The Best Skincare Routine For Teens

Navigating the teenage years can be challenging, especially when it comes to skincare. And now, more than ever, with the rise of online ‘experts’ the conflicting opinions can be overwhelming, and well… downright confusing. The thing with skincare is that it’s a lifelong commitment, and the earlier you start understanding the importance of it, the better your skin will be in the long run. Learning the importance of cleansing, SPF and making sure you have clean hands before you touch your face, for example, can make a huge difference later on in life. And as we always say, it’s much easier to prevent than it is to turn back the clock.

With hormonal changes come a suite of skin concerns, including acne, blackheads and too much of the dreaded shine. But on the other end of the spectrum skin can become dry, dehydrated and oversensitive. It’s a minefield - we get it!  But we’re here to try and demystify some of the teen skin nightmares. The secret lies in simplicity, gentleness, and the right ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best morning and evening skincare routines for teens, designed to protect, hydrate, and balance your skin, incorporating some innovative products with some good old timeless wisdom.

Morning Skincare Routine for Teens

Step 1: Start with a Gentle Cream Cleanser

Your morning routine should kick off with a clean slate. Use a gentle cream cleanser fortified with natural ingredients like Avocado and Hemp oils. The Skinsmiths Gentle Cream Cleanser is perfect for young skin, filled with essential fatty acids that replenish and protect the skin barrier, ensuring your skin retains its natural moisture. This cleanser also incorporates Sodium Hyaluronate for deep hydration and plumping effects, plus the protective antioxidant power of SauvigNZ™. This unique ingredient defends against environmental damage from UV rays and pollution, setting a strong foundation for your day.

Step 2: Apply a Hydrating Serum

Now it’s time to get some hydration going. The Skinsmiths Ultimate Renewal Serum is the perfect serum for the job, being both hard-working and gentle, it’s perfect for skin that isn’t quite ready for the more advanced actives (we’re looking at you retinol).

Crafted with an intensely moisturising concoction, this formula ensures enduring, silky hydration. It's fortified with the dynamic effects of Argireline Peptides and Niacinamide, which elevate skin elasticity, refine texture, and help ward off future fine lines and wrinkles.

Step 3: Protect with SPF

Do you want to know what the real secret to healthy glowing skin is? Never underestimate the power of sunscreen, even on cloudy days…

Opt for an antioxidant defence sunscreen that offers sheer coverage and doubles as a moisturiser. The Skinsmiths Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF 30 ticks all the boxes, offering broad-spectrum SPF30 protection that shields your skin from UVA/UVB rays without leaving a white cast.

Evening Skincare Routine for Teens

Step 1: Wash away the day

Time to cleanse again. Repeat your morning cleansing routine in the evening to remove impurities and any buildup from the day. A gentle cleanser not only cleans your skin but also provides a soothing, hydrating treatment overnight. The Skinsmiths Purifying Gel Cleanser is the perfect nighttime companion for youthful skin, providing a deep and clarifying cleanse while also incorporating chamomile and cucumber extract that calm and rebalance oily skin. 

Step 2: Toner time

Now it’s time to tone. After cleansing away the day’s buildup of dirt, oil and makeup move on to the second essential step in your nighttime routine with a hydrating toner. Even after cleansing, your skin may still hold impurities and a gentle swipe of toner on a cotton pad can lift away that remaining debris, ensuring your pores are truly clean.

The Murad Hydrating Toner is a fan favourite for a reason, being both alcohol-free and ultra refreshing, this toner works to restore the skin’s moisture balance while not disrupting the natural pH of your skin. The toner’s refreshing formula invigorates the skin, providing a sense of cleanliness and freshness before you apply your hydrating serums and moisturisers, meaning you get more out of them!

Step 3: Treat any blemishes

Nighttime is ideal for targeting specific skin concerns, including acne. Teen skin can be prone to breakouts, so if you’re experiencing any - now is the time to apply direct treatments.

The Murad Deep Blemish Relief Treatment, with ground Cherry Extract and a max-strength 2% salicylic acid formula, combats severe acne by targeting bad bacteria and reducing redness and discomfort. Its "second skin" polymer ensures longer-lasting activity on the skin for more effective penetration so you can wake up feeling your best.

Step 3: Apply soothing moisturisers

After treating any specific concerns, it’s essential to hydrate and soothe the skin. If your skin feels particularly stressed or you've applied targeted treatments, opt for a lightweight, hydrating serum or gel that doesn’t clog pores. Look for products with calming ingredients like Shea Butter and Avocado Oil to soothe the skin before bed. Skinsmiths Complete Recovery Moisturiser will lock in all that hard work, sealing in moisture to repair and protect the skin barrier, essential for younger skin.

What about active skincare?

We get it, when you see someone on TikTok using one million different ingredients and having glass skin, it’s easy to want to apply all the products all at once. But trust us, sometimes less is more and you don’t need to apply all the active ingredients on your skin just get. Good things take time, and building up your skin's tolerance to these more advanced ingredients is no exception.

However, that doesn’t mean that all active ingredients are strictly off the table. For young adults experiencing breakouts, for example, introducing salicylic acid through cleansers or blemish treatments can be beneficial. Salicylic acid works by eliminating dead skin cells and reducing inflammation, which are both contributors to acne.

For those with sensitive skin, try a salicylic acid sandwich - toner, moisturiser, salicylic acid and then moisturiser again. This technique helps to protect the delicate skin barrier as well as minimising any irritation. If you are going to incorporate these into your routine, make sure you introduce them gradually at the start. Start by using the product once or twice a week in the evenings, and then, if all is well, you can slowly increase your usage over time.

Some other tips and tricks for teen skin

1. Be kind to your skin: Avoid picking or squeezing pimples to prevent scarring. Your skin is undergoing changes, and it’s crucial to treat it with care.
2. Hydration is king: Inside and out, keeping hydrated is essential for healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your skin's hydration from within.
3. SPF is a non-negotiable: Sun protection is not up for debate. Even on days spent indoors, UV rays can penetrate windows and contribute to premature skin ageing and damage.
4. Hold fire on the exfoliator: Teenage skin is already working overtime. Avoid over-exfoliating or using harsh products that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Steer clear of heavy retinols and opt for gentler alternatives.
5. Pay attention to your skin: Everyone’s skin is different. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to products and adjust your routine accordingly. It’s okay to experiment gently to find what works best for you.

Incorporating a skincare routine that respects and enhances your skin's natural balance is the key to navigating the teenage years with confidence and clarity. By choosing products that hydrate, protect, and treat your skin gently, you're setting the foundation for lifelong skin health. Remember, the best skincare routine is one that you enjoy and can commit to consistently. Embrace these steps, and watch your skin—and your confidence—transform.