Teenage Skincare 101 – What Every Parent Should Know

Teenage years bring major hormonal shifts—and skin is one of the first places these changes show up. Oily T-zones, clogged pores, and sudden breakouts are common during this stage, often leading to frustration, trial-and-error, and unfortunately, skincare mistakes.

This guide is designed to help parents understand how teenage skin works, what it actually needs, and how to build a simple, effective skincare routine that supports skin health—not just a trend.

🧠 Understanding Teen Skin: What’s Really Happening?

Teen skin differs from adult skin in a few key ways:

• Increased oil production: Hormonal changes stimulate sebaceous (oil) glands, making skin appear shiny and more prone to clogged pores and acne.
  
• Breakout-prone: Clogged pores combined with bacteria and oil often result in whiteheads, blackheads, and breakouts.
  
• Sensitive to strong ingredients: Harsh actives meant for mature skin (like Retinol or chemical peels) can cause irritation.
  
• Easily influenced by lifestyle: Sleep, nutrition, hydration, and hygiene all play a bigger role in how teen skin behaves.
  

✅ Skincare Do’s for Teens

Help your child build a balanced routine with these essentials:

• Cleanse gently, twice daily to remove excess oil and bacteria
  
• Moisturise with a lightweight, non-comedogenic product
  
• Always apply SPF during the day, even when it’s cloudy
  
• Be consistent with an AM and PM routine
  
• Encourage healthy habits: sleep, hydration, and balanced nutrition
  
• Consult a skin expert if breakouts become persistent or painful
  

🚫 Skincare Don’ts for Teens

What to avoid:

• ❌ Strong actives like Retinol, Vitamin C, and exfoliating acids/peels – These are often too harsh for young, sensitive skin
  
• ❌ Copying online trends without professional advice
  
• ❌ Complex 10-step routines – Simplicity is key
  
• ❌ Picking at pimples – This can cause scarring
  
• ❌ Switching products too often – It disrupts the skin barrier
  
• ❌ Spending on luxury skincare not made for young skin
  

🌿 Recommended: Clear Start by Dermalogica

If you’re looking for a professional-grade skincare range designed specifically for young skin, Clear Start by Dermalogica is the go-to.

Created by the founder of Dermalogica for her own children, Clear Start:

• Combines potent ingredients like Salicylic Acid with gentle botanicals
  
• Is free from artificial fragrance, colour, and drying alcohols
  
• Is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with sustainability in mind
  
• Focuses on clearing breakouts while supporting skin health
  

🧴 What’s in the Clear Start Line?

• Foaming cleansers for oily skin
  
• Lightweight moisturisers
  
• Breakout-targeting spot treatments
  
• Exfoliants to keep pores clear
  
• SPF protection for daily use

What is Clear Start by Dermalogica?

Dermalogica’s Clear Start was designed specifically for teens and young adults with breakout-prone skin. Created by skin experts and inspired by real teens (including our founder’s own children), the line is professional-grade yet gentle, and helps build lifelong habits for healthy skin.

Clear Start is:

• Tough on breakouts, gentle on skin
  
• Made with science-backed ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Botanical Extracts
  
• Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free
  
• Free from artificial fragrances, colours, and drying alcohols
  
• Sustainable, using recycled plastic in packaging
  

How Clear Start Helps

Each product in the Clear Start line is formulated to:

• Cleanse and unclog pores
  
• Control excess oil
  
• Soothe and hydrate irritated skin
  
• Prevent future breakouts with consistent use
  

Building Healthy Skin Habits

The teenage years are the perfect time to teach skincare as part of self-care—not vanity. Helping your teen learn how to treat their skin gently, consistently, and confidently will serve them well into adulthood.

Teen skin doesn’t need complexity—it needs consistency, care, and the right ingredients. Whether your child is starting to see early breakouts or is struggling with acne, starting with a simple routine like Clear Start can make a real difference.

👉 Shop Clear Start or book a skin consultation with a certified Skin Therapist today.
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