Skincare Routine for Teens | A Doctor’s Guide to Clear, Healthy Skin

Teenage skin goes through many changes, and with the right approach, it can be supported, protected and balanced. In this post, Dr Anita Sturnham, GP with a special interest in Dermatology and founder of Decree Skincare, shares her expert-led skincare routine for teenage skin, with advice on what to use, what to avoid, and how to build habits that last.

“Establishing a consistent skincare routine during adolescence is crucial in preventing and managing acne, maintaining skin health, and fostering positive self-esteem,” says Dr Anita. “Educating teens about proper skin care can instil lifelong habits that promote skin health.”

Why Skincare Is Important for Teens

During puberty, hormone fluctuations can cause increased oil production, leading to blocked pores, inflammation and breakouts.

“Increased levels of androgens, in particular testosterone, can lead to excess oil in the sebaceous glands. This sticky oil clogs the pores, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive,” explains Dr Anita. “We often describe the pore congestion as being like a plug. If it stays below the surface, it is light in colour and called a whitehead. If it pops out, the tip is dark and becomes a blackhead.”

This can lead to red bumps (papules), pus-filled spots (pustules) or deeper cystic acne. Building a skincare routine early helps reduce breakouts and prevent scarring while reinforcing confidence.

Step-by-Step Teen Skincare Routine

Morning Routine

Cleanse
Start with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to remove oil and impurities. Avoid harsh scrubs, foaming formulas, alcohol, parabens and artificial fragrance.

Try:

• Decree Light Cleanse
• Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
  
• La Roche-Posay Cream Cleanser
  
  

Treat
 For those prone to spots, apply a targeted treatment to breakout areas. “For sensitive teenage skin, it often works well to apply the moisturiser first, then the active treatment,” says Dr Anita. She recommends over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide such as Acnecide to reduce congestion and inflammation.

Hydrate & Protect
Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser with calming, plant-based ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and vitamin E.

Try:

• Decree Peptide Emollient Veil
• Avene Light Recovery Emulsion
  
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Cream
  
  

Make-Up (Optional)
Dr Anita encourages teens to skip heavy makeup where possible. “If you wear makeup, avoid pore-clogging primers, setting sprays and long-wear foundations.”

 Evening Routine

Cleanse
Switch to a gentle salicylic acid-based cleanser at night. Salicylic acid is a BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) that clears pores, reduces oil and calms breakouts.

Try:

• Decree Deep Cleanse
• Cerave SA Cleanser
  
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Wash
  

Treat
In the evening, apply a retinoid-based serum to reduce breakouts and even skin tone.

“Decree Treat Tincture works well thanks to its gentle retinoid and alpha arbutin, which helps reduce pigmentation,” says Dr Anita.

Use active serums on alternate nights to build up tolerance. TriAcnéal by Avène can also be helpful.

Hydrate & Repair
Moisturise with a barrier-supporting cream.
Try:

• Decree Peptide Emollient Veil+
• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
  
  

Weekly Treatment
Once a week, use a blemish control mask with zinc, sulphur or bentonite clay.

“You can leave Decree Deep Cleanse on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes and it doubles up as a mask,” suggests Dr Anita.

Ingredients to Look For and Avoid

Look for:

• Salicylic acid
  
• Benzoyl peroxide
  
• Retinoids (gentle forms like Granactive Retinoid)
  
• Niacinamide
  
• Ceramides
  
• Zinc
  
• Squalane
  

Avoid:

• Foaming or sulfate-rich cleansers
  
• Oils and balms on breakout-prone areas
  
• Essential oils and alcohol-based toners
  
• Physical scrubs and exfoliators
  
• Comedogenic (pore-clogging) makeup
  
  

Common Teen Skincare Mistakes

• Over-cleansing: Stripping the skin disrupts the barrier and can worsen breakouts.
  
• Too many actives: Avoid layering multiple strong treatments at once.
  
• Skipping moisturiser: Even oily skin needs hydration to stay balanced.
  
• Picking at spots: This increases the risk of scarring and inflammation.
  

Final Thoughts

The best skincare routine for teens is simple, consistent and gentle. With the right products and guidance, young skin can thrive.

“Skincare should support skin health, not overwhelm it,” says Dr Anita. “Focus on protection in the morning and repair in the evening. Less really is more.”

Explore Decree’s Teen Skincare Products, clinically formulated to balance breakout-prone, sensitive skin.

FAQs

What age is safe for teens to begin using skincare products?
Basic skincare such as a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF can be introduced from around age 11 to 12, as hormones start to change. Treatments such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be added if breakouts appear, under guidance from a healthcare professional.

Should teens use retinol for acne?
Yes, but only gentle forms and with caution. Retinoids can help reduce breakouts and even skin tone, but should be introduced gradually, for example 2 to 3 times a week, and paired with a hydrating moisturiser to minimise dryness. Always patch-test first and seek professional advice.