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Establishing an effective premium skincare routine for teen skin can be incredibly challenging. More often than not, teenagers are reluctant to commit to frequent face washing and the unfortunate result will be continuous breakouts that plague their complexion. The key is to use multi-functional products that will effectively combat the most common causes of acne without requiring your teenager to spend copious amounts of time in front of the mirror. Our Skin Health Experts at the Kate Somerville skin care clinic have developed a teenage skincare routine that’s easy to follow and will help your child achieve clear, healthy-looking teen skin by the time they head back to school this fall. 

The Best Skin Care Regimen for Teenage Acne

For best results, your teenager should follow a similar morning and evening skincare routine as outlined below. Consistency is key. Caring for their teen skin twice a day helps to keep dirt and other debris from clogging the pores that can lead to acne breakouts. If your teen struggles to keep to a twice-daily schedule, make sure they use the regimen before bed at the very least. This will help minimize the length of time acne-producing bacteria and dirt sit on your young skin.

Step 1: Cleanse

Proper cleansing with a face wash has been shown to help reduce breakouts, which is why it is one of the most important steps for treating acne in teens. For those with oily skin, an oil-based cleanser can help gently lift dirt from the skin without stripping away too many natural oils. Though it sounds counterintuitive, oily skin can be exacerbated if too many drying skincare products are used as it will try to overcompensate for the lack of oils by producing more. Other skin types, and sensitive skin specifically, benefit more from using a water-based cleanser or a daily foaming cleanser. If your child is adamant about achieving clear skin, you may also encourage them to take advantage of the double cleansing face wash practice, which calls for the use of both an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one. The process of washing their face two times in a row ensures that all surface debris has been removed from the skin. Our EradiKate® Daily Foaming Cleanser helps to lift dirt and dead skin cells, prevent blemishes and minimize the appearance of pores. This facial cleanser is safe for everyday use and is the perfect first step for any skincare routine. For those who prefer a gel cleanser, our new EradiKate Clarifying Acne Gel Cleanser works to clear teenage skin while improving texture and tone for replenished, balanced skin.

Step 2: Exfoliate

While it may seem counterintuitive to exfoliate when you’re dealing with breakouts, clearing away surface skin debris is actually an essential step in keeping skin blemish-free. If your teen has acne-prone skin, however, you will want to be picky about the kind of exfoliating product you use. Look for a non-harsh exfoliator like our Liquid ExfoliKate® Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment which acts like a toner, gently and effectively removing all pore-clogging dirt, debris, and makeup that cleansers may have left behind, including bacteria or other microorganisms that could be in the water used to rinse the cleanser. Plus, it helps remove excess oils and balance the skin’s pH levels while replenishing any hydration lost during the cleansing process. It also helps to prepare the skin to better absorb the skincare products which follow, improving their effectiveness. 

Step 3: Hydrate

Unlike moisturizers which are thick and can clog oily or acne-prone skin, hydration utilizes water-based ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid which pump skin full of water without clogging pores. Our Skin Health Experts swear by DermalQuench Liquid Lift®, our clinic-inspired Oxygen + Hyaluronic Acid at-home treatment that restores skin hydration without clogging pores or producing oils. It will leave your skin looking plumped and refreshed and is better prepped to absorb the rest of your skincare regimen.

Step 4: Treat

Whether you choose to incorporate a medicated lotion for blemish-prone skin or an acne spot treatment will depend on the type of acne your teen has. Lotions containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be effective ways to treat and prevent mild to moderate non-inflammatory acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads. However, for inflammatory acne, like pustules or nodules, you will want to select a product that has more aggressive active ingredients such as retinol or sulfur. If acne scars are already occuring, try out our EradiKate Acne Mark Fading Gel. The gel works to reduce the look of post-acne scarring and restores the skin barrier.

Regardless of what you choose for your teenage skincare routine, you will want to carefully monitor your child’s reaction for any adverse side effects as these skin careroducts will have higher concentrations of ingredients which may cause irritated skin. 

Step 5: Moisturize

A critical step in preventing acne is ensuring that your teen’s skin does not get overly dry from active ingredients or strong medicated treatments. Which is why our Skin Health Experts recommend completing your skincare routine with an oil-free moisturizer. Not only will this help keep their young skin oils in check, but depending on the formula, a moisturizer can help to provide additional nutrients to the skin. Plus, maintaining moisture levels preserves the skin’s natural barrier against environmental stressors and prevents future breakouts. 

Following this simple skincare routine at least once each day will help your teenager address their most frustrating breakouts and prevent acne from developing in the future. As you work with your teen to select acne products, pay close attention to the ingredients listed and the application instructions. This will help guide you and your teen as you look for the best skin care products for their specific skin challenges. If, however, you feel overwhelmed and aren’t sure where to start, consider taking your teen to a professional esthetician or dermatologist for a full assessment and customized treatment plan. We’d love to see you at our Los Angeles or New York Skin Health Experts Clinic. You can also book a virtual consultation with our Skin Health Experts.