Use This, Not That – The Best Skincare Routine for Teens

Teenage skin requires unique care. Hormonal changes lead to increased oil production, acne breakouts, and higher levels of sensitivity. With so many products available, it’s easy for teens to get overwhelmed and choose items that do more harm than good because they’re being hyped by their favorite influencer. A straightforward, effective skincare routine can help maintain healthy skin without irritation. In this blog we break down the best teen skincare routine, highlight our top dermatologist-recommended products, and explain what ingredients or skincare practices to avoid.

The Importance of Teen Skincare

As teenagers enter puberty, their bodies undergo significant hormonal shifts that often lead to increased sebum (oil) production. Sebum keeps skin’s protective barrier healthy and hydrated, but excessive levels of this natural oil can clog pores and cause breakouts, making skincare a crucial part of a teen’s daily routine. Developing a maintaining an effective, consistent daily skincare routine is important, but many teens mistakenly believe that using multiple skincare products will speed up results. This may cause more harm than good. Overloading skin with harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients strips the natural moisture, leading to irritation and more severe acne breakouts and flareups in other chronic skin conditions. Implementing a simple, effective routine using good skincare products for teens can maintain clear and healthy skin without unnecessary skin irritation or inflammation.

Teen Skincare Routines: What to Use

When it comes to teen skincare routines, less really is more. A good routine consists of a few steps that target common concerns without overwhelming skin. Below, we outline how to take care of teenage skin with just four simple skincare products.

Step 1: Cleanse Skin (Morning & Night)

Why? Cleansing with gentle skincare products removes excess oil, dirt, sweat, and bacteria without stripping skin’s protective barrier. Teens should clean skin at least in the morning and evening. They may need to cleanse after sweating or exposure to chemicals or dirt, but it’s important not to over wash skin as this can cause drying.

Use This:

• A gentle, non-drying cleanser
• Fragrance-free and sulfate-free formulas
• Micellar water or other gentle cleansers that are designed for makeup removal

Recommended Products:

Step 2: Moisturize (Morning & Night)

Why? Hydration is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier, which protects against environmental aggressors and preserves moisture to prevent dryness and irritation. It can seem counterintuitive for teens with oily and acne-prone skin to add hydrating skincare products to their routine, but without regular moisturizer use, skin will continue to produce excess amounts of sebum oil.

Use This:

• Lightweight products that are easily absorbed
• Non-greasy moisturizer
• Oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas to prevent clogged pores

Recommended Products:

Step 3: Sun Protection (Daily, SPF 30+)

Why? Daily sunscreen application protects against sun damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. Sun damage can make acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic skin conditions worse.

Use This:

• Broad-spectrum sunblock that protects against UVA and UVB rays
• SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Lightweight, non-comedogenic, mineral-based formulas

Recommended Products:

• ALASTIN HydraTint Pro Mineral SPF 36
• EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 (ideal for active teens)

Step 4: Spot Treatment (As Needed for Breakouts)

Why? Targeted treatments reduce acne breakouts without causing excessive dryness or irritation. Rather than applying drying or abrasive ingredients all over, using spot treatments can dry out blemishes without irritating or drying healthy skin.

Use This:

• Salicylic acid to unclog pores
• Benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacteria and inflammation (use sparingly on sensitive skin)

Recommended Products:

What Not to Use (Common Mistakes & Harsh Ingredients to Avoid)

Avoiding the wrong skincare products is just as important as using the right ones. Below, we outline damaging products and ingredients and skincare mistakes to avoid.

Harsh Cleansers with Sulfates

Why Avoid? Sulfates strip skin of its natural oils, leading to overproduction of oil and skin irritation.

Use This Instead: Gentle, hydrating cleansers.

Over-Exfoliating & Strong Actives

Why Avoid? Exfoliating too often damages the skin barrier, causing redness, sensitivity, and breakouts.

What to Avoid:

• Retinol (unless prescribed for acne)
• High concentration AHA/BHA acids
• Harsh scrubs with physical exfoliants

Use This Instead: Exfoliate skin gently once or twice a week as needed.

Heavy Creams & Oils

Why Avoid? Thick creams and oils clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially for oily or acne-prone skin.

Use This Instead: Oil-free, lightweight moisturizers.

Fragrances & Essential Oils

Why Avoid? Fragrances and essential oils cause irritation, redness, and allergic skin reactions.

Use This Instead: Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested products.

DIY Skincare Remedies

Why Avoid? These harsh ingredients may cause burns, skin discoloration, and long-term damage.

Use This Instead: Dermatologist-approved spot treatments.

Healthy Habits for Better Skin

Good skincare goes beyond using the best teen skincare products. Lifestyle choices also play a crucial role in maintaining clear skin. Here are some habits to adopt:

• Stay hydrated – drinking enough water keeps skin hydrated from within.
• Eat a balanced diet – reducing excess sugar and dairy intake may prevent breakouts.
• Get enough sleep – lack of sleep may trigger acne and make skin look dull.
• Avoid touching your face – this reduces bacteria transfer and prevents breakouts.
• Wash linens & phone screens regularly – clean sheets, blankets, towels, and even phones help reduce acne-causing bacteria buildup.

When to See a Dermatologist

If a teen struggles with persistent acne, skin sensitivity, or irritation despite following a gentle skincare routine, professional help may be needed. Seeing a dermatologist provides solutions tailored to individual skin needs and prevents long-term skin damage. A board-certified dermatologist can provide:

• Prescription acne treatments if necessary
• A customized skincare routine
• Professional treatments for stubborn acne

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple & Effective

A teen’s skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. By selecting the right products and avoiding harsh ingredients, teens can develop a healthy, effective skincare routine that keeps skin clear and glowing. Sticking to the basics outlined below ensures healthy skin without unnecessary irritation:

• Cleanse gently to remove excess oil and dirt.
• Moisturize daily to maintain hydration.
• Wear sunscreen daily to prevent sun damage.
• Use spot treatments as needed for breakouts.

Keep Learning More About Skincare

We hope you’ll take time to explore the dermatologist-approved teen skincare products on DermSkincare. If you’re interested in learning more about keeping skin healthy and beautiful, come back to read our blog regularly.