Teen Skin Care

Teen Skin Care: What to Buy for Your Teenage Daughter or Son

It’s not uncommon for teens to develop oily, blemished or acne-prone skin. And while these changes in their complexion may be frustrating, the right daily skincare routine can help to control and prevent future breakouts. While there’s plenty of skincare advice for teenagers available online, it’s best to visit a dermatologist to ensure you’re using the most appropriate products for your specific skin type.

If your teen’s skin is oily, look for a nondrying cleanser. Many teens with this skin type overwash their faces, which only strips away the natural oils and leads to your teen’s skin producing more oil to compensate—a cycle that can lead to more breakouts. Instead, choose a gentle, gel-based cleanser that won’t strip skin of its essential moisture, like this nondrying CeraVe cleanser.

For blemished skin, use a balancing face cream to keep it clear. Look for a day cream that’s noncomedogenic, which means it won’t contribute to those pesky blackheads and whiteheads that can plague teenagers with this skin type. Our dermatologists recommend this hydrating Pai Geranium & Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream, which contains Thistle Oil to redistribute shine and keep blemishes at bay.

Teens with normal skin usually have fine pores and a balanced complexion, though they may experience the occasional breakout. You can find a gentle cleanser to maintain your teen’s normal skin type or reach for an effective blemish fighting serum like this one from Dermalogica, which is suitable for all skin types.

A lot of teens with blemishes or breakouts have oily skin, so they’re more likely to have large pores and a more dramatic complexion. For blemished or breakout-prone teens, we suggest reaching for a nondrying foaming cleanser. You can also try a cleanser that has a higher concentration of acne-fighting ingredients, such as this one from Dermalogica, which has 4 percent benzoyl peroxide.

Another way to treat breakouts is by removing blackheads with pore cleansing strips. These are typically applied to the nose and chin, and once removed, should leave your teen’s skin looking smoother and less congested.

It’s important that teens don’t pick or pop their pimples, as this only irritates the skin and can lead to long-lasting scarring and inflammation. Instead, encourage your teen to use safe zit-fighting tips, such as applying a spot treatment with salicylic acid, or a mild scrub to keep pores unclogged and their complexion in check.

Finally, be sure your teen wears sun protection, as this will keep their sensitive skin protected from the damaging effects of UV rays. You can find great sunscreen options that are lightweight and suitable for teenage skin, such as this option from Bioderma. It has a high SPF and is fragrance-free, so it’s a great choice for your teen. And because it’s from a family-owned, cruelty-free and vegan brand, you can feel good about supporting their business too!