Simple & Effective Skincare for Teens & Tweens

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Product recommendations for oily, dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin
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Are you a teenager looking to build a skincare routine but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll teach you how to take care of your skin, whether it’s oily, acne-prone, dry, or sensitive. We also interviewed board-certified dermatologists and skin specialists for advice on how to treat specific skincare issues and improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Teenager Skin Care

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night to remove dirt and grime. Apply a noncomedogenic moisturizer to hydrate your skin, and wear an SPF 30 sunscreen daily. If you have acne-prone skin, use products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat and prevent breakouts.

Section 1 of 8:

Everyday Skincare Routine for Teens

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  1. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Paul Friedman recommends using a gentle cleanser at least twice a day, especially at night to help remove the debris and oil that accumulates on your skin. [1] Just wet your face with lukewarm water, then use your fingertips to apply a gentle cleanser onto your skin. Gently massage your face using circular motions, and then rinse it off and pat your face dry with a clean towel. [2]
    • Avoid scrubbing your skin, since it can cause irritation.
    • Wash your face once in the morning and once in the evening.
    • Look for cleansers that say “gentle” on the label, and avoid products that contain alcohol. [3]
  2. No matter your skin type, moisturizing is an important step to lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier. Apply a nickel-sized amount of a noncomedogenic moisturizer (meaning it won’t clog your pores) right after you wash your face. When your skin is slightly damp, the moisturizer is more effective because it traps water in your skin and keeps it from evaporating. [4]
    • Be extra careful applying moisturizer around your eye area since the skin is thinner.
    • If you live in a colder climate or have dry skin, you can apply a dime-sized amount of a thicker facial cream or ointment .
    • Most teenagers can use a thinner, water-based moisturizer , but talk to a dermatologist to determine your skin type and what products are best for you.
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  3. 3
    Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. Everyone needs to apply an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect their skin from ongoing sun damage, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. R. Sonia Batra. [5] As the final step of your morning skincare routine, rub a nickel-sized amount of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher all over your face. [6]
    • Be sure to apply sunscreen to dry skin at least 15 minutes before going outside so it fully absorbs, and reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors, or after swimming or sweating. [7]
    • Even if it’s cloudy or you don’t plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancer and premature aging.
  4. Use a lip balm or ointment to keep your lips plump and hydrated. If you have chapped lips, look for products with castor seed oil, ceramides, dimethicone, hemp seed oil, mineral oil, petroleum, shea butter, or white petroleum jelly. If you’re going outside, apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher that contains titanium oxide or zinc oxide. [8]
    • Carry your lip balm with you so you can reapply it throughout the day.
    • If your lips tingle, burn, or sting after applying lip balm, stop using it and switch to a different product.
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Section 2 of 8:

Teen Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

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  1. 1
    Use a gentle cream cleanser that’s specifically formulated for acne. To treat and help prevent breakouts, wash your face with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. [9] Gently massage the cleanser into your skin, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
    • Wash your face once in the morning and evening, and after sweating or exercising. [10]
    • Avoid scrubbing or picking your skin, which can cause scarring and worsen active breakouts.
  2. 2
    Apply a pimple patch or spot treatment directly over your pimples. While it’s tempting to pop or squeeze acne, doing so can push bacteria deeper into your skin, increase inflammation, and cause pain and scarring. Instead, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Chloe Goldman recommends using “pimple patches [with] benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid in them.” [11] These patches can help remove gunk and impurities from your skin without irritating it.
    • Be sure to apply your patch or spot treatment before applying moisturizer.
    • Avoid using products with alcohol, astringents, toners, or exfoliants, which can irritate acne-prone skin. [12]
    • Batra recommends “a good over-the-counter spot treatment with either a little bit of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid,” or applying an “ice pack on a really inflamed, juicy pimple…to calm down the inflammation and redness.” [13]
  3. 3
    Go for an oil-free, gel moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Skincare professional Diana Yerkes recommends using a good moisturizer that’s going to add hydration, because when your skin dries out it produces even more oil to compensate for the fact that you just removed it all. [14] Apply the moisturizer twice a day, after washing your face.
    • Even if you have acne-prone skin, apply moisturizer to hydrate your skin, especially if you’re using acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. [15]
  4. 4
    Use noncomedogenic sunscreen, makeup, and skincare products. These products won’t clog your pores, cause breakouts, or worsen acne. Be sure to apply a noncomedogenic sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher before going outside. [16]
    • Avoid sleeping in your makeup or sharing makeup brushes and applicators with other people. This can transfer oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells to your skin and cause breakouts.
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Section 3 of 8:

