; a basic routine will suffice. Dr. Zarbo advises that until teens pass puberty, their skin is still evolving and may not have reached its final state. Therefore, a simple skincare routine is ideal to support their skin health.

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When Should Teens Start A Skincare Routine?

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There is no specific age at which young people should start a skincare routine, as everyone is different. Dr. Henry states, “As soon as a teenager is starting to wash their face on their own, that’s the time to start a nice gentle skin care regimen.” 

A good rule of thumb is always to wash your face and apply sunscreen, as these skin care steps are necessary for the health of your skin at any age. Dr. Henry says skincare should be a part of young people's healthcare. The age at which you begin to develop a more specific routine will depend on your needs.

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5-Step Teen Skincare Routine For Healthy Skin

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2. Wash Your Face with a Gentle Cleanser Twice a Day

A gentle cleanser enriched with ceramides is vital for the teenage skincare routine. Unlike regular soap, which can remove too much moisture, a gentle facial cleanser helps support your skin barrier. This simple step can prevent your skin from producing excess oil, keeping your skin fresh and clean.

3. Use a Hydrating Serum

Even oily skin needs hydration, which is where a hydrating serum shines. Serums can seem complicated, but they don't have to be. Incorporating an ultra-hydrating facial serum into your daily skincare routine helps maintain balanced hydration levels, leaving your skin glowing and healthy.

4. Protect Your Skin with an SPF Moisturiser

Sun protection is crucial for teenagers. Even if you don’t sunburn easily, UV radiation accumulates over time, increasing the signs of aging and the risk of skin cancer. Starting young with a facial moisturizer enriched with SPF ensures your skin is shielded daily from these harmful effects.

5. Use a Light Yet Nourishing Moisturizer at Night

Switching out your daytime moisturizer for a night cream ensures your skin is well taken care of round the clock. A light, nourishing moisturizer at night can replenish your skin, leaving you with soft and supple skin come morning. Apply a thin layer to your face and neck before bed and wake up to a refreshed complexion.

16 Teen Skincare Tips For Healthy Skin

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1. Use A Gentle Cleanser

When cleansing your face, using a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type is key. Avoid harsh scrubbing and opt for gentle, circular motions to cover every inch of your face. 

Avoid using soap, which can irritate your pores and lead to acne and pimples. For oily or normal/combination skin, consider using a daily salicylic acid cleanser to control oil production and increase hydration. Salicylic or lactic acid cleansers can help dissolve dirt and oil, unclogging your pores.

2. Moisturize Your Skin

Moisturize your skin twice daily to maintain suppleness and hydration and prevent premature fine lines and wrinkles. If you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to prevent clogging. Gel-based moisturizers are great for acne-prone skin. Look for a moisturizer with broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's rays.

3. Exfoliate Once A Week

Exfoliation is crucial to avoid clogged pores. Look for products containing clay, which has natural antiseptic and astringent properties. Chemical exfoliators with AHAs and salicylic acid are also effective. For sensitive skin, consider homemade scrubs using sugar and honey or oatmeal, honey, and milk.

4. Treat Acne

Teenagers are often prone to acne breakouts due to hormonal changes. To dry out the skin, use sulfur cleansers and masks. Benzoyl peroxide products are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, aiding in acne treatment.

5. Protection From Sun Damage

Use a broad-spectrum moisturizing sunscreen with zinc oxide and SPF 30 or higher. Wear protective clothing when going outdoors to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

6. Take Care Of Your Lips

Apply lip balm before bedtime and consider gentle scrubbing with a cream-coated toothbrush for smooth lips.

7. Use Hand Cream

Apply hand cream to combat dryness, ensuring you don't overdo it to prevent oily residue.

8. Avoid Touching Your Face Frequently

Wash your hands before touching your face. Avoid picking at pimples and opt for gentle spot treatments like benzoyl peroxide.

9. Practice Clean Makeup Habits

Clean makeup applicators regularly and avoid sharing makeup, especially eye and lip products.

10. Wash Off Makeup Before Bed

Use micellar water to remove makeup before bedtime to prevent clogged pores.

11. Use Lukewarm Water

Wash your face with lukewarm water twice a day to preserve skin oils.

12. Follow A Well-Balanced Diet

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding oily and sugary foods that can worsen skin conditions.

13. Maintain A Proper Night-time Skincare Routine

Cleansing and moisturizing before bed helps your skin rejuvenate overnight.

14. Choose the Right Products

Select gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens suitable for your skin type.

15. Opt For A Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise, meditate, eat well, and stay hydrated for overall skin health.

16. Stick To The Routine

Consistency is key in skincare. Stick to a routine and give it time to show results. Avoid frequent changes in your regimen.

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15 Best Skincare Brands For Teens

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1. The Inkey List

The Inkey List offers a fantastic option for teens looking for a straightforward approach to skincare. The Intro Routine for Acne is a manageable four-step kit, making it perfect for teens. This set is affordable and includes a salicylic acid cleanser to combat zits, a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum, succinic acid acne treatment to soothe inflammation, and an omega water cream for daily moisturization. By bundling these products together, teens can save almost $15 compared to buying them separately. The team of products included in this kit keeps the complexion clear and balanced, addressing the most common issues that teens face, like zits and hormonal fluctuations.

