Everything You Need To Know About The Best Skincare For Teenagers

A quick scroll of TikTok, Instagram and YouTube and you’d be forgiven for thinking that retinol and acids should be used liberally regardless of your age and skin type. The rise of teenagers using strong anti-ageing formulas has increased so rapidly that the British Association for Dermatologists has recently warned that they could be left with irreversible skin concerns.

“Social media often promotes quick fixes and dramatic routines, but this can overwhelm teen skin and damage the barrier,” says Marc Elrick, founder of BYOMA.

“The most important thing for teens to understand is that less is often more. Teen skin is still developing, and it doesn’t need aggressive treatments or complicated routines to be healthy. Skincare should be about supporting the skin barrier, not stripping it.”

So, what is the best teen skincare? We’ve answered some of the most common skincare questions below to help you make an informed decision before investing in your skincare. You can also skip to the best skincare for teenagers, where you’ll find our product recommendations.

What skincare should a teenager use?

In a nutshell, a simple skincare routine with gentle formulas that help to support your skin barrier is the best kind of skincare for a teenager. “To maintain a healthy skin barrier function, you only need a few essentials,” explains Sarah Chapman, brand founder and skin expert.

1. A gentle cleanser that removes sweat, excess oil, daily pollutants and makeup (if worn) without stripping the skin of moisture and natural oils.

2. A moisturiser that keeps skin hydrated without clogging the pores. Even oily or acne-prone skin needs moisture to stay balanced.

3. A sunscreen to protect from sun damage. This is one of the most important habits to start early.


We also chatted with Colette Laxton, co-founder of The INKEY List, on our YouTube channel, where she explains what skincare teenagers should use, what to steer clear of and shares specific product recommendations.

What are the best ingredients for teenage skin?

While acids should be avoided if you have young skin, there are two exceptions to the rule: hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. Hyaluronic acid is the hydrating heavyweight champion of the skincare world and is a great ingredient for all ages and skin types looking for an extra boost of hydration. You’ll find it in most moisturisers and serums.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps to ease blemishes and pesky blackheads. “It is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, and it helps prevent pore blockages,” says Niamh Butler, Space NK’s head of education. “Always start slow and only use it in the area that is congested.” If breakouts and blemishes are a concern, niacinamide is another good ingredient for teenage skin. “It helps the skin deals with excess oil, reduces inflammation and aids in skin barrier maintenance,” Niamh explains.