Teen Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

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  1. 1
    Wash your face with a gentle cream or foamy cleanser. Using a harsh cleanser can irritate your skin and trigger increased oil production, so look for a mild, gentle face wash that is oil-free and noncomedogenic. [17] According to Yerkes, “gentle cream cleansers or gentle foamy cleansers are the best way to clean oily skin.” [18]
    • Stick to cleansing twice a day and after sweating. You may be tempted to wash your face more often, but that can actually strip your skin of its natural oils.
  2. 2
    Apply toner to minimize oil production on your face. Skincare professional Alicia Ramos says, “toners can work wonders to reduce oil on the surface of the skin.” [19] After cleansing, gently swipe a soothing toner over your face, paying extra attention to oily areas like your T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin). [20]
    • Toners also hydrate your skin, make your pores look smaller, and restore your skin’s natural pH balance.
    • Some toners can be irritating, so be sure to perform a patch test on your inner wrist before applying it to your face. [21]
  3. 3
    Use an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer to hydrate your skin. “Oily skin is often caused by unbalanced, dry skin,” where “your body reacts by creating excess oil and sending it to the surface of [your] skin,” says Ramos. [22] Apply a nickel-sized amount of a lightweight gel moisturizer all over your face to prevent dehydration and regulate oil production. [23]
    • If you have combination skin (where your skin is dry in some places and oily in others), apply a thicker cream or lotion on dry areas and an oil-free gel moisturizer on oily areas.
  4. 4
    Try a powder sunscreen to absorb excess oil and protect your skin. To avoid layering lots of cream products all over your face, Yerkes recommends “using a powder sunscreen ” if you have oily skin. She loves the Colorscience Brush-On Sunscreen because it’s easy to apply and “protects your skin from sun damage and sun exposure.” [24]
  5. According to Yerkes, “oily skin needs to be treated with masks more frequently.” She recommends mud masks and Brewer’s Yeast masks because they improve your skin texture without drying it out.” [26] Just follow the directions on your specific face mask and rinse it off with lukewarm water after it dries.
    • Look for face masks that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and free of dyes and parabens. [27]
    • Yerkes says not to use face masks “more than 2 times a week” because they can dry out your skin and lead to excess oil production. [28]
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Section 4 of 8:

Teen Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

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  1. 1
    Wash your face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil from your face, but avoid using so much that you see a thick lather or foam—this can strip your skin and remove healthy oils. [29] Gently massage the cleanser into your skin, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
    • Stay away from hot water when showering or washing your face—it can dry out your skin. [30]
    • If you have super dry skin, you can get away with cleansing your face once a day, in the evening. [31]
  2. 2
    Select a thicker moisturizer to heal and hydrate your skin. To treat dry, flaky, or scaly skin, apply a dime-sized dollop of cream or ointment all over your face, immediately after cleansing to lock in moisture. Look for hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, dimethicone, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, and shea butter. [32]
    • Avoid using skincare products that contain fragrance, alcohol, or retinoids.
    • For extremely dry and irritated skin, choose a moisturizer that contains oil, with ingredients like petroleum jelly or mineral oil. Apply it to your skin as often as needed. [33]
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Section 5 of 8:

Teen Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

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  1. 1
    Use a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cleanser that boosts your skin barrier. It’s best to avoid cleansers with dyes, fragrances, or other harsh ingredients, because they can cause redness, itchiness, burning, and dryness. [34] Choose a cleanser with a short ingredient list, and avoid scrubbing your skin or using hot water. [35]
  2. 2
    Apply a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer with soothing ingredients. Sensitive skin may sting or burn after applying certain products, so you have to be extra careful about what you apply. [36] Stick with a barrier-boosting moisturizer with ingredients such as ceramides, petroleum, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. [37]
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Section 6 of 8:

Skincare Routine for Athletic Teens

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  1. Cleanse your face, back, and chest after sweating. Sweat can push impurities out of your pores, but it can also cause breakouts if you don’t wash your skin. Use a cleanser and body wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to fight bacteria and prevent acne. [39]
    • Shower or wash your skin as soon as you can after exercising.
    • Be sure to wash your sports equipment regularly, too. This includes helmets, hats, jerseys, and sweatbands.
Section 7 of 8:

Expert-Backed Advice to Improve Your Skin

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  1. 1
    Eat a healthy diet and drink enough water. According to Tareen, “good nutrition…and hydration [are] key to keeping your skin supple and elastic.” [40] Be sure to consume lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and drink 6-8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin hydrated. [41]
    • Avoid eating processed and refined foods that are high in sugar, since they can cause skin inflammation and breakouts.
  2. 2
    Get at least 8 hours of sleep every day. When you sleep, your skin goes into repair mode, allowing your body to regenerate the cells that make you look refreshed and revitalized. People who don’t get enough sleep have more noticeable signs of aging, especially when it comes to skin tone and texture. [42] Aim for 8-10 hours of quality sleep to help your skin look amazing!
  3. 3
    Stick to a consistent skincare routine. According to Ramos, “consistency is key” to keep your skin beautiful over time. [44] Plan to cleanse, moisturize, and apply sunscreen every morning, then cleanse and moisturize every evening to remove sunscreen, dirt, and grime. In general, it takes about 4 months to see a noticeable change in your skin. [45]
    • If you have acne-prone skin, trying a new treatment every week can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. It’s important to give a new product about 6-8 weeks to see results.
  4. 4
    Touch your face as little as possible. Touching your face can spread oil, dirt, and bacteria from your hands to your face, which can cause pimples and worsen existing acne. Only touch your face when you’re doing your skincare routine, after you’ve washed your hands with soap and water. [46]
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Section 8 of 8:

