Starting a skincare routine in your teen years is the best way to set yourself up for clear, glowing skin long-term. The key is knowing which products to use—and which to avoid. Let’s break down some essential do’s and don’ts to help you create a routine that’s simple, effective, and keeps your skin looking and feeling its best!
Do’s for Teen Skincare
- Do Cleanse Gently, Morning and Night
Your skin encounters a lot of dirt, oil, and sweat throughout the day. Choose a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Try Derma MD’s Clear-ifying Wasabi Cleanser, which cleans deeply without stripping your skin of essential moisture—perfect for keeping acne at bay. - Do Moisturize, Even If You’re Oily
Moisturizing is essential for all skin types, even oily skin! A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer, like Hydropeptide Aquaboost or Circadia Daytime Control Lotion, helps hydrate your skin without clogging pores, keeping it balanced and protected. - Do Use Sunscreen Daily
Sun protection isn’t just for beach days; it’s essential year-round. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to prevent long-term damage, pigmentation, and premature aging, like Hydropeptide Solar Defense -Tinted, which has ingredients to help fight acne bacteria. Look for oil-free options that won’t contribute to breakouts, and avoid thicker sunscreens which can clog pores. - Do Exfoliate Weekly (Gently)
Exfoliating once a week clears away dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores. Opt for a gentle, enzyme-based exfoliator like Hydropeptide 5X Power Peel. Unlike abrasive scrubs, enzyme exfoliants polish your skin without causing microtears, keeping it smooth and clear. - Do Spot Treat as Needed
When a blemish appears, a targeted treatment can be your best friend. Circadia Spot Stop is great for acne-prone teens, using ingredients like salicylic acid to help reduce the size and redness of pimples quickly without irritating surrounding skin.
Don’ts for Teen Skincare
- Don’t Use Abrasive Scrubs
Scrubs with rough particles can damage your skin’s natural barrier, causing irritation and even more breakouts. Instead, stick to gentle exfoliants, like Circadia Micro-Exfoliating Honey Cleanser, an enzyme-based cleanser, or low-strength chemical exfoliators that are effective but kind to your skin. - Don’t Over-Cleanse
Washing your face too often can strip your skin of its natural oils, prompting it to produce even more oil as a response. Stick to cleansing just twice a day—morning and night—to maintain a balanced complexion without over-drying. - Don’t Skip Moisturizer
Even if you have oily skin, skipping moisturizer can backfire. When your skin feels dry, it produces extra oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Choose a light, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without feeling greasy. - Don’t Go for Heavy, Pore-Clogging Makeup or Sunscreen
Some foundations and sunscreens contain heavy oils that can clog pores, leading to blackheads and breakouts. For makeup, look for non-comedogenic formulas, like Jane Iredale, and for sunscreen, choose a lightweight or mineral-based option for acne-prone skin. - Don’t Try Too Many Active Ingredients at Once
It’s tempting to load up on products, especially those with acne-fighting ingredients. But using too many active ingredients (like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids) at once can overwhelm your skin and cause irritation. Start with one or two basics and add new products gradually.
Building a Simple, Teen-Friendly Routine
Creating a basic routine that you’ll stick to is the key to great skin. Here’s a quick guide:
- Morning: Cleanse, apply a light moisturizer, then use an oil-free sunscreen.
- Night: Cleanse again, apply a spot treatment on active breakouts if needed, then finish with a moisturizer.
- Weekly: Exfoliate once a week with a gentle enzyme product to keep your skin smooth and clear.
Skincare in your teens doesn’t have to be complicated—just remember the essentials and avoid the common pitfalls. Need help finding products suited to your skin? Kenneth’s experts are here to help you choose the right solutions for clear, healthy skin!
Explore Kenneth’s skincare collection to start building a routine that’s tailored to you!
Overwhelmed by all the Options Out There?
At Kenneth’s Hair Salons & Day Spas, we know that every teen’s skin is unique, and so is their skincare journey. Our personalized consultations offer a one-on-one session with a skilled skincare specialist who takes the time to understand your skin type, lifestyle, and specific concerns—from acne and oil control to sensitive skin issues. During your visit, our expert team will recommend the best treatments for your skin, like our clarifying facials designed to deeply cleanse and soothe blemish-prone skin or our gentle exfoliating treatments that help reduce oil and keep pores clear. Not only will you leave feeling refreshed, but you'll also gain a custom skincare plan tailored just for you, making healthy, glowing skin easy to achieve at any age.
Experience our spa services at one of our select locations, including Mill Run, New Albany, Taylor Square, Polaris Parkway, Dublin, Grove City, Kingsdale, and Westerville. Booking is easy! Just click on our convenient online booking link or call 614-538-5800 to speak with one of our friendly team members. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Expertise for this article comes from Amy McLain, Director of Spa Education. With over 25 years in the beauty industry and as a licenced esthetician, she is consistently researching new cutting-edge products and services to keep Kenneth's on top as a leader in the industry.