Ask any dermatologist and they’ll tell you that finding the best skincare for teens is no mean feat. We all know that curating an effective skincare regimen is already a nuanced process – regardless of age. However, in mind with the associated hormonal changes, it’s no secret that teenage years can be particularly tricky to navigate.
From sensitised skin, excess oil and sebum production to blemishes, flare-ups, blackheads and cystic acne, there’s quite a few potential teenage skincare concerns that call for a tailored routine that’s supercharged with specific ingredients.
To make things even harder, there’s also an overwhelming (and at times, misleading) amount of skincare-related advice floating across the realms of social media, which only makes it that much more challenging to differentiate it from reliable, expert-approved guidance.
In an effort to help you collate the most effective skincare routine for teens – be it for your daughter/son or a niece/nephew – we’ve put together a deep-dive edit of the best skincare products that come approved by our very own beauty editors and board-certified dermatologists.
For ease, we’ve categorised the below guide into sections that tailor to a specific skin type and have included suggestions for a simple yet quality (!) four-step skincare ritual for your perusal – all coming from coveted skincare brands that have the GLAMOUR seal of approval, ofc.
Skip to shop the best skincare for teens: for all skin types | for acne-prone skin | for oily skin | for sensitive skin | for dry skin.
Skip to FAQs: What age should a teen girl start with her skincare routine? | What are the difference between skincare products for teens and adults? | What skincare should a 12-year-old use? | And what about a 13-year-old? | Should teens be using actives? | What are the best skincare products for teenagers with acne-prone skin? | Our full edit of the best skincare products for teens.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Sreedhar Krishna: an NHS consultant dermatologist working in South London and the co-founder of SkinDoc, a leading online dermatologist platform. He studied at Oxford University, Cambridge University and Imperial College London and has published research in numerous specialist journals and presents cutting-edge research on an international level.
- Dr Emma Craythorne: a consultant dermatologist, current president of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group and founder of Klira, a personalised skin-cream created by dermatologists.
- Dr Anjali Mahto: a consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible. She has a diploma in nutritional science and a BSc in Pharmacology.
- Dr Sawsan Ayed: a dermatologist at Paramount Medical Centre.
- Dr. Michael Gowen: a board-certified dermatologist and Bubble Skincare‘s dermatology advisor.
How we test skincare for teens:
It’s of upmost importance that you can trust GLAMOUR’s product reviews. So, to curate this guide, we’ve spoken to the experts listed above, attended press days and gathered teenage testers with different skin tones and types to review many of the teenage skincare products we’ve included. We’ve scored products based on efficacy, packaging, texture, value for money, and whether they work on a variety of skin types – and to target the concerns they claim they will. We avoided the ingredients that our experts told us would cause damage, and paid particular attention to products which are formulated for teen skin specifically. Find out more about how we test.
What age should a teenage girl start with a skincare routine?
Skincare is a lifelong commitment, and as consultant dermatologist and founder of Klira, Dr Emma Craythorne points out, it actually starts before teen-hood. “Skincare should be taught from an early age. It is important that young children understand how to wash their hands and face properly as well as using SPF to protect their skin,” she says. However, this steps up a gear in the teenage years. “It becomes even more important to ensure they are cleansing their face appropriately and moisturising where needed,” Craythorne confirms.
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 are the differences between skincare products for teens and adult women?
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.
What skincare should a 12-year-old use?
Keeping it simple is the overarching message here – unless there is a medical problem or specific ongoing one, in which case you should seek to visit a dermatologist, no matter your age. Krishna suggests the following routine:
- Cleanser: Opt for a gentle facial cleanser that is suitable for their age and skin type. Look for products labeled specifically for young skin or sensitive skin. Wash face twice a day, morning and night, using the cleanser. Do not over-cleanse, as this will be more detrimental than anything.
- Moisturiser: Choose a lightweight moisturiser that provides hydration without clogging pores. Look for non-comedogenic formulas to prevent breakouts. Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid will keep the skin barrier hydrated. Apply moisturiser after cleansing to keep the skin hydrated.
- Sunscreen: Teach them the importance of sun protection and encourage daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Look for products designed for children or sensitive skin. “The Heliocare 360 Oil-Free gel is a great choice for teens as it sinks in quickly and doesn’t feel sticky,” says Dr Mahto. Apply sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days.
