Best Teenage Skin Care Products For Acne Breakouts

Teen years are the best time to start a skin care routine. Hormonal imbalance takes a toll on teen skin and results in acne breakouts more often than not. Additionally, this is also when teenagers discover make-up, hence the need for a proper routine to take care of your skin.

While it is difficult to foretell the effects of hormonal imbalance on teen skin, having clear skin does not equate to healthy and hydrated skin. Getting a manageable skin care routine helps to ensure that your skin is hydrated and moisturized. In addition, if you have blackheads, spots or active acne, the best teenage skin care products will help you prevent hyperpigmentation.

Your young skin is sensitive, meaning that you need to be careful about the products you add to your routine. For example, harsh products may irritate your skin since they have been formulated for more mature people, say in their twenties. Read on to see the best teenage skin care products that will form a basis for your routine.

Does Your Skin Type Determine Your Skin Care Products?

When it comes to skincare, the biggest mistake you will make is buying trendy products that work well on your friend's or sibling's skin. As a rule of thumb, skincare products that work with someone else might not necessarily work for you.

Let us first look at the various skin types.

1. Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by a greasy and shiny look on your face, especially the T-zone(forehead, nose and chin). This is because the hormonal changes are causing your skin's oil(sebum) production level to increase.

People with oily skin types have enlarged pores which allow dirt and bacteria to penetrate your skin, causing acne breakouts and blemishes. In addition, it's also important to note that lifestyle and diet, such as increased sugar and dairy intake, could result in a bad breakout.

2. Dry Skin

If you have noticed that your skin is flaky, tight and somewhat dull, you have dry skin. Unlike oil skin which looks greasy at all times, dry skin is rough or, worse, scaly. Additionally, you will feel more itchy and irritated.

3. Normal Skin

Normal skin types lie in between the oily and dry spectrum. Your face is neither greasy nor dry. Apart from the oil balance, these skin types have relatively small pores and an overall smooth complexion. In addition, they are not prone to sensitivity, acne or blemishes.

4. Combination Skin

Combination skin type is characterized by an oily forehead, nose and chin(T-zone), and dry or normal cheeks. Sebum production is on over-drive in your T-zone, your pores are large and breakouts and blemishes are present.

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin types are vulnerable to irritants like the environment and stress. These external irritants cause itchiness, redness, dry and flaky feel on your face. If you have sensitive teenage skin, using the wrong skin care products may have a burning or allergic effect on your skin.

While sensitive skin can be categorized independently, you may have normal and sensitive skin, dry and sensitive skin or oily and sensitive skin. Fragrances, dyes and certain ingredients may be culprits for causing your teenage skin to be sensitive. Determining what triggers your sensitivity will help you maintain clear and healthy teen skin.

How Do You Determine Your Skin Type?

Watching waiting is an easy at-home method to determine your skin type. First, use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and then pat it dry or leave it to air dry. Wait for thirty minutes while observing your skin's behavior. If your skin looks shiny, you have oily skin. Tight, flaky or scaly skin will mean that you have dry skin, while a shiny T-zone and dry cheeks will represent a combination skin type. In addition, normal skin will feel hydrated and quite comfortable.

Understanding your skin type is the first step in creating a skincare routine that will work for you. However, teenage skin is often acne-prone skin as your body tries to navigate and balance your hormones.

Which are the best teenage skin care products?

Below are the best teenage skin care products that help deal with acne-prone skin, blackheads and blemishes.

1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin with...
  • [ FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER ] Dispenses as a clear gel cleanser and transforms into a foam as you lather. Cleanses without leaving skin...
  • [NON- DRYING FACE CLEANSER] Fragrance-free, paraben free, non-comedogenic, non-drying, and non-irritating. Gently refreshes and effectively...
  • [ MULTI-USE SKIN CARE ] Skin Cleanser for face and/or body and can be used as a hand wash. Suitable for daily cleansing morning (AM) and...
  • [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products,...
  • [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS & #1 DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED SKINCARE BRAND ] CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and has...

Cleansing is an essential step in establishing a lasting skincare routine. The CeraVe foaming facial cleanser is gentle on your skin and does not leave you feeling tight or stripped. In addition, it is fragrance-free, which is key for sensitive and delicate skin.

The CeraVe foaming cleanser contains essential ceramides 1, 3,6-11 that help restore your skin's natural barrier. In addition, hyaluronic acid is also present in the cleanser to hydrate and add moisture to your skin.

