Teenage Skincare

During the teenage years, skin can often feel confusing, and that’s before you add in the relentless marketing machine of influencers promising quick fixes. One day skin looks healthy and glowing, and then bam the next it feels congested, reactive, or prone to breakouts. It can start to feel like an endless cycle that’s hard to break. P.S I've purposely not put any product recommendations here, as I want you to learn about ingredients, I will make another post with recommendations on only products I have tested and approved.

So where to start? It's easy to assume that congested or breakout-prone skin needs more products and a more complicated routine, but in my experience, the opposite is often true. Results come from the right routine and the right formulations for your individual skin, paired with consistency, and not from the most hyped or heavily marketed products or the latest craze routine found on Reddit. (Sorry, not sorry)

Overloading the skin with too many steps or strong ingredients can disrupt the skin barrier, increase sensitivity, and actually make breakouts worse rather than better. So let’s zoom out for a moment, because this really is simpler than it’s often made to feel.

The good news? Teenage skin is already incredibly active. Cell turnover is fast (around every 3–4 weeks), and collagen levels are naturally high. That’s a great starting point. The challenge comes from hormonal changes, which can increase oil production and make pores more prone to congestion and breakouts.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s okay.

Here’s something that doesn’t get said enough online (Because it doesn't line influencers or product manufactures pockets): what works for one person won’t necessarily work for you. Hormones, stress, lifestyle, diet, and how you treat your skin all make a difference. So, without seeing your skin as a professional, I am taking a general stab in the dark about a suitable routine for you as an individual. That’s why copying skincare routines from TikTok, friends, or influences can sometimes backfire (and be expensive mistakes, in skin and pocket). Instead of chasing trends, it’s better to focus on your skin and what it actually needs. Keeping things simple, gentle, and consistent usually works far better than piling lots of strong products on your face in an 10 step routine.

Over-cleansing, scrubbing too hard, or using strong acids all the time can damage your skin barrier. When that happens, skin can become irritated, dehydrated, and more inflamed and weirdly, it may even produce more oil, which can make breakouts hang around longer.

It's important for me to say, if acne starts to feel overwhelming, you’re not being dramatic, it can seriously affect confidence and mental health. I know this from personal experience. If things feel out of control, seeing a dermatologist is always a good idea so you can get proper advice and prescription treatments if needed.

For most teens and young adults, a basic, consistent routine is more than enough. That said, skincare is not one-size-fits-all. Your skin type, skin needs, and skin goals all matter, so it’s important to choose products that actually suit you. The only way to truly do this is to consult the right professional. But, I've broken up into a 3 step routine that's a great place to start and get consistent.

Step 1: Cleanser (AM + PM)

Cleansing morning and evening removes oil, sweat, dirt, pollution, SPF, and makeup so the skin can stay balanced and healthy. Skin should always feel clean and comfortable after cleansing, never tight or squeaky.

Oily / breakout-prone skin:
Ingredients that help keep pores clear without stripping:

• Salicylic acid (not suitable for everyone)

• Niacinamide

• Lightweight, gel or low-foam formulas

Dry skin:
Ingredients that hydrate and support the skin barrier:

• Glycerin

• Oat (colloidal oatmeal or oat extract)

• Aloe vera

• Creamy, non-foaming cleansers

Sensitive skin:
Ingredients that calm and protect:

• Glycerin

• Oat extract

• Aloe vera

• Panthenol (vitamin B5)

• Fragrance-free, non-foaming formulas

Combination skin:
Balance is key:

• Gentle cleanser that isn’t too stripping (Avoid SHS)

• Light hydration without heavy foam

Important: not every ingredient suits everyone. For example, I have oily skin, but topically allergic to salicylic acid. If something causes stinging, redness, irritation, or breakouts, it’s a sign it’s not right for your skin, even if it’s commonly recommended.

Avoid harsh scrubs, over-cleansing, or using multiple strong products at once. More isn’t better.

------------------------------------------

Step 2: Targeted treatment (serum or spot treatment)

Serums are more concentrated than cleansers or moisturisers, which means they deliver ingredients more directly to the skin. Because of this, it’s important to use them exactly as the manufacturer recommends. This step is designed to support your skin’s specific needs, so keep it simple, using too many serums at once can overwhelm the skin rather than help it.

Dry or dehydrated skin, Hydration and barrier support come first. Look for:

• Hyaluronic acid or glycerin – humectants that draw water into the skin

• Glycerin – also helps hold hydration in and improves skin comfort

• Ceramides – lipids (fats) that support and strengthen the skin barrier

Dehydrated skin may also be oily, hydration is still essential. Dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water and both need hydration, but dry skin needs extra barrier support.

Oily or acne-prone

The goal is to keep pores clear without stripping or irritating the skin. Look for:

• Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and calm redness

• Zinc supports oil balance and helps reduce inflammation

• Azelaic acid (low strength) – helps with breakouts, redness, and post-acne marks

• Salicylic acid (if tolerated) – helps clear pores and reduce congestion

Lightweight gel or fluid textures are usually best, as these are typically non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t block pores.

Important: not all acne-targeting ingredients suit everyone. If a product causes stinging, burning, redness, or worsening breakouts, it’s a sign it’s not right for your skin even if it’s commonly recommended.

------------------------------------------

Step 3: Moisturiser (AM + PM)

Moisturising is essential for all skin types, even oily skin.

• Oily skin: lightweight gel or lotion (non-comedogenic, meaning the formulation won’t block pores)

• Dry skin: richer cream containing ceramides and lipids to support the skin barrier

• Combination skin: light moisturiser all over, with extra hydration where needed

A good moisturiser helps protect the skin barrier, locks hydration into the skin, and prevents the skin from overproducing oil in response to dryness.

Step 4: SPF (morning only, but every day, even in winter!)

SPF isn’t just for hot holidays or sunny days, it’s something your skin needs daily, even when it’s cloudy, or you’re mostly indoors. UV rays are one of the biggest causes of premature ageing, pigmentation, and long-term skin damage, and they can also make breakouts, redness, and post-spot marks take longer to fade.

A simple routine that supports your skin

The content shared on this website reflects the author’s personal views and professional experience and is provided for informational purposes only. Any products, ingredients, or treatments mentioned are discussed based on individual experience and are not guaranteed to be suitable for everyone.

No claims are made regarding results or outcomes, and any reliance on the information provided is done at the reader’s own discretion. This content should not be considered dermatological, medical, or professional advice.

If you have a skin concern, medical condition, or are unsure whether a product or treatment is appropriate for you, advice from a qualified professional should always be sought.