Oily skin, blackheads and the odd break-out are a normal part of the teenage years, but that doesn’t make them any easier for your teen to live with. The good news is that caring for break-out prone skin doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive or time-consuming.
We spoke to Claire Baitson, a qualified skin care specialist with Dermalogica, who shared her best advice for cleansing and caring for teenage skin. Her message is reassuring: clear skin is achievable, and it starts with a simple, consistent routine.
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3 Steps to Clear Teenage Skin
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Step One: Cleanse the Skin
Claire recommends double cleansing the face both morning and evening. Double cleansing removes the excess oil produced overnight, along with dirt and impurities that build up on the skin during the day.
A gentle touch matters here — avoid scrubbing too hard, and keep the water lukewarm rather than hot. This helps minimise bacteria build-up and supports the skin’s natural oil balance, which tends to go into overdrive during the teenage years.
For break-outs on other parts of the body, such as the back, chest and neck, Claire suggests using a cleanser on these areas after washing and conditioning hair.
Step Two: Tone the Skin
Enlarged pores are a common concern for teenagers and can feel quite distressing. There’s no way to permanently close open pores, but Claire notes their appearance can be minimised.
A few quick spritzes of a toning mist after cleansing can help. Toners also brighten and even out the look of the skin.
Step Three: Moisturise the Skin
Last but certainly not least — moisturiser matters, even for oily skin.
Many teens with oily skin worry that moisturising will add extra oil and trigger more break-outs. In fact, Claire explains that keeping the right balance of oil and water in the skin is essential for it to stay calm and healthy.
Moisturising doesn’t mean reaching for heavy, rich creams. Plenty of lightweight facial moisturisers do the job well while helping to keep oil production in check. When choosing one, look for a formula that includes SPF — prevention is always better than cure when it comes to sun and UV protection.
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More Top Tips for Caring for Teenage Skin
- Teenagers can start a simple skin care routine from around 12 or 13 years old to help keep skin bright and healthy.
- When choosing skincare products and cosmetics, avoid heavy, comedogenic ingredients such as mineral oil and lanolin, which can cause or aggravate break-outs.
- If your teen wears makeup, encourage a deep clean of makeup brushes every week or two, plus a quick spritz with a brush cleaner after each use.
- Resist the temptation to pop spots — it can damage the skin further, lead to more break-outs, and increase the risk of scarring.
For more from Claire on caring for teenage skin, you can watch her Facebook Live session here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age should teens start a skin care routine?
Most skin experts suggest starting a simple routine — cleanse, tone, moisturise — around age 12 or 13, as this is often when hormonal changes begin affecting the skin.
Is it bad to moisturise oily or acne-prone skin?
No. Skipping moisturiser can actually unbalance oily skin further. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser with SPF is a good choice for oily or break-out prone skin.
Should teens pop their spots?
It’s best to avoid it. Popping spots can push bacteria deeper into the skin, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of scarring.
How often should teens clean their makeup brushes?
Aim for a deep clean every one to two weeks, with a quick spritz of brush cleaner between uses to stop bacteria building up.
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Looking after a teenager comes with a lot of questions — skin care is just one of them. Save this article for a handy refresher, and browse our other family life articles for more everyday advice.
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