Between school, sports, extracurriculars, homework, and hanging out with friends, I’ve been amazed at the time and effort teenagers have been able to put into maintaining an extensive skincare routine—sometimes maybe a little bit very extensive. Thanks to TikTok, the rise of skin care routines among teenagers is quickly on the rise. Not only is it great that there is a lot of education on how a teenager should take care of their skin, but I also love the fun aspect of it.
I know this feeling all too well, as beauty and self-care have always been in my DNA, starting with my time at my grandmother’s salon, Powder Puff Beauty Shoppe. I experienced beauty early on and loved experimenting with beauty products whenever I got the chance (I was the first girl in my class in 5th grade to wear makeup!). When I was a teenager, I got really into skin care – and not the drugstore kind. I used to “mail order” my skin care products from a line called Lange. That means 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 how true is that? Let’s dive into what I think about this upward trend, both the good and the bad.
The benefits of starting skin care in your teens
Starting a skincare routine in your teens not only helps keep your skin clean and clear, but a consistent routine also helps build healthy habits and promotes a long-term commitment to skincare (a win-win!). By following a skin care routine, teens 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 teens, I recommend routines that are simple, effective, and focused on their specific needs (here is a look at how my 15-year-old nephew transformed his skin with just Cleansing Face Wash and Skin repair lotion!). A simple cleanser, toner, and moisturizer (sunscreen moisturizer during the day) is a great place to start, but feel free to add some serums, masks, and gentle scrubs depending on your skin’s needs. If you’re new to skincare and experimenting with different products, just make sure you are patch testing!
What to look out for when using skin care in your teenage years
To fully understand the impact of skin care on teenagers, it is necessary to understand the unique characteristics of teenage skin. Adolescent skin differs from adult skin in several ways, including increased activity with cell turnover and sebum production due to their faster metabolism. Because of this, younger people are more prone to acne. The skin gets more sleepy as you get older, but this is not a problem faced by young people – this often leads to a problem of over-increasing 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 further tone the skin.
This is also why I don’t recommend that teenagers with acne-prone skin use vitamin A products like retinol and tretinoin, because most (there are some exceptions) are geared toward aging issues, not acne. These stimulate cell turnover and collagen which is just too active for youthful skin. I think you really shouldn’t start using vitamin A products until your acne is under control and behind you.
Read more about the appropriate age to use retinol.
Seek out trusted skin care experts
While TikTok and other social media platforms are great for sharing tips and product recommendations, it also boasts its share of “skin experts” with no real professional background and an income that depends on selling products through the TikTok Shop. In addition, these platforms also promote hypermarketing and a toxic cycle of testing 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 about product ingredients, and try to be careful when it comes to advice from strangers in your feed.
The growing popularity of skin care for teens is a positive trend that promotes self-care, healthy habits and confidence. By understanding the unique characteristics of teen skin, addressing common skin care issues, and following a consistent skin care routine, teens can maintain healthy, glowing skin. It’s important to encourage teenagers to approach skin care in a responsible and educated way, avoiding over-the-top products and getting their information from trusted beauticians and dermatologists.
If you’re looking for expert skin advice, give one a try Free My Skin Rx virtual consultation today!
Celebrity Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist
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 solution — products designed to nine different skin types so your face will have exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare enthusiasts around the world, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research is why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin professional we know.”