2. Bubble Skincare

Bubble Skincare is a trendy brand loved by teen influencers like Kenzie Ziegler. Their nontoxic, cruelty-free, and plant-based skincare line is perfect for teens looking to feel confident in their skin. The brand offers bundles for dry and oily skin, such as the Oily Skin Bundle, which includes a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. With a mission to help teens embrace their uniqueness, Bubble Skincare goes beyond just cute looks, providing clean and effective products for all skin types.

3. INNBeauty Project

INNBeauty Project champions self-expression through non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free, affordable skincare. Their Pimple Paste Duo is a highly-rated overnight spot treatment that dries out zits, minimizes blemishes, and prevents new eruptions while your teen sleeps. This pair of top-rated products is valuable to any teen's skincare routine, ensuring that blemishes are kept at bay without harmful ingredients.

4. BTWN

Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist, developed BTWN, a skincare line crafted for children, tweens, and teens. BTWN products are gentle and effective, catering to young, sensitive skin with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, green tea extract, niacinamide, and antioxidants. The brand's daily moisturizer, part of their two-step skincare routine, is an excellent introduction for tweens, teens, and parents looking to kickstart a nurturing skincare regimen for young skin.

5. JB SKRUB

JB SKRUB, co-founded by actress Julie Bowen and Jill Biren, is a sustainable brand that offers essential skincare products for boys. Their Premier Bundle includes body wash, face wash, moisturizer, and face pads, making it easy for tween boys to establish healthy personal care habits. With a focus on sustainability and effectiveness, JB SKRUB is a great starting point for boys looking to care for their skin.

6. Youth to the People

Youth to the People's Superfood cleanser, endorsed by beauty influencer Hyram, is a nutrient-rich product that nourishes skin with kale, green tea, and spinach vitamins. This cleanser is a green juice cleanse for the face, offering a pH-balanced formula that dissolves dirt without drying out the skin. Perfect for teens dealing with acne, this cleanser will leave their skin refreshed and free from impurities.

7. Fourth Ray Beauty

Fourth Ray Beauty, a sister brand of Colourpop cosmetics, offers a range of skincare products for teens. Their Selfie Ready Pore-Refining Serum Stick is a convenient option for teens on the go, providing a quick post-gym class cleanse and oil-absorbing moisture boost. With various skincare solutions, Fourth Ray Beauty caters to the needs of young skin, ensuring that teens can effortlessly maintain a healthy complexion.

8. florence by Mills

Millie Bobby Brown's skincare line, florence by Mills, combines fun and accessibility in its products. The Pout Party Coffee Lip Scrub is a delightful addition to any teen's routine, offering gentle exfoliation with sugar and ground coffee seeds and nourishment from vitamin E and sunflower oil. Say goodbye to dry, flaky lips with this deliciously scented lip scrub to keep your teen's pout soft and hydrated.

9. Tubby Todd

Tubby Todd's latest kids' line provides preteens with essential skincare products that are easy to use and effective. The Get Ready With Me set includes enamel-strengthening toothpaste, a classic deodorant, and a face wash, ensuring that preteens have everything they need for a simple and effective skincare routine. With products designed with kids in mind, Tubby Todd makes it easy for young individuals to take care of their skin without hassle.

10. Rally

Rally offers a clean skincare brand dedicated to plant-based solutions for teen athletes. Their products, including face washes, exfoliators, and moisturizers, cater to athletes prone to clogged pores due to sweat. Rally Face Cleanser is designed to control blemishes without irritating sensitive skin, making it ideal for active teens needing effective skincare solutions.

11. 31st State

31st State is a skincare line designed specifically for teen boys, offering vegan and eco-friendly products inspired by the relaxed surfer vibe of California. The Essentials Skin Care Gift Set is a fantastic way to introduce boys to a simple and effective skincare routine. With foaming face wash, spot control gel, and overnight clearing pads, this set ensures that teen boys can achieve a clean and clear complexion effortlessly.

12. Tower28

Tower28, known for skincare-as-makeup products, has expanded its range to include a straight skincare line with product bundles like the SOS (Save Our Skin) Complete Skincare Routine. This set consists of the SOS Rescue Spray, SOS Intensive Rescue Serum, and SOS Barrier Recovery Cream, offering teens a comprehensive solution for various skin issues. By purchasing this trio as a set, teens can save money while caring for their skin effectively.

13. Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant is a skincare brand known for its effective formulas and appealing packaging. Their Virgin Marula Oil is an excellent option for teens, rich in antioxidants like omegas 6 and 9 that nourish and protect growing skin. Perfect for addressing common teenage skin concerns like dryness and dullness, this oil will keep skin moisturized and healthy.

14. Tula

Tula Skincare's three-piece acne-clearing set is ideal for teens dealing with breakouts. Packed with salicylic acid and probiotic extracts, this set includes a foaming cleanser, acne-clearing & tone-correcting gel, and an acne moisturizer to prevent future breakouts. Dermatologist-approved, these products will help teens achieve clear and healthy skin without harsh or irritating ingredients.

15. Peace Out Skincare

Peace Out Skincare offers a quick and easy solution for acne with their award-winning acne dots. The Acne Salicylic Acid Day & Night Duo kit includes everything your teen needs for clear skin, including acne patches that clear breakouts in six hours or less. Peace Out Skincare provides teens with solutions to achieve a precise and healthy complexion effortlessly with various practical and easy-to-use products.

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Find your pretty in seconds with Glowup AI, available for download on the App Store or Google Play. Discover your archetype and journey to unlock your full aesthetic potential.

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