Another important ingredient in the CeraVe foaming facial cleanser is niacinamide. This ingredient helps to reduce irritation and calm irritated skin. This makes the cleanser perfect for normal to oily skin types. In addition, being from a dermatologist-recommended brand, you are guaranteed that the product will work.

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Contains important ceramides
  • Has hyaluronic acid
  • Has niacinamide
  • Fragrance-free
  • Hydrating cleanser
  • Effectively removes make-up
  • You can use it on your body

Cons

  • Not compatible with dry and sensitive skin

2. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

CETAPHIL Gentle Skin Cleanser 20 Fl Oz, Hydrating Face Wash & Body...
  • CETAPHIL GENTLE SKIN CLEANSING CLOTHS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Leave skin feeling clean and refreshed
  • AMERICA'S #1 BEST SELLING FACIAL CLEANSER: Gentle face wash for all skin types; ideal for sensitive, dry skin
  • DEVELOPED FOR EVEN THE MOST SENSITIVE SKIN: This pH balanced, fragrance-free formula is hypoallergenic
  • GENTLE ENOUGH FOR USE WITH OR WITHOUT WATER: Follow with a CETAPHIL facial moisturizer to lock in moisture
  • DESIGNED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: All Cetaphil products are effective yet non-irritating

The Cetaphil gentle cleanser is yet another great addition to your teenage skincare products. It has a soap-free formula that cleanses while retaining moisture on your skin, so it doesn't feel stripped. In addition, you can use this gentle face wash without water.

This gentle face wash by Cetaphil works well with all skin types. However, it is highly recommended if you have sensitive or dry skin. Apart from hydrating and locking in moisture into your skin, this cleanser helps to soothe irritated skin. This makes it an overall great product to include in your acne-fighting kit.

Pros

  • Gentle on your skin
  • Does not strip your skin
  • Cleanses, hydrates and soothes your skin
  • You can use it without water
  • Ideal for sensitive and dry skin types
  • Sulfate and fragrance-free
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • Non-foaming
  • Contains parabens
  • Not ideal for removing make-up

3. Paula's Choice Facial Exfoliant

Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid...
  • GENTLE NON-ABRASIVE LEAVE-ON EXFOLIATOR: with 2% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) to unclog & diminish enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells,...
  • Dramatically improves skin's texture for radiant youthful even-toned skin. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA also known as salicylic acid) mimics the...
  • HYDRATE, BRIGHTEN & SMOOTH FINE LINES: Our unique, non-abrasive, leave-on exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types....
  • Paula's Choice facial exfoliants are gentler on delicate skin of the face & neck than an abrasive face scrub, which can cause micro-tears. A...
  • Paula's Choice Skincare makes products that work. No fragrance, no parabens, no fluff. Just effective, science-backed formulas that target...

Exfoliating helps your skin to get rid of dead skin cells and unclog pores. Paula's choice facial exfoliant is gentle and works great for teen skin to increase cellular turnover and fight acne blemishes. Unlike regular face scrubs, this chemical exfoliant works to remove dead skin cells without causing microtears in your skin.

This facial exfoliant by Paula's choice skincare contains salicylic acid, a type of BHA(beta hydroxy acids). The salicylic acid unclogs pores and exfoliates, which prevent products from penetrating your skin. In addition, this product ensures that your pores are working as they should by exfoliating directly at the pore level.

If you are looking for a hydrating facial exfoliant that is non-abrasive and improves your skin's texture, this product is an excellent choice. In addition, this exfoliator contains green tea extract that helps to soothe redness and irritation on teen skin.

Pros

  • Contains salicylic acid
  • Exfoliates at pore level
  • Infused with green tea extract
  • Unclogs and reduces enlarged pores
  • Hydrates and brightens your skin
  • Gentle and non-abrasive on delicate skin

Cons

  • Strong BHA, so use twice a week, then work your way up slowly

4. Acne.org Benzoyl Peroxide

Acne.org 8 oz. Treatment (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide)
  • Gel based so it goes on smooth, absorbs quickly, does not "clump up," and does not turn white when you perspire.

This 2.5% benzoyl peroxide spot treatment helps fight dirt and excess oil responsible for acne. The 2.5% is an adequate concentration for acne treatment and does not irritate or dry out your skin. However, since it is gel-based, it smoothens and softens oily and acne-prone skin.

Unlike benzoyl peroxide prescription treatments with harmful side effects, this spot treatment by Acne.org absorbs quickly without clumping up your skin. Additionally, it does not stain or turn white upon perspiration.

