Puberty skin care is not just about looking good. It’s about understanding your skin’s changing needs and taking action early to build habits that last a lifetime. As puberty hits, hormonal changes cause skin to become oilier, more sensitive, and prone to breakouts. This guide walks you through 10 tried-and-true skincare tips to help teens navigate the confusing world of skincare with confidence.

Let’s dive into the most effective skin care strategies that actually work during puberty.

1. Wash Your Face Twice Daily

Cleansing your face is the foundation of any skincare routine. During puberty, the skin produces more oil due to hormonal changes. This excess oil, combined with dirt, sweat, and bacteria, can clog pores and lead to acne.

How to do it right:

• Wash your face in the morning and before bed.
• Use a gentle, non-soap cleanser.
• Don’t scrub aggressively, use your fingertips.
• Pat dry with a clean towel.

Avoid washing more than twice a day. Over-washing can strip your skin of natural oils and cause it to produce even more oil to compensate.

2. Use the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type

All cleansers are not created equal. Teens often have sensitive or acne-prone skin throughout puberty, so using the wrong cleanser can make things worse.

Look for cleansers that are:

• Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
• Oil-free
• pH balanced
• Specifically labeled for acne-prone skin

Effective ingredients include:

• Salicylic acid (for unclogging pores)
• Benzoyl peroxide (for killing acne-causing bacteria)
• Tea tree oil (a natural antibacterial)

Start with milder formulas and increase strength only if needed.

3. Exfoliate Gently Once or Twice a Week

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps prevent clogged pores, but it must be done gently. Harsh scrubs can irritate the skin and worsen breakouts.

Safe exfoliation tips:

• Use a mild chemical exfoliant like lactic or salicylic acid.
• Avoid large, gritty particles that cause microtears.
• Limit exfoliating to 1-2 times per week.
• Always follow with a moisturizer.

This step is optional, but when done correctly, it gives your skin a smoother texture and healthier glow.

4. Don’t Skip Moisturizer (Even If You’re Oily)

It’s a myth that oily or acne-prone skin doesn’t need moisture. Skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to overcompensate and produce even more oil.

Go for moisturizers that are:

• Oil-free
• Lightweight (gel-based)
• Non-comedogenic

Helpful ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid (hydrates without heaviness)
• Glycerin (locks in moisture)
• Niacinamide (calms inflammation and regulates oil)

Apply after cleansing while your skin is slightly damp to lock in hydration.

5. Always Wear Sunscreen

UV damage is real, even for teenagers. In fact, sun exposure can worsen acne scars and cause hyperpigmentation.

Choose sunscreens that are:

• SPF 30 or higher
• Broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB)
• Non-comedogenic
• Mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)

Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply if you’re outdoors, sweating, or swimming.

6. Avoid Touching or Popping Pimples

We know it’s tempting but please don’t pop those pimples! Popping can push bacteria deeper into the skin and cause infection, inflammation, or scarring.

Better alternatives:

• Spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
• Hydrocolloid pimple patches
• Applying ice to reduce swelling

Keep your hands off your face and avoid resting your chin in your hands while studying or scrolling through your phone.

7. Watch What You Eat and Drink More Water

Your skin reflects what’s going on inside your body. While diet isn’t the only factor in acne, it definitely plays a role.

Foods to limit:

• Sugary snacks and drinks
• Fried and processed foods
• Dairy (linked to hormonal acne for some teens)

Foods to favor:

• Leafy greens, berries, and carrots
• Whole grains
• Omega-3s from fish or flaxseeds

Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins and keeps your skin hydrated and clear.

8. Keep Hair and Hair Products Off Your Face

Hair oils and styling products can drip onto your skin and clog your pores. This is especially a concern for teens with bangs or long hair.

To reduce hair-related breakouts:

• Wash your face after using hair products.
• Tie your hair back when applying skincare.
• Use hair products labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.”
• Keep your pillowcases clean, wash them twice a week.

What goes on your hair, often ends up on your skin.

9. Build a Nighttime Skincare Routine

Nighttime is when your skin heals and regenerates, so support that process with a consistent, calming routine.

Night routine example:

• Remove makeup or SPF if worn.
• Cleanse with a gentle face wash.
• Apply acne treatments or serums if needed.
• Finish with a light moisturizer.

Resist the urge to try too many products at once. Start simple and let your skin adjust.

10. Change Towels and Pillowcases Regularly

You might have the perfect skincare routine but if your face touches dirty surfaces daily, it’s all for nothing.

Hygiene habits that help:

• Use a clean towel just for your face.
• Wash pillowcases twice a week.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Wipe down your phone screen regularly.

These small changes often make a big difference in keeping breakouts at bay.