Skincare For Teenagers: Essential Tips For Healthy And Clear Skin

Some are lucky enough to go through puberty without a single pimple, while others, like me, must suffer through acne. My severe acne breakouts lasted well into my late twenties and stopped only thanks to one thing. Specifically, I started studying skincare ingredients and figured out what was best for my acne-prone skin type. It turns out that while I was trying to get rid of my acne, I was only making it worse. Indeed, I used skincare products with very harsh ingredients in hopes they’d kill off the pimple causing bacteria. But when I learned more about the skin barrier and skincare ingredients, I realized that more than anything my skin needed a healthy microbiome.

In my opinion, using skincare to get rid of microbes is so wrong! In fact, I have plenty of clients who did just that during their teenage years and ended up with very sensitive skin. Now, it is close to impossible for them to find skincare products because their skin seems to react to everything, even chamomile and avocado. That is why selecting the right skin care routine for teenagers is critical. After all, it is during these years that the skin goes through the formation process. I believe that skincare for teenagers should first and foremost protect the skin barrier and support the skin microbiome. Hence, in this post, you will get essential tips for healthy and clear skin as well as learn about non-toxic options for skincare products for teenagers.

Skincare For Teenagers: What You Need To Know

To begin with, teenagers experience a range of skin issues primarily due to hormonal changes. Indeed, during puberty, the body produces more androgens, hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum. This excess sebum clogs pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and oily skin (source).

Further, a prevalent skin condition that affects teenagers worldwide is acne vulgaris. The factors that trigger and aggravate acne are manifold. Namely, they include excessive production of sebum, disruption of keratinization within hair follicles, local inflammation, and imbalance of the skin microbiome (source).

To clarify, the human microbiome is the collection of all microbiotas that reside on or within the human body, including the skin. It consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae and plays a great role in our immune system. The skin’s interaction with bacteria is crucial for creating a healthy diversity of microorganisms. They protect the skin and body against harmful substances that could affect the skin and our overall health (source).

Nevertheless, the skin’s normal interaction with microbiota can stop due to disturbances in the microbiome’s balance. Some causes of that include infectious illnesses, certain diets, air pollution, emotional stress, medications, and cosmetics. Microbiome imbalances (aka “dysbiosis”) can lead to inflammation of the skin barrier. This, in turn, can result in various skin issues, such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. These skin problems can significantly impact self-esteem and confidence, making it crucial to address them effectively. One of the ways is to use microbiome cosmetics (source).

How To Create A Skincare Routine For Teenagers

Although dealing with teenage skin issues can be tricky, starting a skincare routine can help manage these problems. However, many existing treatments for teenage skin target blemishes by using harsh ingredients. Unfortunately, this approach often leads to permanent damage and scarring or hyperpigmentation. For this reason, the key is to focus on the skin barrier function and overall skin health by supporting the skin microbiome.

First of all, in my opinion, teenagers (and people of all ages) should avoid skincare products that contain potentially toxic ingredients. The latter include fragrance or “natural” fragrance, polysorbates and other ethoxylated ingredients, phenoxyethanol, benzisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and some other potentially toxic chemicals (you can find them listed on my Start Here page). In addition to increasing certain health risks, these ingredients can irritate the skin and permanently damage the skin barrier.

Next, board-certified dermatologists agree that a basic skin care routine for teenagers should involve at least three steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. Some additional steps would be toning and targeted treatment.

So, let’s discuss each of these steps:

• cleanse
• tone
• treat
• moisturize, and
• apply SPF. 

Step 1: Start With A Gentle Cleanser

First, a gentle cleanser is the foundation of any good skin care routine. It’s important to choose a cleanser that does not strip the skin of its natural oils but effectively removes dirt, excess sebum, and makeup. Look for cleansers that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin.

Step 2: Use A Toner To Balance The Skin

Second, toning helps to balance the skin’s pH level and prepare it for the next step in the routine. Choose a toner that contains soothing ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, or chamomile.

