Skincare for Teens: Where to Start & What to Look For

The teen years can be a wild ride—physically, emotionally, and yes, skin-wise too. As hormones shift and new routines emerge, it’s not uncommon for your teen’s skin to go through some changes. From the first signs of oiliness and breakouts to dry patches or sensitivity, teen skin deserves a little extra care—and a whole lot of grace.

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you might be wondering when and how to introduce skincare to your teen in a way that feels empowering (not overwhelming). Let’s break it down.

Why Skincare Matters in the Teen Years

For a lot of us, it’s easy to remember a time when we were dealing with the unpredictability of our skin during our teen years. Learning about concealer, wearing maybe a bit too much make up and learning about good hygiene. It doesn’t help that, in your teens, your skin is naturally more reactive. Hormonal changes can lead to increased oil production, clogged pores, and breakouts.

The good news? A simple, consistent skincare routine can help maintain balance and boost confidence, while creating lifelong healthy habits in the process.

Start With A Simple, Gentle Routine

When building a skincare routine for a beginner, it’s best to keep to the basics. If it’s their first time using these types of products, introducing them slowly allows you to monitor how their skin reacts to different ingredients. Here’s how we would start:

Step 01. Cleanse

Choose a gentle cleanser to help remove excess oil, sweat, and impurities without stripping the skin.

Step 02. Tone

Then, we’d recommend a natural toner to calm, balance, and prep the skin for moisture.

Step 03. Moisturize

And don’t forget, oily or acne-prone skin needs hydration. A lightweight, nourishing moisturizer will do the trick.

Keeping things simple and consistent is key. Once your skincare newbie feels comfortable with their basic routine, you can consider introducing a targeted product—like a hyaluronic acid serum or SPF—based on their skin type or lifestyle needs.

What To Look For In Skincare Products for Your Teens

Your teen’s skin will benefit from ingredients that support (not stress) their skin’s natural barrier. When you’re shopping for starter skincare, keep these points in mind:

• Less is more: Overloading your teen’s skin with too many new products at once can often do more harm than good. Start with a simple routine, then introduce targeted treatments slowly—for example, a vitamin C serum to even out skin tone or hyaluronic acid for added hydration.
• Choose natural, gentle ingredients: Your teen’s skin in sensitive, and deserves the best. Skip anything with heavy alcohols, or aggressive exfoliants. Over-treating can often do more harm than good.
• Go fragrance-free when possible: While scented products may be appealing, they can sometimes lead to unnecessary irritation, especially on sensitive, breakout-prone skin. Fragrance-free or naturally scented options are often better tolerated for young skin.

The No Filter Collection — For Skincare Beginners

We created The No Filter Collection with skincare beginners in mind. While it wasn’t designed just for teens, it’s an ideal choice for those who have sensitive skin, love to go makeup free or are looking for an easy entry to skincare. If you’re looking for an accessible routine made that’s skin-health forward, the No Filter collection will leave skin feeling fresh and confident (no filter required).

Here’s the lineup:

• No Filter Creamy Cleanser: A gentle, foaming cleanser that clears away dirt and oil without stripping teen skin, perfect for starting (and sticking to) a simple daily routine.
• No Filter Balancing Toner: This refreshing toner helps calm, balance, and prep beginner skin with natural ingredients, like a green juice for your face, minus the overwhelm.
• No Filter Hyaluronic Serum: Lightweight and fuss-free, this hydrating serum is ideal for teens who need a boost of moisture without clogging pores or weighing skin down.
• No Filter Weightless Hydrating Moisturizer: This ultra-light moisturizer delivers lasting hydration and softness, great for keeping teen skin smooth, balanced, and breakout-free.

Starting a skincare routine isn’t just about “fixing” your skin—it’s about showing up for yourself. For teens, that might mean taking five minutes before bed to cleanse and moisturize, or simply learning what makes their skin feel calm and cared for.

Questions about skincare or one of our products? Let us know!