Teenage Skincare Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    When should you see a dermatologist? If your skin doesn’t respond to at-home treatments or lifestyle changes within 1-2 months, make an appointment with your dermatologist. They can help you identify the root cause of your skin issues and give you a personalized treatment plan. Some skin concerns, such as acne and scarring, may require prescription medication. [47]
  2. 2
    Is there a problem with having a complicated skincare routine? Yes, overdoing your skincare at an early age can cause issues. Some skincare formulas are not appropriate for teens, and they can damage the skin barrier (which isn’t fully formed in pre-teens), increase the skin’s sun sensitivity, and cause breakouts. [48]
    • A simple skincare routine of gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen is enough for teens.
  3. 3
    Is CeraVe good for teens? Yes, CeraVe is suitable for teens, especially if they have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Most of their products are noncomedogenic and feature gentle ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides. In fact, CeraVe is one of the few skincare brands that is universally recommended by dermatologists! [49]
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Do You Recommend A Specific Daily Skin Care Routine?


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    How can a teenager get clear skin?
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    Keep your skin clean and prevent clogged pores by washing your face with a gentle facial cleanser twice a day. Moisturize your skin after you wash it so it doesn’t get irritated and dried out. You can also try over-the-counter acne creams, like benzoyl peroxide lotion. If you have pimples, resist the temptation to pop them, since that will just irritate your skin more! If your acne isn’t getting better or if it’s really bothering you, talk to your doctor. They can prescribe stronger medicines that will help.
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    What skincare products should a 13-year-old use?
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    The best products for you depend on your skin type. For example, do you have dry skin, or is it oily? Is your skin clear, or do you have acne? Look for products that are designed for the type of skin you have (for example, try a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide if you have acne, or a hydrating cleanser if you have dry skin). No matter what, stick to products that are gentle and don’t have a lot of harsh ingredients, like alcohol, perfumes, and dyes.
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    Is serum good for teenage skin?
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    Be really careful with serums—some of them have strong ingredients that can be too harsh on your young skin. Instead, stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizers. If you’re not sure whether something is safe to use, ask your doctor or a dermatologist.
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      • Avoid touching your face. Your hands produce oil and by touching your face you are putting more oil on your face which will cause acne, pimples, and blackheads.
      • Keep your skincare routine consistent. You may not see instant differences but your skin will thank you for it and stay clear if you are consistent.
      • Steam your face before applying masks or exfoliating. It helps to moisturize, soften, and open pores that contain oil.
      • Change your pillowcases often to prevent sweat, dirt, and oil from accumulating and transferring back to your skin.
      • Always wash your face after you remove your makeup so the products do not clog up your pores.
      • If you’re a tween or teen, harsh products and exfoliants can damage your young skin.
      • Make sure you remove makeup before sleeping to prevent breakouts!
      • Pamper your hair once a week with some hair masks!
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      References

      1. ↑ Paul Friedman, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology. Expert Interview. 8 Apr 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit
      4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
      5. ↑ R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-much-sunscreen-should-i-be-using-on-my-face-and-body/
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
      9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21533-skin-care-basics-and-tips
      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne
      2. ↑ Chloe Goldman. Board-certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 20 December 2022.
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne
      4. ↑ R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
      5. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/moisturizer
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
      9. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      10. ↑ Alicia Ramos. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.
      11. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-toner-do
      12. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-oily-skin
      13. ↑ Alicia Ramos. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.
      14. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
      15. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      16. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
      17. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      18. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-face-masks-actually-work-or-are-they-just-a-fad
      19. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      20. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
      21. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/treating-dry-skin-on-face
      22. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/beauty/best-drugstore-face-wash
      23. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
      24. ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/treatments/moisturizing/
      25. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-skin-types
      26. ↑ https://www.skincareresearch.org/2024/03/sensitive-skin-care-gentle-products-and-best-practices/
      27. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-skin-types
      28. ↑ https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/beauty/best-moisturizers-for-sensitive-skin
      29. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      30. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/workout-affect-skin
      31. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      32. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/
      33. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945721005761
      34. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      35. ↑ Alicia Ramos. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.
      36. ↑ https://dermatologymohsinstitute.com/how-to-know-if-your-skincare-routine-is-working/
      37. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
      38. ↑ https://www.rileychildrens.org/connections/teen-acne-when-to-take-your-child-to-a-dermatologist
      39. ↑ https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2024/06/the-teen-tween-skincare-craze
      40. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g45537097/best-cerave-products/
      41. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To create a good skin care regime for yourself, wash your face daily in the morning with water or a facial cleanser. This will remove sweat and oil that has built up on your skin overnight, preventing breakouts. After you wash your face, apply a lightweight facial moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and hydrated. Make sure to put on sunscreen too to protect your skin from the sun's radiation since you don’t want UVA rays to make your skin look older. If your face gets oily during the day, use special cosmetic tissues to blot your face. However, don't keep washing your face, as that will dry out your skin! At night, wash your face again with a gentle facial cleanser. Once a week, exfoliate your face to remove dead skin and soften your healthy skin. Don’t exfoliate every day though, since that will irritate your skin. Read on for how to use face masks and pore cleansing strips!

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