Step 3: Treat With Targeted Products

Third, incorporating targeted treatments into your skincare routine can be beneficial. Products containing a small amount of salicylic acid or pre- and probiotics can help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts.

Step 4: Apply A Moisturizer

Next, moisturization is necessary for any skin type, even for oily skin. Note that if your moisturizer clogs pores, it’s best to look for another one – a lightweight moisturizer without pore clogging ingredients. For those with dry skin, a richer, hydrating moisturizer may be necessary. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and cucumber fruit extract are great for maintaining the skin’s moisture levels.

Step 5: Protect The Skin With SPF

Finally, it is crucial to apply SPF to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Indeed, in addition to leading to premature aging, they can worsen acne. It is a good idea to choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and make it a non-negotiable step in the daily skin care routine. (Learn more about non-toxic sunscreens in my guide to the safest baby sunscreen and sunscreen for kids.)

My husband and I are often complimented on our youthful looks. I am almost 50, and my husband is in his late fifties. We attribute a large amount of credit for our looks to the fact that we have been very careful with sun exposure over the last couple of decades. Conversely, among our friends, it is easy to tell those who have been “sun worshippers” since they were young. They look much older than we do. Years of avoiding this step in the skincare routine have taken their toll.

Best Skincare Products For Teens

Finding the right skincare products for teenagers can make a significant difference in managing their skin issues. Again, I believe the best skincare for teens is microbiome supporting skincare. It should contain ingredients that maintain a balanced microbiome by helping to create a healthy diversity of bacteria in the microbiota instead of killing them. Some of these ingredients include:

• hyaluronic acid
• salicylic acid
• green tea extract
• witch hazel
• cucumber extract
• aloe leaf juice
• vitamin C in its stable form (learn more in my blog post about vitamin C serum).

Additionally, in lieu of recent scientific findings, some board-certified dermatologists believe that prebiotics and probiotics are beneficial elements for the skin’s microbial diversity balance (source and source).

Please find some of my top recommendations for skincare products for teens below.

Gentle Cleanser

Crunchi I AM The Balm Makeup Cleansing Balm (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st purchase): If you use makeup, start your skin care routine with this makeup remover. It contains sweet almond oil that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to help keep the skin healthy. Also, it has plant-derived squalane that mimics the skin’s lipid barrier to help with healthy skin barrier function.

Crunchi Charcoal Facial Bar (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st purchase of $50+): This is a purifying facial cleanser that helps clarify pores and balance the skin’s natural oils. This gentle cleanser features charcoal and kaolin clay to help detoxify and improve your skin’s radiance. It should work well for normal, combination, or acne-prone skin.

Pure Haven Clear Up Cleanser: Alternatively, instead of the charcoal bar soap, you can use this liquid cleanser. It contains aspen and willow bark extracts to help exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation and redness. Plus, avocado oil helps moisturize the skin, and cucumber fruit extract helps soothe, hydrate, and soften the skin. Additionally, green tea leaf extract offers anti-inflammatory properties. And the probiotic (lactobacillus) is one of the first probiotic bacteria to have been used to help with acne. Hence, this cleanser is ideal for acne-prone skin and sensitive skin.

Toner

Crunchi Clarilight® Facial Essence (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st purchase): This essence contains ingredients that help soothe and hydrate the skin. Namely, they are organic witch hazel water, organic aloe leaf juice, birch and willow leaf extracts, and hyaluronic acid.

Pure Haven Clear Up Toner: Conversely, you can use this toner that features organic witch hazel and green tea leaf extract with anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, chia seed and organic willow herb help reduce excess sebum production and shininess. And cucumber fruit extract helps soothe, hydrate, and soften the skin. Moreover, the probiotic (lactobacillus ferment) is helpful in creating a healthy balanced microflora. It is good for any skin type, particularly for blemish-prone skin and even sensitive skin.

