Top Skincare for Teenage Acne-Prone Skin, Shine Control and Blemishes
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
When looking for the best skincare for teenagers, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Just like adults, some teens deal with acne, hormonal breakouts, or blackheads, while others might have drier or oilier skin types.
So, what skincare should a teenager use? It’s always best to keep things simple.
A basic skincare routine for teenagers should look like: a gentle cleanser, a targeted serum (if needed) and a moisturiser suited to their skin needs and concerns plus the most important - SPF!
That’s it! There’s really no need for acids, retinoids, or heavy-duty actives unless specifically recommended.
In fact, stripping things back is often the best way to support young skin without overwhelming it.
And here’s the most important note of all: there is no such thing as perfect skin.
Whether you’re a teenager or the parent of one, chasing glassy, poreless, baby-soft skin isn’t realistic - and it definitely shouldn’t be the goal.
Instead, opt and search for skincare for teenagers that address your teen’s specific concerns and that the skin can tolerate (meaning it isn't harsh on their skin or cause irritation).
If your teen is experiencing breakouts or they have acne-prone skin and you're not sure where to start when it comes to supportive skincare, we've rounded up some suggestions below that might help!
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Teenage Acne?
According to the Dermalogica website using specially-formulated products for teen acne is the way to go.
“How you apply them matters too. When you’re cleansing your face, avoid using hot water, harsh soap, vigorous scrubbing movements, and rough loofahs and brushes.
Always make time for a moisturiser and be sure to apply an oil-free SPF daily, because dehydration and environmental stressors can trigger excess oil production.
Avoid comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients wherever possible, as they can worsen breakouts and opt for mineral make-up.”
Skincare for Teens With Acne-Prone Skin
CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Cleanser, $22.99
Ideal for: those with oilier, normal or combo skins.
Is CeraVe good for teenage skin?
We'll go ahead and say it’s one of the best skincare brands for teenage skin and that’s because their products are dermatologist-approved.
This Dermatologist-developed, lightweight foaming cleanser hydrates dry areas while controlling oil, all without disrupting the skin barrier.
It also has an innovative air-to-foam formula that has a cushion-like feel on the skin.
Key ingredients include:
- Glycolysine™ - A cleansing technology to help reduce excess oil in the T-zone while hydrating areas that tend to be dry or dehydrated.
- 3 Essential Ceramides - Help restore and protect the skin barrier.
- Allantoin - Soothes and calms irritated skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar DUO+M Unspot Patches, $21.95
Are pimple patches going to magically zap a breakout at the root? Sadly, no.
But here’s what they will do: stop you from picking (a win in itself), protect the spot while it heals, and give your skin the chance to recover in peace.
These La Roche-Posay hydrocolloid pimple patches help care for blemishes and help promote clearer skin.
They also create a protective barrier, hydrate the skin and added bonus: they’re fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster, $44
One of the best cosmeceutical brands - Dermalogica, have a whole host of products suited just to teen skin with wallet friendly prices to match.
Like this spot treatment that these AB customers bought for their teen and had this to say:
"This product delivers and is perfect for any breakouts. I bought it for my teenagers and they have found it excellent at getting rid of pimples." - AB customer Kate.
"Kids love this and even as an adult I find it easy and convenient to use. Definitely helps calm down those breakouts. "- AB customer Anikta.
"Bought this for my 17 yr old son, who was having breakouts very often. He used other products before but didn't seem to work. This booster cleared his skin in a few days. His skin looks so smooth now." - AB customer VW .
Consider it a parent (and teen) seal of approval.
For more expert advice on teen acne-prone skin including specific ingredients and products to use, watch the YouTube video below:
tbh Skincare rebound serum, $49.95
We could happily vouch for the entire TBH range as some of the best teenage skin care products in Australia - it’s that good.
But if you’re new to the brand and not sure where to start, their standout bestseller - the tbh Rebounr Serum is worth adding to cart.
This skin-soothing staple is designed to calm irritation and strengthen your barrier. Basically, a little reset button for skin that’s stressed, inflamed, or just generally throwing a tantrum.
Adults love this affordable serum too like AB customer Kate who says, “I think I'm on my 7th bottle of this. There's nothing better for barrier support when your skin is feeling sensitive.”
Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask, $44
Are blackheads and congestion starting to feel like a constant battle for your teen?
Enter Dermalogica’s Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask - a treatment designed to help decongest, lift away buildup, and clear stubborn blackheads.
It’s also gentle enough to use a few times a week plus it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Mums and dads can enjoy this one too!
Here's what one of our AB customers had to say:
"This product always leaves my skin so soft and helps with blemishes!! I have purchased multiple times." - AB customer Matilda.
Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Toner, $48
Ideal for oily, combination and acne-prone skin types.
Formulated with witch hazel (originally a natural, botanical ingredient that’s ideal for acne-prone skins) to help banish excess oil and balance and purify skin.
It feels cooling on the skin and helps to eliminate blemish-causing bacteria (something most teens probably experience).
The Murad blemish control toner is also infused with grape seed extract and vitamin E. It's also vegan, and mineral oil-free.
Customers who reviewed this product have mentioned how its helped calm their inflammation however this might not be the best match for those with very sensitive skins.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Acne Moisturiser, $38.95
This oil-free, lightweight moisturiser helps minimise excess shine without drying skin.
With oily skins in mind, it adds just the right amount of hydration and nourishment needed throughout the day without that heavy feeling on the skin.
Its silky texture applies comfortably and leaves a matte-finish for teens who are finding it hard to keep extra oiliness and shine at bay.
That’s thanks to a new sebum-regulating active ingredient in the formula - sebulyse which is said to be more powerful than zinc at helping reduce the appearance of oil on the skin.
Other key ingredients in the formula include:
- LHA - provides light, gentle exfoliation to help keep skin fresh.
- Glycerine - provides hydration, locking in nourishment and boosting skin’s natural barrier protection.
- Thermal Spring Water - Helps to create a soothing formula.
For more teen skincare advice and the best skincare for teenage skin read these next:
