Essential Skincare Do’s and Don’ts for Teenagers

Introduction

Teenage is that phase of life when we feel carefree about the world around us and it's the most exciting plus transformative time of life where you don't have the weight of responsibilities. But even teenagers face one backdrop and it is their skin. Between school & social life, skincare is something that becomes important but not all teenagers follow a proper skincare routine. Some don't even use a moisturizer and do not put anything on their face. A proper skincare routine is completely ignored by them. But the truth is that teenage years are the foundation for healthy skin in adulthood. Maybe you are not going to realise this at this moment but in your adulthood if you do not want to have regrets related to your skin, then start with skincare from early teenage years to get a glowing & healthy skin.

Why Proper Skincare Matters For Teenage Skin

A Skincare with expensive products is not always the skincare that you need but even a simple routine is enough. But all you need to keep in mind is what should be done and what should not be related to skin. During puberty, the body produces more hormones which stimulate oil glands and this can lead to oily skin, acne, pimples, breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads & enlarged pores. And even after so many breakouts appearing on your skin, if you are not taking care of your skin, and doing those things which can worsen your skin, you are just not paying attention to your skin health. To not make you fall in the trap of the ineffective skincare hacks, here is a list of DO'S that you should try when it comes to your teenage skin.

1. Do Cleanse Your Face Twice a Day: Cleansing is the most basic and important step in skincare. Wash your face once in the morning to remove oil produced overnight & wash once again before going to bed. This will help to remove dirt, sweat, sunscreen and pollution from your face. Choose a gentle, soap-free face wash like the Teenilicious Acne Face Cleanser With Benzoyl Peroxide For Inflamed Acne. This cleanser is suitable for your skin type (oily, dry, combination or sensitive). Over-cleansing can irritate your skin, so twice a day is enough. Teenilicious Acne Face Cleanser effectively concentrates on the clogged pores and minimises excessive oil production. In addition to eliminating red bumps, irritation and dead skin cells, benzoyl peroxide removes acne-causing bacteria from the epidermis. This cleanser will protect your skin from acne and give a clear skin by washing impurities away with the power of benzoyl peroxide.

2. Do Identify Your Skin Type: Most teenagers would not have heard about the term skin type, because they don't care about which skin type they have. But understanding your skin means choosing the right products. Let's see which skin type you have, because if you have oily skin that means you have a shiny face with frequent breakouts. If you have dry skin then your skin must be feeling tight, rough & flaky. If you have combination skin then you would have an oily t-zone but dry cheeks. And lastly, if you have sensitive skin, then you are more prone to redness, itching or burning. You should always know your skin type because using products meant for a different skin type can make problems worse.

3. Do Moisturize Daily, Even If You Have Oily Skin: Many teenagers skip moisturizer thinking it causes acne. This is a myth. Moisturizing your skin is a very basic step in skincare routine and it should not be ignored because after all dehydrated skin produces more oil leading to breakouts. Use a moisturizer that is very effective for your skin type. Something that is lightweight, oil-free & non-comedogenic.

4. Do Wear Sunscreen Every Day: Do not forget to wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is another important part of the skincare routine that should not be skipped. This is because the whole time you are in school, in the playground or going to tuitions, all of this can lead to skin damage because UV rays cause tanning, pigmentation & premature ageing. So sunscreen is not just for adults to use but even teenagers should use it. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher even on cloudy days. Teenilicious SPF 50 Sunscreen Gel, PA+++ is a light weight UV Gel, Formulated For Acne-Prone Skin. Apply it as the last step of your morning routine and reapply if you’re outdoors for long hours.

5. Do Keep Your Hands and Phone Clean: Your hands and phone touch countless surfaces throughout the day. If you are touching your face frequently with dirty hands it transfers bacteria to your skin, making it more prone to acne. Clean your phone screen regularly and avoid unnecessary face-touching. Take care of your hands because even your hands need proper care. After washing your hands, always use a hand cream to keep them hydrated and nourished. Teenilicious Hand Cream With Avocado Oil & Vanilla is the best hand cream that is a luxurious cream that repairs, nourishes and protects hands without leaving a greasy film. It gives your hands the best nourishment by making them soft & hydrated.

6. Do Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Skincare is not just about products—it’s also about habits. You should drink plenty of water, eat fruits, vegetables & whole foods. You should also get enough sleep & exercise regularly to get perfect skin. Habits are really going to bring a transformation in your skin and make it look healthy. A balanced lifestyle will reflect directly on your skin.

7. Do Be Patient With Your Skin: The best skin advice is to be patient. Don't rush things and wait for proper results. Results take time when it comes to our skin. That's why you should wait for your skin to look healthy. Products usually take 4–6 weeks to show results and occasional pimples are normal, especially during puberty. So maintain consistency with your routine because it matters more than instant results.

Skincare Don'ts For Teenagers

1. Don’t Pop or Pick Pimples: One of the most common habits followed by teenagers is that they keep on popping their pimples. Please don't do this because popping pimples spread bacteria & can cause scars, dark spots & infections to your skin. Pimples are common but popping them can actually lead to more pimples and to cure them use effective ways and wait for them to disappear, but never pop them. If a pimple is painful or persistent, it’s better to use a spot treatment or consult a dermatologist.

2. Don’t Use Harsh Scrubs or DIY Hacks: Scrubbing aggressively or using random home remedies can harm your skin. If you try rubbing scrubs on your face too harshly, it's definitely going to damage your skin barrier and make acne worse. Some teenagers watch reels and use common hacks for their skin like making a paste with lemon and besan, using toothpaste for pimples, baking soda for face, all of which only damage your skin and do not provide any effective results. So, its better you stop believing these hacks and not follow trends blindly.

3. Don’t Overuse Products: It is advisable to not overuse skin products. If you are of the thought that more products means a better, glowing skin then you are wrong, very wrong. Layering too many active ingredients can cause irritation. Also overusing acne treatments can lead to dryness and redness. Over-exfoliating also damages your skin barrier. You should never over do anything when it comes to your skin. Stick to a simple routine like using a cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen and one treatment if needed.

4. Don’t Share Skincare or Makeup Products: Teenagers have a habit of sharing products but this can actually spread bacteria and can cause infections. It's not recommended to share products, so avoid sharing face towels, makeup brushes or skincare. Clean your makeup tools regularly and keep your skin healthy. Do not use expired makeup and skincare products, because this will only damage your skin. Your skin deserves proper hygiene and care, so take care of it.

5. Don’t Sleep With Makeup On: Sleeping with makeup clogs pores and prevents skin repair. Always remove makeup before bed. Even light makeup or sunscreen should be washed off because it's also going to affect your skin. At least wash your face with a cleanser to get rid of makeup, dirt, oil & impurities. Your skin heals itself at night, so don’t block that process.

6. Don’t Compare Your Skin to Trends: Filters, lighting & editing create unrealistic expectations. Whatever you see on social media is not real, not everyone has perfect skin, so do not think that you are any less. Acne, texture and pores are normal and you are just a teenager, so do not worry about it so much. Just try focussing on healthy skin, not flawless skin.

7. Don’t Ignore Severe or Persistent Acne: If acne is painful, leaving scars and affecting your confidence then don't be afraid to seek professional help. A dermatologist can guide you safely instead of trial-and-error treatments.

Conclusion

Teenage skin doesn’t need perfection—it needs care, patience, and kindness. You are just another teenager facing the problem of acne but don't forget that running after a flawless skin is not gonna help you, instead focus on getting a healthy skin and follow a healthy diet, that will help you build healthy skincare habits because the early you start the more it will help prevent long-term damage and boosts confidence. Remember, skincare is a journey, not a race. Treat your skin gently, stay consistent, and don’t fall for every trend. Healthy skin starts with understanding and respecting your own unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age should teenagers start a skincare routine?

   Teenagers can start a basic skincare routine as early as 12–13 years, especially when hormonal changes begin. A simple routine with a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen is enough to maintain healthy skin.

2. Do teenagers really need a skincare routine?

   Yes. Teenage years are the foundation for healthy adult skin. Proper skincare helps control oil, prevent acne & protect against sun damage.

3. What is the ideal skincare routine for teenagers?

   A simple routine includes Cleanser (twice daily), Moisturizer (daily, even for oily skin), Sunscreen (every morning). Optional acne treatment can be added if needed.

4. Is moisturizer necessary for oily or acne-prone teenage skin?

   Yes. Skipping moisturizer can make skin produce more oil, leading to breakouts. Teenagers should use a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

5. Can teenagers use sunscreen daily?

   Absolutely. Sunscreen protects teenage skin from tanning, pigmentation, sun damage and premature ageing. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is recommended every day.

6. How often should teenagers wash their face?

   Teenagers should cleanse their face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Over-cleansing can irritate the skin and worsen acne.

7. Are pimples normal during teenage years?

   Yes. Pimples are very common due to hormonal changes during puberty. With proper care and patience, acne can be managed effectively.

8. Should teenagers pop or pick pimples?

   No. Popping pimples can cause scars, dark spots, infections and more breakouts. It’s better to use spot treatments or consult a dermatologist if acne persists.

9. Do DIY hacks and social media trends help teenage skin?

   Most DIY hacks and viral skincare trends can damage the skin barrier and worsen acne.

10. How long does it take for skincare products to show results?

    Most skincare products take 4–6 weeks to show visible results. Consistency and patience are key.