Let’s be real—teen skin can be a struggle. One day it’s fine, and the next, breakouts pop up out of nowhere. Hormones, stress, and trying a million different skincare products don’t make things any easier. 

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a complicated or expensive skincare routine to get clear, healthy skin!

The key? Consistency and the right products. Instead of overloading your skin with too many treatments, stick to a simple, effective daily skincare routine that keeps your skin clean, hydrated, and protected. 

If you’ve been wondering how to build a solid routine for teens with oily skin, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in about the best teen skin care routine and get your young skin glowing.

Common Types of Teenage Acne

Before building your perfect routine, it’s essential to understand the common types of acne and what causes them.

What is Teenage Acne?

Teens with acne-prone skin often struggle with breakouts due to hormonal changes that lead to increased oil production. When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, it clogs pores, leading to breakouts. 

Here are the main types:

• Whiteheads – Small, closed clogged pores
• Blackheads – Open clogged pores that appear black due to oxidation
• Papules – Small red or pink bumps without pus
• Pustules – Pimples with pus (what most people call zits)
• Cysts & Nodules – Large, painful, deep-seated breakouts (severe acne)

How to Treat Teenage Acne

The good news? Teens with acne can find relief! By following a consistent daily skincare routine, you can reduce breakouts and improve your skin’s health.

1. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Washing your face twice a day is essential. Look for fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleansers that remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Best Choices:

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
• Teen Skin Face Wash Duo includes two gentle yet effective cleansers designed to reduce excess oil and breakouts while keeping skin balanced and refreshed. Made with natural ingredients, this duo is perfect for teens with acne-prone skin seeking a simple yet powerful skincare routine. Available to customers in Frankfort, IL, and surrounding areas.

BEST RECOMMENDED PRODUCT

Teen Skin Face Wash Duo

A perfect duo for keeping teenage skin fresh and clean with a gentle yet effective cleansing routine.

$19.99

BEST RECOMMENDED PRODUCT

Teen Skin Kit – 3-Step Acne Clarifying Regimen

The Teen Skin Kit offers a 3-step acne clarifying regimen, including a gentle cleanser, purifying toner, and hydrating moisturizer.

$29.99

2. Incorporate a Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment

For mild to moderate acne, salicylic acid helps unclog pores, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria.

Best Choices:

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Salicylic Acid to help unclog pores)
• PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash (Benzoyl Peroxide 4-10%)

3. Moisturize Daily

Even oily or dry skin needs moisture! Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep their skin balanced.

Best Choices:

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
• CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

4. Apply Sunscreen Every Morning

Sunscreen protects against acne scars and premature aging. Choose a lightweight SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Best Choices:

• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

5. Avoid Touching Your Face

Your hands carry bacteria that can make acne worse. Keep them off your face!

6. Change Your Pillowcases & Clean Your Phone

Bacteria and oils on your pillowcase and phone can contribute to breakouts. Wash pillowcases twice a week and clean your phone screen daily.

Daily Teen Skin Care Routine

Building a basic skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple routine for morning and night:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanse: Wash face with a gentle skincare cleanser
2. Treat: Apply acne treatment (active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide)
3. Moisturize: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to prevent dryness
4. Protect: Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) for essential sun protection

Night Routine:

1. Double cleanse: If wearing sunscreen or makeup, use micellar water or cleansing balm first, then wash with a gentle skincare cleanser
2. Exfoliate (2-3x per week): Use a salicylic acid toner or BHA exfoliant to help with managing acne
3. Treat: Apply spot treatment or retinol (if needed, start with a lower strength to avoid irritation)
4. Hydrate: Use a lightweight moisturizer

Best Teenage Skin Care Products

The best skincare products for teens and tweens should be gentle, effective, and free from harsh ingredients. Here are some must-have skincare products:

Cleansers

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – If your skin leans oily skin or combo, this one’s a dream. It cleanses without over-drying and has ceramides to keep your skin barrier happy, plus niacinamide to calm redness. Super gentle but effective!
• Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser – Got sensitive skin? This is a must-try. No fragrance, no harsh ingredients—just a simple, no-fuss cleanser that gets the job done without irritation.
• Teen Skin Face Wash Duo – Perfect for young, acne-prone skin. This set usually includes a good cleanser and a treatment to tackle breakouts and lead to increased oil production while keeping skin balanced.

Moisturizers

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – If you love lightweight, non-greasy hydration, this gel moisturizer is for you. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, giving your skin a major moisture boost without feeling heavy. Perfect under makeup too!
• CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion – A fantastic nighttime moisturizer that hydrates while helping to restore your skin barrier. It’s got ceramides, niacinamide (great for soothing redness), and hyaluronic acid. Super gentle, great for all skin types!

Sunscreens

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – This one’s a cult favorite, and for good reason! It’s lightweight, great for acne-prone skin, and contains niacinamide to help calm any breakouts or redness. Plus, it plays nicely under makeup, making it an excellent choice for sun protection.
• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 – Think of this as sunscreen-meets-primer. It’s totally invisible (no white cast!), weightless, and leaves your skin with a smooth, velvety finish. Perfect for everyday wear!

Acne Treatments

• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – A budget-friendly hero for managing skin concerns! Niacinamide helps with redness and pores, while zinc keeps excess oil production in check. It’s lightweight and layers well under moisturizer.
• Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%) – If you’re serious about tackling acne, this retinoid gel is a game-changer. It helps unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and smooth out skin over time. Just remember to start slow and always use SPF in the morning!

Summary

Building a best skincare routine for teens doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to the basics—cleanse, moisturize, protect, and treat acne if needed. Avoid harsh ingredients, stay consistent, and be patient. Clearer skin takes time, but with the right routine, you’ll get there!

Do you have any teen skincare questions? Drop them in the comments below!