Treatment

Crunchi I AM Bright® Vitamin C Facial Serum (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st purchase): Vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside) in this serum helps reduce redness and swelling as well as minimize the appearance of dark spots and post-acne marks. In addition, it helps protect the skin from environmental stressors, blue-light damage, and premature aging.

Crunchi I AM Luminous® Facial Oil (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st purchase): On the other hand, you can use this lightweight facial oil that helps balance and renew oily skin, acne-prone skin, and sensitive skin. Thus, sea fennel extract helps regulate oil production as well as minimize the appearance of pores. And organic pumpkin seed oil helps soothe irritation and calm redness.

Pure Haven Blemish Stick with Probiotics: Use this stick for targeted treatment of breakouts morning and night. It features a probiotic (lactobacillus ferment lysate filtrate) that helps balance your skin, leaving it hydrated and protected. Also, it contains helichrysum flower oil, tea tree oil, and frankincense oil known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The stick helps prevent breakouts, reduce redness, and keep the skin clear.

Moisturizer

Crunchi Daylight® Facial Cream (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st purchase): This lightweight day cream is formulated for all skin types and does not clog pores. The cream features a blend of sea kelp, sea moss, aloe vera, organic oils, and hyaluronic acid to help restore hydration.

Crunchi Nightlight® Facial Cream (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st purchase): For evening application, use this facial cream rich in beneficial ingredients that help smooth the skin texture and brighten the overall complexion. They include hibiscus flower extract and aloe vera as well as organic jojoba, avocado, and sesame oils.

Pure Haven Clear Up Serum: As an alternative, you can use this gentle, non-drying serum formulated to help clear blemish-prone, inflamed, and oily skin type morning and night. It contains 0.5% of salicylic acid obtained from the bark of a willow tree known for treating the skin prone to irritation and inflammation. Salicylic acid helps with natural exfoliation by removing dead skin, clearing pores, and allowing new skin cells to form. In addition, the serum contains cucumber fruit extract to help soothe, hydrate, and soften the skin, as well as anti-inflammatory green tea leaf extract. Also, just like the Clear Up cleanser and toner, the serum contains a probiotic (lactobacillus) to help with acne.

Sun Protection

Crunchi Sunlight® Facial SPF 30 (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st purchase of $50+): Although the sunscreen contains 12.5% non-nano zinc oxide to protect the skin against both UVA and UVB rays, it has an invisible finish (i.e., no white cast). Zinc oxide is known for helping clear acne-causing bacteria and reduce oil production, which makes it ideal for acne-prone skin. Plus, this facial sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and is light, non-greasy, and fast absorbing.

Pure Haven Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30: This face sunscreen lotion features 14% non-nano zinc oxide that provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. In addition, it contains aloe vera leaf juice and organic shea butter to help soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. It is formulated to be hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and safe for sensitive skin.

Summary: Skincare For Teenagers

Non-Toxic, Microbiome Supporting Skincare Products Can Help Teenagers Improve Their Skin Condition And Maintain Healthy, Clear Skin.

To sum up, teenage skin can be challenging to manage. Yet, with the right skincare routine and products, it is possible to keep it healthy and clear. Understanding the role of hormones, choosing the right skincare products, and following a consistent routine are keys to achieving the best results.

In addition to following a skincare routine, there are other important tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid picking at pimples because it can lead to scarring and further inflammation.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to help improve overall skin health.
• Investigate hidden food sensitives, e.g., to gluten or dairy.
• Stay hydrated to support the skin’s moisture level and overall health.
• Clean makeup tools regularly to avoid harboring bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

For safe and effective makeup and skincare products for more mature skin, check out my blog post Beautycounter Alternatives.  

Otherwise, browse the I Read Labels For You blog for other useful information on skincare and makeup. Visit my non-toxic products shop and check out my unprecedented e-books on baby wipes, diapers, and permanent hair color. They will help you find safer products. Alternatively, book a consultation with me for a deeper look into your personal needs.

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