Skincare Routine for Teens: A Pharmacist’s Guide

Teenagers commonly face a range of skin issues due to hormone fluctuations, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors. These include:

• Acne: Happens when oil, dead skin, and bacteria clog your pores. You might get blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Sometimes acne can be deep and painful. Managing acne typically involves using gentle cleansers, oil-free moisturizers, and topical treatments containing ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

• Oily Skin: Makes your face look shiny and can clog pores. The key to managing oily skin is oil-free or mattifying products that reduce excess shine without stripping the skin of its essential moisture.

• Blackheads and Whiteheads: Both are types of acne. Blackheads are open and look dark, while whiteheads are closed and look like small white bumps.

• Dry or Combination Skin: While oily skin is more common, some teens may experience dry or combination skin, especially if they live in drier climates or use harsh skincare products. Combination skin involves oily areas, typically in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and dry patches elsewhere on the face.

• Sensitive or Red Skin: Skin can get irritated easily, especially with strong products.

Understanding these common concerns is important for tailoring a skincare routine that addresses specific needs while protecting and nurturing the skin.

Establishing a simple yet effective skincare routine during the teenage years can help manage common issues like acne and oily skin while promoting overall skin health. Here’s a basic routine that covers the essentials:

1. Cleansing
   Use a gentle face wash (cleanser) twice a day—morning and night. If you have acne, look for cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. For dry or sensitive skin, choose a mild cleanser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin. Avoid rough scrubs.

2. Toning
   Toners can help remove leftover dirt and balance your skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for toners with witch hazel or niacinamide. If your skin is dry or sensitive, you can skip this step or use a gentle, alcohol-free toner.

3. Moisturizing
   Everyone needs moisturizer, even if your skin is oily. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for oily skin, and a richer cream for dry skin. Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid are good for keeping skin hydrated without clogging pores.

4. Sun Protection
   Use sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free or mattifying sunscreens.

5. Spot Treatments
   For pimples, use spot treatments with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil. Don’t use too much, or your skin may get too dry.

How to Pick the Right Products

Choosing the right skincare products is important because using the wrong products can worsen skin issues like acne, sensitivity, or dryness.

• Know your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive).

• For oily/acne-prone skin: Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products.

• For dry/sensitive skin: Use gentle, fragrance-free, and hydrating products.

• Look for helpful ingredients:

  • Acne: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids

  • Dry skin: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin

  • Sensitive skin: Aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal

• Avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol, strong fragrances, or sulfates.

• Keep your routine simple. Cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen are enough for most teens.

• Before using a new product, it’s important to patch-test it on a small skin area to check for any allergic reactions or irritation. This can help prevent adverse reactions when using the product on the entire face.

Skincare during the teen years can be tricky, and it’s easy to fall into bad habits that may worsen skin problems. Here are some common skincare mistakes teens should avoid:

• Washing your face too much can make your skin more oily. Washing twice a day, morning and night, is usually sufficient.

• Don’t pop pimples—it can cause scars and infections. Use a spot treatment with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to reduce inflammation.

• Don’t skip sunscreen, even if you have oily skin.

• Don’t use too many products at once; it can irritate your skin.

• Don’t skip moisturizer, even if your skin is oily. Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that won’t clog pores.

How Hormones Affect Teen Skin

• Puberty increases hormones called androgens, which make your skin produce more oil.

• Hormonal changes can cause acne, especially before periods for girls.

• Stress can also make your skin worse by raising another hormone called cortisol.

While many teen skin issues can be managed with a good skincare routine and over-the-counter products, some problems may require professional help. Here’s when to consider consulting a healthcare provider:

• If your acne is severe, it won’t go away, or it leaves scars.

• If your skin gets red, itchy, or reacts badly to products.

• If you notice new moles or changes in your skin that don’t heal.

• If you can’t figure out your skin type or what products to use.

Getting help early can keep your skin healthy and help you feel more confident. Remember, keeping your skincare routine simple and consistent is the best way to take care of your skin as a teen.