Skincare For Teens Is Trending– But What Does This Mean For Their Skin?

Between school, sports, extracurriculars, homework, and hanging out with friends, I’ve been amazed at the amount of time and effort that teenagers have been able to devote to maintaining an extensive skincare routine– at times maybe a bit too extensive. Thanks to TikTok, the rise in skincare routines amongst teens has been quickly trending upward. Not only is it great that there is a lot of education on how a teen should take care of their skin, but I also love the fun, feel-good aspect that it brings about. 

I know this feeling all too well, as beauty and self-care have always been in my DNA, starting as far back as my time at my grandmother’s salon, Powder Puff Beauty Shoppe. I experienced beauty from early on and loved to experiment with beauty products whenever I had the chance (I was the first girl in my 5th-grade class to wear makeup!). When I was a teenager, I got really into skincare– and not the drug store kind. I used to “mail order” my skincare products from a line called Lange. This all goes to say, I knew who I was from a very young age.

When it comes to skincare, many believe that the younger you start, the better– but just how true is this? Let’s dive into what I think about this rising trend, both the good and the bad.

The Benefits Of Starting Skincare In Your Teens

Starting a skincare routine in your teens not only helps to keep your skin clean and clear, but a consistent routine also helps establish healthy habits and promotes a long-term commitment to skincare (winning!).  By following a skincare routine, teenagers can address specific concerns like excess oil production or seasonal dryness, as well as protect their skin from environmental damage and promote overall skin health. 

For teenagers, I recommend routines that are simple, effective, and focused on their specific needs (here’s a look at how my 15-year-old nephew transformed his skin with only Purifying Face Wash and Skin Recovery Lotion!). A simple cleanser, toner, and moisturizer (a sunscreen moisturizer during the day) are a great place to start, but feel free to add in a few serums, masks, and gentle scrubs based on your skin’s needs. If you’re new to skincare and experimenting with different products, just be sure you’re patch testing!

What To Be Weary Of When Using Skincare In Your Teens

To fully comprehend the impact of skincare on teenagers, it is essential to understand the unique characteristics of adolescent skin. Teenage skin is different from adult skin in several ways, including increased activity with cell turnover and sebum production due to their faster metabolism. It’s because of this that younger people are more acne-prone. Skin gets sleepier as you age, but this isn’t a problem that young people face – this oftentimes leads to a problem of over-boosting their metabolism. For example, with the inflammatory condition of acne, the goal is to soothe and calm the skin. However, using anti-aging products will only further stimulate the skin. 

This is also why I don’t recommend teenagers with acneic skin to use vitamin A products, such as retinol and tretinoin, because most (there are some exceptions) are geared towards aging concerns rather than acne. These stimulate cell turnover and collagen which is simply too active for young skin. I believe that you really shouldn’t start using vitamin A products until your acne is under control and behind you. 

Read more about the right age to use retinol.

Seek Out Trusted Skincare Experts

While TikTok and other social media platforms are great for sharing advice and product recommendations, it also boasts its fair share of “skin experts” with no real professional background and an income reliant on selling products through TikTok Shop. In addition to this, these platforms also promote overbuying and a toxic cycle of trying new products in an attempt to find a solution. Social media can be a great learning tool, but at the end of the day, everyone’s skin is different (I believe there are nine skin types). Seek out trusted professionals, educate yourself on product ingredients, and try to heed caution when it comes to a stranger’s advice on your feed.

The rising popularity of skincare for teens is a positive trend that promotes self-care, healthy habits, and self-confidence. By understanding the unique characteristics of teenage skin, addressing common skincare issues, and following a consistent skincare routine, teenagers can maintain healthy, radiant skin. It is important to encourage teenagers to approach skincare in a responsible and educated manner, avoiding excessive products, and obtaining their information from trusted estheticians and dermatologists.

If you’re on the lookout for expert skin advice, try a free My Skin Rx virtual consultation today!

Renée Rouleau

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”