Navigating skincare as a teen, or as the parent of a teen, can be overwhelming with social media trends and product overload. Here’s a pharmacist’s guide to understanding when and why to start targeted skincare, natural approaches to common concerns like acne, and building routines that boost both skin health and confidence.
When Do Children Need Targeted Skincare?
Most experts recommend that children begin a dedicated skincare routine between ages 9 and 12. This is typically when hormonal fluctuations start to influence skin: oil production increases, pores enlarge, and acne may appear. Starting early with the basics, like cleansing and moisturizing, can ward off future damage such as breakouts, redness and sensitivity.
Why this age? Tween and teen skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin. As puberty hits, the skin’s needs change, calling for gentle, non-toxic solutions tailored to developing skin, not adult concerns like wrinkles or pigmentation. The goal is prevention and making sure you don’t strip the skin of its natural barrier.
Non-Toxic Acne Prevention and Management: The Power of Our Enzyme and Charcoal Masks
When blemishes arrive, non-toxic acne management is key. Enzyme and charcoal masks are an ideal, gentle solution:
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Our Enzyme Resurfacing Face Mask uses natural ingredients to gently exfoliate, brighten, and even out skin tone. Pomegranate, pineapple, and papaya enzymes work by dissolving the keratin that binds old skin cells, revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath. It’s an ideal option for teens because it:
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Provides gentle exfoliation without scrubbing or irritation.
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Works well for sensitive and developing skin.
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Brightens and refreshes dull complexions, which are common during hormonal changes.
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Is easy to use - just apply after cleansing 1-2 times per week for best results.
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Our Local Detox Face Mask deeply cleanses your skin once a week by:
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Extracting dirt, impurities and absorbing excess oil without drying the skin out.
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Unclogging and refining the look of pores.
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Acting as a spot treatment for stubborn blemishes.
Both masks are hand-crafted with non-toxic ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, for safe and consistent use at home.
How to Build Confidence and Consistency in Teen Skincare Routines
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Keep it simple: Cleanse, treat, hydrate.
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Cleanse: Use our Refresh Gel Cleanser. It is a gentle cleanser that removes dirt, oil and dead skin from pores without disturbing your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Menthol and white willow bark extract help calm inflammation caused by acne, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Tea tree oil balances sebum production and pH levels while prepping the skin to better absorb leave-on treatments.
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Alternative: If your teen is not experiencing oily skin, use our new Marshmallow Magic Gentle Cleanser. It is designed to clean effectively without stripping away natural moisture, making it perfect for daily use for teens and tweens.
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Treat: Use our Renew Toner. It softens the skin and refines the appearance of pores for a healthy-looking complexion. Renew contains white willow bark extract, which is a natural source of salicylic acid and is a great ingredient for hormonal skin to dissolve residual oil impurities, calm inflammation and gently exfoliate daily.
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Hydrate: Use our Healer Balm. Our simplest formula with all natural ingredients for healing and maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier. It will hydrate and repair the skin and can be used for all ages and all skin types.
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Protect: Start a consistent routine of applying a daily SPF to protect your skin from sun damage. Our recommendation for teen skin is the ClearStem YOUARESUNSHINE SPF 50+. It is lightweight and great for sensitive, acne prone or reactive ski
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Start gradual: Add new products one at a time.
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Teen skin can often be reactive to products because of its sensitive nature. The best way to prevent a reaction is to gradually introduce products and to patch test them first.
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Patch test products by applying a small amount on the inside of your arm and leaving it on for a minimum of 15 minutes. Repeat twice daily for 5-7 days and watch for redness, itching or swelling. If no reaction occurs, the product is likely to not cause irritation for your teen’s skin.
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Make it a ritual: Consistent routines foster healthy habits and self-confidence.
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Routine = Reliability: Following the same steps each day forms predictable habits, making skincare second nature and reducing the likelihood of skipped steps.
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Prepares Teens for Adult Self-Care: Learning to regularly care for one’s skin translates to other aspects of self-care, such as oral hygiene and nutrition.
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Rituals Create Positivity: Establishing a brief ritual, like a calming cleanse or a mist, can become a moment of mindfulness, which boosts mood and self-worth.
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Educate: Understanding why each step matters empowers teens to stick with their routine.
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Break down each step of their routine and explain why they are doing them.
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Make it relatable and connect it to real-life scenarios. For example, cleansing your face after sports or gym class to remove sweat and bacteria buildup to prevent breakouts.
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Encourage questions and experimentation. Let your teen try sample sizes before committing to a product and invite them to research ingredients and routines with you.
