Here’s How to Build a Simple, Quick Skincare Routine for Your Teen, According to Dermatologists

Do you remember the first skincare product you used as a teen? My first foray into skincare was a cocktail of exfoliating pads and a Neutrogena toner my mom picked up from the drugstore (millennials, IYKYK). Those products introduced me to the concept of taking care of my skin, and—now that I reflect— they definitely served their purpose.

Today’s teens are hugely dabbling in skincare, and their options are more abundant than in generations past. A survey released earlier this year by Piper Sandler revealed that teen beauty spending is up eight percent from last year, with favorite skincare brands amongst them including CeraVe, The Ordinary, and Glow Recipe (which had a huge viral moment on TikTok). Drunk Elephant’s skincare lineup also went viral on TikTok last year, with teens selling out of some of the brand’s (very potent) products (which the brand does not co-sign, btw).

It’s normal for teens to be introduced to skincare and personal care items, but the level of spending by Gen-Z shoppers is higher than ever, further proving the segment’s desire for beauty products. Access to reviews and demos and directly connected to their favorite brands on TikTok and other social platforms has also opened a world of passion for teens and tweens. “I would say TikTok is a huge influence,” Hayden Wells, an 18-year-old in Oklahoma, says of her penchant for skincare. “I’m learning about products from my friends, but their knowledge usually stems from TikTok. There are so many dermatologists and skincare experts on TikTok, but there’s also just a lot of people sharing their experiences of what works for them and their skin type.”

Social media is, undoubtedly, a great place for discovery and education, but there’s also a wealth of misinformation, especially about skincare. “I think social media has made skincare viral,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. “But we want to be conscious of approaching our skin from a skin health perspective instead of focusing on what’s trending.”

So, what exactly should a teen’s skincare routine consist of? We tapped the experts for the exact products and ingredients to keep in mind for the teenager in your life to encourage healthy skin and healthy habits (plus what to avoid) ahead.

At what age should teens start a skincare routine? 

“Skincare technically should start at birth,” Dr. Gohara says. “Like any organ, the skin deserves care immediately and throughout life’s stages.” Though she admits that, obviously, babies “don’t need retinol and antioxidants, a gentle non-soap cleanser and moisturizer is a good start at any age. SPF can be added shortly thereafter.”

For preteens, Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, suggests introducing a simple skincare routine around 11 or 12-years-old. “This can start with the basics like washing the skin with a dedicated cleanser, applying a moisturizer, and, of course, a daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater.”

How many skincare products should teens be using? 

There are tons of skincare products at our fingertips, but experts say you don’t have to adopt an intensive multi-step routine when curating one for your teen. Experts agree that three products are a good place to start for a teenage skincare routine: “Cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen,” says Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of TRNR Skin based in NYC. “You can also find a moisturizing sunscreen formula and cut that routine down to two steps.” 

Wells’ routine consists of three products: Glossier Jelly Face Wash ($22),  Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream ($11), and It Cosmetics Secret Sauce Moisturizer ($85), but she shared that her friends have “a lot more intricate” routines than hers, some consisting of six or more products.

What skincare products should teens be using?

Ultimately, experts say less is more when curating a safe skincare routine for your teen. “The keyword here should be basic,” says Dr. Turner. “Thanks to social media and marketing, there is a very strong interest in powerful skincare products with active ingredients that should not be used by those who don’t need them.” Instead, Dr. Turner recommends the following elements for a simple, effective, teen-friendly skincare routine:

Gentle cleanser

He recommends a gentle cleanser (you can use an acne-targeted one if needed) to remove dirt and makeup without drying out the skin. We love the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($13) (also highly recommended by dermatologists), which has hyaluronic acid and glycerin, so it’ll clean your face without making it feel dry afterward. “Hyaluronic acid is always easy to incorporate because it’s a hydrating ingredient that works for most skin types,” says Dr. Clay.

Spot treatment

If your teen has acne, Dr. Turner says you can look for products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat breakouts. “This can help exfoliate the skin and prevent breakouts,” he says. He recommends looking for spot treatments that contain either ingredient and having hydrocolloid pimple patches on hand for whiteheads.

That said, if your teen develops acne or acne scars that don’t improve with the help of over-the-counter products, Dr. Turner encourages you to find a dermatologist who can help. “In the teen years, the need for medical treatment of acne can develop. Alongside a dermatologist, other topicals may be added to their routines,” he says.

Moisturizer

Experts agree that a hydrating, barrier-friendly moisturizer (with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides) is usually safe for teenagers. If your teen has sensitive skin or is worried about irritation, opt for fragrance-free options in this category. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer ($13) is a great option formulated with squalene and glycerin, so it’ll make your skin feel hydrated and supple (not greasy) after massaging it in.

Sunscreen

Experts stress the importance of daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your teen’s skin from UVA and UVB rays. There are tons of great face sunscreen options (both chemical and mineral) that’ll protect your skin without feeling heavy or greasy.

Final takeaway

With the wealth of information and knowledge at our fingertips, it’s easy to see why teens are so intrigued by shopping for skincare. Still, it also creates an overwhelming world of options that can complicate nailing down a safe, effective routine. The good news? It doesn’t have to be confusing.

In fact, “basic and simple” is just what the doctor ordered for the teen in your life. Prioritizing skin health versus what’s trending is the best way to help your teen build healthy habits that don’t compromise their skin. And, when in doubt, remember less is more: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF is a great place to start for anyone unsure of where to start.