- Spot treatment: If they have occasional breakouts, consider a spot treatment with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Pimple patches are great for teens, as their ingredients lists are ultra-stripped-back. However, it’s important to consult a dermatologist for severe or persistent acne.
Should a 13 year-old do skincare?
The experts recommend a skincare routine that can remain pretty much the same between 12 and 14 years-old. You may want to add in treatment-style products if acne, oily skin or other issues occur. Krishna shares some additional tips that all teens should abide by for healthy, clear skin:
- Avoid touching your face throughout the day to prevent the spread of bacteria and oil.
- Be gentle when cleansing and drying your face to avoid irritating the skin.
- Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet to promote overall skin health.
- Avoid using heavy makeup or products that can clog pores.
- Always remove makeup before going to bed to prevent breakouts.
It’s also important to think what’s best on an individual basis. “Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to pay attention to how the skin reacts to different products and adjust the routine accordingly,” Krishna says. “If you have any concerns or persistent skin issues, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist,” he concluded.
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 toners (more on that below). 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.
The frequency used can be tailored to tweens, too. For instance, you could introduce a new ingredient once or twice a week, in the evening, then build from there. The same goes for the strength (which is sometimes written on the bottle, e.g. 2% salicylic acid). “I would recommend starting with lower strengths to begin with. I would also encourage a patch test before introducing new products,” says Dr Mahto. “If specific skin concerns aren’t improving, please get in touch with a consultant dermatologist who will be able to provide a formal diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan,” she adds.
As for the best skincare ingredients to know for teenagers…
| Vitamin C | “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals from the sun and is a benefit to everyone regardless of age. It protects your skin from damage, stimulates collagen growth and supports existing collagen. I always warn my clients that the sun you get as a teen is going to affect how you look in your 30s, 40s, and 50s, which is why it’s important to start a good routine in your adolescence,” explains Dr Michael Gowen. “Vitamin C is also great for teens because it’s going to provide relief from hyperpigmentation caused by acne and overall supports skin tone and texture. My favourite Vitamin C for tweens, teens and beyond is the Bubble Skincare Day Dream Tone and Texture Serum. The derivative of Vitamin C used in Day Dream is a gentler form that’s perfect for young skin. |
| Salicylic acid | Salicylic acid (also known as a BHA) is one of the most popular and derm-recommended products for counteracting acne, however it is a strong ingredient, so needs to be applied carefully. “Salicylic acid can be abrasive to the skin as it breaks down dead skin cells and combats inflammation which both can play a role in acne. For my clients with sensitive skin, I tell them to do a salicylic acid sandwich by using a toner, a layer of moisturiser, then the salicylic acid serum and finally another layer of moisturiser to help create a barrier and reduce redness and irritation,” advises Dr Gowen. “I love the Bubble Skincare Super Clear Blemish Prevention Serum (2% Salicylic Acid) for my sensitive clients because the formula includes Willow Bark Extract and Colloidal Oatmeal which have anti-inflammatory benefits,” he says. |
What are the best skincare products for teenagers with acne-prone skin?
While many of us growing up may have bought into the ‘more is more’ approach for treating teenage acne, these days we understand much more that a gentle approach is preferable for delicate younger complexions. “When it comes to my younger clients, I see a lot of overuse of harsh chemicals,” says Dr Gowen. “In pre-teen and teen years, you can never go wrong with a gentle skincare routine. It’s best to use products with the least amount of harsh chemicals and a simple routine that will keep you consistent and increase compliance for years to come,” he says.
“I’d be cautious about over-exfoliating the skin. Ensure your teen isn’t using a chemical exfoliator (liquid toners and serums with AHAs and PHAs like glycolic acid) and a physical exfoliator (think: face scrubs) at the same time, to avoid irritation,” says Dr Ayed. “Ceramides can help protect young adults’ skin barrier whilst retaining moisture, too,” she recommends.
In addition to ceramides and a simple, barrier-boosting routine, pimple patches are suitable for teen skin, as most are simply made from a hydrocolloid material. Some do feature acids, but for individual spots, they are mostly OK to use on younger faces.
Also, be wary of oil-infused formulas if your teen is experiencing spots. “Young adults are prone to developing oily skin due to hormonal changes, so oil-free formulas and skincare designed to soothe breakouts are useful too,” says Dr Ayed. “Many brands now create skincare products specifically for teen skin, which are gentle enough to be used in the morning and evening and can help alleviate skin concerns; allowing your young adult to feel their best,” she says.