Pros

  • Treats acne on teen skin
  • Contains a required concentration of benzoyl peroxide
  • Does not irritate sensitive and delicate skin
  • Dries up first to avoid staining
  • Smoothens your skin
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Customers complained of a different consistency

5. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

Sale
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 | Oil-Free Face...
  • [ BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 ] A micro-fine zinc oxide sunscreen for UVA/UVB protection. This CeraVe moisturizer with SPF is a hydrating facial...
  • [ OIL FREE DAY CREAM ] Use this daily face sunscreen as the last step in a morning skincare routine. If layering with an eye cream,...
  • [ SUNSCREEN WITH NIACINAMIDE ] Contains Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's moisture and Niacinamide to help calm skin. MVE Technology delivers...
  • [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products...
  • [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] Recommended for daily use by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Fragrance free, oil free, non-comedogenic...

After you have cleansed, exfoliated and treated your face, the next important step is using a moisturizer. This helps to seal the hydration and moisture into your skin. The CeraVe moisturizing lotion ensures that your skin retains its natural barrier by incorporating three essential ceramides.

The CeraVe moisturizing lotion contains hyaluronic acid, which adds hydration and moisture and salicylic acid, which helps calm and soothe irritated or delicate skin. Additionally, this non-comedogenic moisturizer works well with dry, sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin.

Sun protection is a must-have for any skin care routine. This CeraVe moisturizer contains a broad spectrum SPF 30, which helps to protect against UVA and UVB rays. In addition, unlike other sunscreen moisturizers, this product absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy white cast.

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Has salicylic and hyaluronic acid
  • Paraben-free
  • Oil-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Contains zinc oxide sunscreen
  • Does not leave a white cast

Cons

  • Leaves balls of small white residues

Tips for Teen Skin That Work Along With Skin Care Products

  1. Buy the right teenage skincare products for you - Teen skin is delicate and sensitive to the products you apply. For this reason, ensure that you buy products that match your skin type.
  2. Go for the basics - Overloading your skin with skincare products often does more harm than good. Instead, go for a simple skincare routine with three essential products, then work your way up. The basic teenage skincare products include a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer and sunscreen for sun protection.
  3. Always wear sunscreen - Acne causes breakouts and blemishes, which leave dark spots as they heal. Fortunately for teenage skin, the cellular turnover rate is high and the hyperpigmentation will clear fast. However, it is essential to wear sunscreen as it helps protect your skin from the effects of the sun, like fast skin aging.
  4. Don't sleep with make-up on - We all agree that jumping in bed after a long day sounds like the perfect evening plan. However, sleeping with your make-up on is not recommended. Stay away from cleansing wipes and instead, use micellar water to remove the make-up, then cleanse to clear your pores.
  5. Don't pop the pimple - There's something therapeutic about popping a ripe pimple. But, unfortunately, doing so opens up the acne to dirt and germs that worsen your breakout and cause hyperpigmentation.
  6. Avoid natural skincare - Products like shea butter and other oils and kinds of butter found in natural skincare make things worse by clogging pores and causing breakouts. So instead of clearing your acne, it will only get worse.
  7. Change your pillows frequently - This helps to reduce leftover make-up, dirt, hair products and other impurities from penetrating your skin while you are sleeping, clogging your pores and causing breakouts.
  8. Clean your phone case regularly - As a teenager, it is safe to say that you go with your phone everywhere. Unfortunately, this means that your case collects germs and bacteria that transfer to your skin when you're holding the phone to your ear. In addition, you are transferring these germs when you touch your phone then unknowingly touch your face. Wiping your phone with antibacterial wipers regularly will help mitigate this and prevent worsening existing skin conditions.
  9. Get adequate sleep - Sleeping 7-9 hours a day helps reduce inflammation in your body due to low cortisol levels. In addition, inadequate sleep may exacerbate existing skin conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best skincare routine for a teenage girl?

Since teen skin is going through a lot due to hormonal imbalance, try to build a basic skin care routine with a cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer and sunscreen. This will help to prevent product overload and irritation on your skin. Over time, you can add an essence or serum to cater to other needs like glowy skin.

2. Which face wash is best for a 15-year-old girl?

The CeraVe foaming face wash and Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser are an excellent addition to a 15-year-old's skincare arsenal to remove dirt, make-up and cleanse the face.

3. Is a toner good for teenage skin?

Yes. A toner helps to close enlarged pores, reduce the production of excess oil and balance the skin's PH. This makes it a great product to add to your routine. However, if you are acne-prone, be sure to add new products to your routine one by one to know how each product affects your skin.

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