Why Skincare Matters for Teens

With a barrage of forces at play, teenage skin can be tricky to navigate – hormonal changes, busy school schedules, social stresses, diet, and environmental factors, these can all play a role in how teenage skin can evolve. 

Follow the science and start a basic skincare routine as early as possible.

The Stages of Teen Skin

• Seborrhoea – Use Salicylic Acid or Milk Thistle
• Open comedones – Use a retinoid
• Closed comedones – Extractions by a qualified skin therapist
• Mixed papules and pustules – Use Azelaic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide
• For more severe papules and pustules – See a doctor for oral tetracyclines
• Nodulocystic acne – Use Isotretinoin

Skincare Advice for Teen Skin

• Choose a gentle exfoliating cleanser that won’t strip the skin.
• Avoid physical exfoliators and rather opt for mild-chemical or acid-based exfoliators. Don’t try to ‘scrub away’ acne as this will likely lead to an impaired skin barrier.
• Treat breakouts with a spot treatment ingredient like Benzoyl Peroxide. (Don’t squeeze them!).
• Opt for lightweight lotions or creams to keep skin hydrated.
• Choose non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog pores.
• Follow basic hygiene habits with regular bathing and showering.
• Switch-up your bedding and pillow cases at least once weekly.
• Eat a balanced diet and try to avoid fatty and sugary foods.

Skincare ingredients for Teen Skin

• Salicylic Acid 
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Azelaic Acid
• Retinoids
• Green Tea Extract

Tried and Tested Skincare for Teens with Problematic Skin

Cleansers

• CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
• Huxley Cleansing Gel
• Jorgobé Glycerin Hydra Cleanser

Treatment Serums

• CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
• Avène Comedomed Concentrate
• Jorgobé Azelaic Acid Serum

Spot Treatments

• Hyaestic Spot Treatment 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
• pHformula SPOT ON Blemish Active

Moisturisers

• pHformula SPOT ON Moisture Balance
• Jorgobé Bio-Active Balancing Moisturizer
• Huxley Fresh and More Cream

Sunscreens

• Huxley Stay Sun Safe Essence
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
• Avène Ultra Fluid Perfector SPF 50

Skincare for Teens without Problematic Skin

• Huxley Cleansing Gel
• Jorgobé Azelaic Acid Serum
• Jorgobé Bio-Active Balancing Moisturizer
• Huxley Stay Sun Safe Essence

Key Takeaways from Dr. Webster

• If there is a strong positive family history of acne, seek help early – see a skin therapist or Dermatologist.
• People with darker skin tones are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and therefore may require additional treatments. Azelaic acid treatments at night can help.
• No one today should develop scarring from acne. Even moderately severe acne can result in depressed scars.