Myths & facts: Debunking common skincare myths for teens
Do our teens really need a 10-step skincare routine? And should they skip moisturiser all together? We’re debunking skincare myths to help teens find the best routine for healthy-feeling, happy skin
Why myths matter in teen skincare
During the tweens and teenage years, ever-changing hormones can mean a change in their skin type – that could be becoming oiler, more blemish-prone or even sensitive.
Building a simple, gentle routine for your teens skin is a great way to help them manage their skin’s health. But skincare is about more than that. It can also give them a boost in confidence and help to teach them valuable lessons about self-care that can see them through to adulthood.
So, what works for teen skin? Unlike our skin – which may have weathered a lot over the years – teen skin is still developing and doesn’t require a long or complicated skincare routine to manage.
But as our teens now have more access to the internet, they are more up-to-date with the new skincare innovations that are trending online. With such easy access to a wealth information, it’s no wonder that they can feel confused about what their skin actually needs.
This deep dive will separate skincare facts from fiction and help debunk some of the most common teen skincare myths.
Common skincare myths for teens
Myth: More products mean better results
The past decade has seen the launch of many skincare innovations to help mature skin look and feel its best. But the rise of potent active ingredients and skincare trends from around the world has resulted in some younger people reaching for products that aren’t right for their skin.
The best skincare routine for teens is just three simple steps: cleansing, moisturising and protecting their skin from the sun with an SPF.
Find a gentle cleanser that can be used both morning and night to wash away any make-up, dirt or build-up that can accumulate on the face throughout the day.
Follow cleansing with a lightweight moisturiser to help replenish any lost moisture and lock-in extra hydration to the skin.
Pick and light formula with a high SPF factor and a high UVA star rating and use in the morning after moisturising.
At this age, a skincare routine should be about maintaining the health of their developing skin, rather than experimenting with formulas that are designed for more mature skin.
Myth: You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days
This is a common skincare myth. The truth is that SPF should be applied by everyone, every day. Sun damage is accumulated throughout our lifetimes, so it’s important to regularly shield the skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
UV rays are strong enough to penetrate the skin on a cloudy day too, which is why SPF should be an important part of skincare routines all year round. Find out more about SPF with our handy guide.
Myth: Only oily skin needs moisturiser
Every skin type will benefit from using a moisturiser in their routine, as they are designed to lock-in hydration and nourish the delicate skin barrier. However, different skin types may want to look for different ingredients in their moisturisers.
Those with dry skin may need some extra nourishment to help combat any roughness or flakiness, so would benefit from ingredients like hyaluronic acid, whereas those with oily skin may want to maintain a balance between controlling oil production and caring for the skin barrier. Oily skin is well suited for lighter, gel-like textures in a moisturiser. Find out more about oily skincare routines.
Curious about some more skincare myths? Avoid common mistakes with these ten skincare tips
The facts: what works for teen skin
Fact: Gentle products are best
Potent active ingredients like retinol, AHAs and vitamin C are designed to be used on more adult skin issue like fine lines or pigmentation, things which teens are most likely not concerned about. Plus, these actives can risk damaging their delicate skin barriers.
Sticking to gentle, every-day use products will help maintain your teens skin health, address any concerns they may have (like blemishes or dryness) and help them build healthy habits for the future.
Fact: Sun protection is essential
We now know that applying SPF is a must for skin at any age. As teenage skin is constantly changing, exposure to the sun can actually make things like blemishes, dryness and red sensitive patches worse, so encouraging your teen to use a lightweight, high UVA star rated SPF every day will help safeguard their skin’s health.
Fact: Routine matters more than fancy products
Adjusting to new ingredients and products takes time, so to see real results real results it’s best to stick to the same routine consistently rather than regularly introducing new formulas.
But with the latest launches appearing all over social media, you might find your teen wanting to branch out. If they want to try a product that isn’t suitable for their skin, try asking why they want it – is it because their friends have them, or they like the look of the packaging? Instead, try talking to them about the magic of building a personal skincare routine, how it can become a self-care ritual that gives them a special bit of ‘me time’ at the start and end of every day.
FAQ: Skincare myths & facts for teens
Most people benefit from cleansing their face both morning and night. Washing your face at night helps remove any make-up or dirt that have built up throughout the day, and is typically when you’d double cleanse.
But as we sleep, our face can produce sweat and oils. Using a gentle cleanser in the morning gives your teen a chance to wash away any of these impurities and prep their skin for the day ahead.
If their skin is very dry or sensitive, they might find their skin will feel happier if they skip the morning cleanse to prevent that “squeaky clean” feeling.
No – in fact, less is more. A gentle, effective routine for teen skin has just three steps: cleansing, moisturising and sun protection (SPF). This simple regime provides their skin with the care it needs, without the risk of overwhelming or damaging the skin.
Hydration is a key part of healthy-looking skin, and using a moisturiser is the easiest way to do this, as they work to replenish any lost moisture and lock-in hydration. This is why moisturising is encouraged for every skincare routine, no matter your skin type.
Conclusion: common skincare myths for teens
There you have it – now you know what works for teen skin and the right skincare facts for building a simple, gentle and effective skincare routine for your tweens and teenagers.
