Skincare for Teens: The Ultimate Guide

Whether you find yourself in the middle of your teen years or are contemplating the skincare needs of a teenager within your family, now is the perfect moment to start a well-researched skincare journey for maximum results. As you navigate your teenage years, hormones start to kick in, causing changes in skin texture, appearance and even skin type, and the task of managing these changes may seem overwhelming. But, we’re on hand to take the stress out of your skin, sharing our top tips for the perfect skincare routine for teens, habits to avoid and recommending the perfect indulgent treat for teenage skin.

While teenage skin can be problematic, we’re on hand to share our top tips to keep it under control.

The don’ts

Now, it’s not in our nature to start things on a negative note, however, there are dos and don’ts of the teenage skincare game. While some of these things may seem harmless, in reality, they can wreak havoc on your skin. Skincare aimed at more mature skin may be too harsh on your young skin, which is why it’s vital you digest these points, before getting to the all-important dos.

Don’t get caught in the trap of make-up wipes

We get the attraction, we love convenience too. But, when convenience comes at a price of healthy skin, we’d rather throw them in the bin (or avoid buying them in the first place). Make-up wipes usually contain alcohol which is an irritant for your skin. When your skin becomes dehydrated, or it’s stripped of its natural oils, this can overstimulate oil production. As a result, you guessed it, acne, which we’re all trying to avoid in our teenage years, right? We have an alternative to make-up wipes, but you’ll need to keep reading to find out the solution. 

Steer away from retinol

While retinol is a powerful ingredient which can provide huge benefits for mature skin, it can also cause irritation and dryness. As acne is more common in teenage years, retinol can add fuel to the fire, exacerbating the issue. Therefore, we highly recommend avoiding retinol if you’re a teenager.

Never go to bed with your make-up on

While it’s easily done, forgetting to remove makeup before bed as a teenager is a big no-no. Not only can it clog pores, but it can also lead to an increased risk of acne and other skin issues. Your skin has an incredible natural renewal process overnight, so when you wear make-up to bed, it hinders the benefits of this crucial time, potentially causing long-term damage and premature ageing, no thank you!

Don’t give your spots grief!

It may seem obvious, and even tempting, but it’s vital you allow any acne to heal by itself. Prodding, poking, picking and squeezing can cause scarring and pigmentation, which your skin can take years to recover from. Instead, follow these tips for a skincare routine that maximises your skin health.

The ultimate, fuss-free morning skincare routine for teens

Start with a gentle cleanser

Every good skincare routine starts with a gentle cleanser (and definitely not make-up wipes). If you’ve been skipping the cleanser, or if you’ve even reached for the bar of soap, we won’t tell, but this is your time to make a change. Opt for a water-based cleanser, often in the form of a foam cleanser or gel. We love Medik8’s Calmwise™ Soothing Cleanser to brighten the skin and get rid of any oil that’s accumulated overnight.

Follow up with a toner

Toners can keep acne to a minimum and help maintain the skin's optimum pH balance. We recommend a toner with salicylic or glycolic acid if you have oily skin or you’re prone to acne.

Alternatively, for dry skin, you want to add hydration, hyaluronic acid is your go-to in this case. 

Medik8’s Daily Refresh Balancing Toner™ is a fantastic all-rounder, with the absence of alcohol, this toner is infused with floral water conditioners, aiding hydration, while reducing excess oil. It also includes witch hazel for acne fighting properties. Win-win.

Create your hydration layer

Now to moisturise! A simple, lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser will fit the bill perfectly. By supporting your skin hydration, you’ll help to balance your skin microbiome, resulting in fewer acne breakouts and less inflammation. Medik8’s Day Ultimate Day Protect is perfect for undeniable hydration, with added SPF - more on that next!

If you have oily skin, you might be wondering if you should skip this step, and the answer here is absolutely not. Why? It can be counterproductive. With the absence of moisture, it may lead to excess oil production, causing clogged pores, acne and further whiteheads. So, slap it on ladies!

Protect your skin with SPF

Every morning, it’s vital you finish your skincare routine with sun protection of at least SPF30. No, this doesn’t just apply to summer, it’s crucial all year round to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, minimising the risk of premature ageing, as well as other skincare concerns. The earlier you start with daily SPF, the more you’ll thank your younger self later in life - trust us! 

The best bit? SPF is often hidden away in daily moisturisers, making this step effectively a 2-in-1 in many circumstances. As previously mentioned, Medik8’s Ultimate Day Protect has SPF50 meaning you’re already covered if you use this as your daily moisturiser, too!

The simple evening skincare routine for teenagers

Cleanse, then cleanse again

Yes, you heard it right. Whether you’ve worn make-up throughout the day or not, your skin can gather an abundance of grime, oil and dirt throughout the day, not to mention the SPF that’s still clinging to your face from the morning. The first cleanse aims to remove the dirt, and the second will ensure your face is squeaky clean. 

We recommend beginning your evening skincare routine with an oil-based cleanser. They’re much thicker and can help budge the daily grime on your face with ease. Silky smooth, ​​Medik8’s Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil is our go-to here. It’s ultra gentle, yet can rid your skin of the most stubborn make-up, including waterproof.

Next, you should follow up with a gentle, water-based cleanser. This can be the same one you use in the morning, simply to wash away any remaining oil cleanser.

Don’t forget the toner

Again, you may wish to use the same toner as the morning. In fact, we recommend using the same toner to ensure you don’t over complicate your skincare routine. The toner is the magic key to providing the perfect base for the products that will follow, ensuring it’s sparkling clean.

The final step: moisturiser

Did you know, your skin barrier is more permeable in the evening? This means that all the products used in your skincare routine are more effectively absorbed, which is why moisturiser before bed is a must for prime hydration. 

If we cast our minds back to the morning routine, you may recall that we love a 2-in-1 moisturiser and SPF. If you opt for this convenient step, you’re going to need to reach for a different moisturiser in the evening, this time, without SPF. Medik8’s Advanced Night Restore is your ticket to ultra hydration while you get your beauty sleep, supporting a smoother texture for your skin. 

Once you’ve completed your skincare routine, we give you permission to hit the hay for the night, allowing all your skincare steps to work their magic.

Would you prefer something a little more…indulgent?

So, you’ve nailed your skincare routine, you’ve adhered to the don’ts, but you want a little treat. 

For a more indulgent teenage skincare treat, you need to try the Teen Clear Start Facial here at Beauty Within Salon.

Introducing… The Teen Clear Start Facial at Beauty Within Salon. Tailored exclusively for teenage skin, the Teen Clear Start Facial provides a comprehensive and deep cleansing experience, addressing the unique needs of younger skin. Delicately formulated for your youthful complexion, this facial ensures you leave with a radiant glow and a newfound boost of confidence. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team if you’d like to book this treatment. 

Teenage skincare support in Driffield, Yorkshire

From your morning skincare routine, to the evening skincare routine and everything in between, our knowledgeable team here at Beauty Within Salon in Driffield, Yorkshire, are on-hand to support you, no matter your concern. 

If you want further advice on teenage skincare, contact us to book a free skincare consultation where we’ll get into the nitty gritty of your sk-insecurities and recommend science-backed products to support your skin desires. Alternatively, get in touch to book a special treat with a Teen Clear Start Facial, or if you’d prefer, give us a call.