During early adolescence, ages 11-15yrs, tween / teenage skin changes quickly, and it can be confusing for both doctors and parents to know what their child actually needs when issues arise due to this. Between social media trends and product-heavy advice, many teens end up using routines designed for adults — which can do more harm than good. When treating adolescent skin, it's crucial that the goal is keeping the skin healthy while supporting it.
Adolescent skin behaves differently from teen and adult skin because hormones increase oil production while the skin barrier is still developing. This combination often leads to breakouts but also sensitivity from barrier impairment. Using harsh products or too many “active” ingredients can easily cause irritation, increased breakouts, increased sensitivities and redness. It is why a gentle, age-appropriate approach matters so much.
The most effective skincare routine for adolescents is simple: Cleansing removes oil and impurities without stripping the skin, a dual-corrective that addresses breakouts in two different ways and at two different levels on the skin and a lightweight acne safe gentle moisturizer.
We do find with young teens that they have to be taught good skincare habits:
- This means showing them how to wash their face preferably at the sink when they brush their teeth.
- It also means showing them how to apply their products in the correct order and correct amount. You can do this by first keeping their product at the kitchen sink and helping them do their routine. Children often don't know how to wash their face and must be shown. All products used - your child will use about a dime size - which is to the first crease of their pointer finger.
For non-acne, supporting the skin with gentle barrier support to keep skin skin balanced and acne bacteria away (acne loves irritated or barrier-impaired skin), gentle pore clarifying is more than enough. Less is more. Avoid all tik tok marketing. Products should be based in science and meant for young skin.
1. Cleanse: Skin Theory Gentle Cleansing Gel Cleanser
*Do not scrub. Use cool or tepid water. Pat dry with a fresh soft cloth.
2. Clear Pores: Skin Theory Clarifying Beta Tonic
*Using a cotton pad, apply all over, avoiding eyes.
3. SPF: Face Reality Daily SPF30
1. Cleanse: Skin Theory Gentle Cleansing Gel Cleanser
*Do not scrub. Use cool or tepid water. Pat dry with a fresh soft cloth.
2. Clear Pores: Skin Theory Clarifying Beta Tonic
*Using a cotton pad, apply all over, avoiding eyes.
3. Moisture: Face Reality Clearderma
Apply all over, avoiding eyes.
Acne needs extra support, home care treatments should be introduced slowly and carefully. More products or stronger formulas do not mean better or faster results — in fact, they often slow progress by irritating younger teen skin and can cause more breakouts. Gentle pore clarifying and skin exfoliation that progressively increases is best. As with all acne clearing protocols, some temporary purging is normal and expected for the first few weeks as the skin releases and expels the congestion and it surfaces quickly. You can reduce this by going slower and also taking one Optizinc daily (30 mg) after a meal.
*It is very important if your child has been using over the counter actives or prescription topicals to have them stop and do the above gentle routine for 2 weeks before starting the below routine. It is also very important to go slow. Less is more and their skin needs time to acclimate. They will break out more if they go too fast.
1. Cleanse: Skin Theory Gentle Cleansing Gel Cleanser
*Do not scrub. Use cool or tepid water. Pat dry with a fresh soft cloth.
2. Clear Pores: Skin Theory Clarifying Beta Tonic
*Using a cotton pad, apply all over, avoiding eyes.
3. Exfoliate: Face Reality Mandelic 8% Serum
Apply 1-2 pumps all over, avoiding eyes. (begin every other day and gentle move up to using daily after a couple weeks)
4. SPF: Face Reality Daily SPF30
1. Cleanse: Skin Theory Gentle Cleansing Gel Cleanser
*Do not scrub. Use cool or tepid water. Pat dry with a fresh soft cloth.
2. Clear Pores: Skin Theory Clarifying Beta Tonic
*Using a cotton pad, apply all over, avoiding eyes.
3. Clear Pores: Face Reality Salicylic Serum
Apply 1-2 pumps all over, avoiding eyes. (begin every other night over mandelic serum- wait until it is dry 3 mins)
4. Moisture: Face Reality Clearderma
Apply all over, avoiding eyes.
**THIS IS KEY: You will begin Mandelic Serum daily in 2 weeks and then begin using it day and night in 4 weeks after toning with pore clarifying Clarifying Beta Tonic. A parent should be in charge of coaching them through this. We highly recommend checking in with them about any uncomfortable skin such as redness, burning, stinging or itching. They should not experience any of this. If they do, you should coach them to pull back a bit and after a few days start back but lessen usage.
Adolescent skin often can not tolerate stronger product needed to address moderate to severe teen and adult acne. As your adolescent moves into older teen years, and possibly begins to get moderate to severe teen acne, we recommend visiting us and starting our STE Acne Clearing Program, a 12 week program desgined for moderate to severe teen and adult acne or individuals highly motivated to clear their skin.
520 Hillside Ave. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Call 630 - 488 - 6334 | Text 929-305-1465