Do you remember the first skin care product you used as a teenager? My first introduction to skin care was a cocktail of exfoliating pads And Neutrogena toner picked up my mother at the drugstore (millennials, IYKYK). Those products introduced me to the concept of taking care of my skin, and – now that I think about it – they certainly served their purpose.
Today’s teens are extremely concerned with skin care, and their options are more plentiful than in previous generations. This is evident from a study published earlier this year by Piper Sandler revealed that teen beauty spend is up eight per cent on last year, with favorite skincare brands including CeraVe, The Ordinary and Glow Recipe (with a hugely viral moment on TikTok). Drunk Elephant’s skincare line also went viral on TikTok last year, with teens trying out some of the brand’s (very powerful) products (which the brand does not signIncidentally).
It’s common for teens to be introduced to skincare and personal care items, but Gen-Z shoppers’ spending levels are higher than ever, further proving the segment’s desire for beauty products. Access to reviews and demos and connecting directly with their favorite brands on TikTok and other social platforms has also opened up a world of passion for teens and tweens. “I would say TikTok is a huge influence,” says Hayden Wells, an 18-year-old in Oklahoma, about her love of skin care. “I learn about products from my friends, but most of their knowledge comes from TikTok. There are so many dermatologists and skincare experts on TikTok, but there are also just a lot of people sharing their experiences about what works for them and what their skin type is.”
Social media is undoubtedly a great place for discovery and education, but there is also a wealth of misinformation, especially about skin care. “I think social media has made skin care viral,” says Mona Gohara, MDa board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. “But we want to be aware of approaching our skin from the skin health perspective instead of focusing on what’s trending.”
What exactly should a teen’s skincare routine consist of? We turned to the experts for the exact products and ingredients to consider for the teen in your life to encourage healthy skin and healthy habits (plus what to avoid).
At what age should teens start a skin care routine?
“Skin care should technically start at birth,” says Dr. Gohara. “Like any organ, the skin deserves immediate care and throughout all stages of life.” While she admits that babies obviously “don’t need retinol and antioxidants, a gentle, soap-free cleanser and moisturizer at any age is a good start. SPF can be added soon after.”
For young teens, Tiffany ClayMD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, suggests introducing a simple skin care routine around age 11 or 12. “This can start with the basics, such as washing the skin with a special cleanser, applying a moisturizer and of course a daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or larger.”
How Many Skin Care Products Should Teens Use?
There are tons of skin care products at your fingertips, but experts say you don’t have to follow an intensive, multi-step routine when putting one together for your teen. Experts agree that three products are a good start to a skincare routine for teens: “Cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen,” says Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of TRNR skin based in NYC. “You can also find a moisturizing sunscreen and cut that routine down to two steps.”
Wells’ routine consists of three products: Shiny Jelly Face Wash ($22), Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream ($11), and It Cosmetics Secret Sauce Moisturizer ($85), but she said her friends have “much more complicated” routines than hers, some consisting of six or more products.
What Skin Care Products Should Teens Use?
Ultimately, experts say less is more when creating a safe skin care routine for your teen. “The keyword here should be simple,” says Dr. Turner. “Thanks to social media and marketing, there is a very strong interest in powerful skin care products with active ingredients that should not be used by those who do not need them.” Instead, Dr. recommends Turner recommends the following elements for a simple, effective, teen-friendly skin care routine:
Gentle cleanser
He recommends a gentle cleanser (you can use an acne-targeted cleanser if necessary) to remove dirt and makeup without drying out the skin. We love the CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Cleanser ($13) (also highly recommended by dermatologists), which contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin so it cleanses your face without leaving it feeling dry afterwards. “Hyaluronic acid is always easy to absorb because it is a hydrating ingredient that works for most skin types,” says Dr. Clay.
On-site treatment
If your teen has acne, says Dr. Turner that you can look for products with ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat pimples. “This can help exfoliate the skin and prevent breakouts,” he says. He recommends looking for spot treatments that contain both ingredients hydrocolloid pimple patches on hand for whiteheads.
That said, if your teen develops acne or… acne scars that don’t improve with the help of over-the-counter products, Dr. recommends. Urge you to find a dermatologist who can help you. “The teenage years may be when the need for medical treatment for acne may arise. In addition to seeing a dermatologist, other topical products can be added to their routines,” he says.
Moisturizer
Experts agree that a moisturizing, barrier-friendly moisturizer (with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides) is usually safe for teens. If your teen has sensitive skin or is concerned about irritation, choose fragrance-free options in this category. Vanicream daily facial cream ($13) is a great option, formulated with squalene and glycerin, so your skin will feel hydrated and supple (not greasy) after you massage it in.
Sunscreen
Experts emphasize the importance of using one every day broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your teen’s skin from UVA and UVB rays. There are lots of great ones face sunscreen options (both chemical and mineral) that protect your skin without feeling heavy or greasy.
Last takeaway
With the wealth of information and knowledge at our fingertips, it’s easy to see why teens are so intrigued by shopping for skin care. Yet it also creates an overwhelming world of options that can make establishing a safe, effective routine difficult. The good news? It doesn’t have to be confusing.
In fact, “plain and simple” is just what the doctor ordered for the teen in your life. Prioritizing skin health versus what’s trending is the best way to help your teen learn healthy habits that won’t compromise skin. And when in doubt, less is more: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and SPF are a good start for everyone not sure where to start.
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