Experts share the best skincare products for teens, from gentle cleansers to fast-acting pimple patches

Do teenagers need to use expensive skincare with active ingredients?

Some teens are interested in diving into more expensive skincare brands like Drunk Elephant, which is known for making pricey products with a high concentration of powerful ingredients. Dr. Adel attributes brands like these getting attention because of influencers. "They're investing their parents' money in this type of skincare, and in all honesty, they do not need to be using a lot of the products with exfoliating acids, like retinol or vitamin C." She notes that "simple is key," pointing out that there's no "need to be doing everything that you've seen your favorite influencer doing" because everyone has specific skin concerns.

At what age should a teenager start a skincare routine?

There's no hard and fast rule about when teens should start using skincare; however, Dr. Glick says that "most teens would benefit from a skincare routine around puberty" because "that is when the skin starts to be affected by hormones" that can cause acne and other skin concerns. There is no need to jump to products that address skin concerns that are yet to develop. In fact, Dr. Adel says she is "seeing a lot of young people who are ending up having breakouts and skin irritation and developing sensitivity and ending up with like texture" that could've been avoided had they not started using these products in the first place.

When can people start adding active ingredients to their routine?

Just like how there is no set start date for a skincare routine, there's really no hard date after you hit your 20's that you need to start worrying about adding active ingredients targeted toward texture or dark spots to your skincare routine. Dr. Adel recommends taking it on a case-by-case basis: "If you're someone who has texture or hyperpigmentation, you could really use [specifically tailored serums]  at any point during your 20's." Likewise, for anti-aging products, she says, "mid-20s to 30-ish might be a good time to start thinking about incorporating a retinol" into your routine.

Best SPF

Rain or shine, you need your sunscreen, but you don't always want to feel like you're wearing it. Prioritizing broad-spectrum sunscreen is key so that you can protect your skin against both UVA rays, associated with aging, and UVB rays, associated with burning. Dr. Adel says, "A good rule of thumb is to say two finger lengths [of product] for your face and for your neck" to ensure you're getting plenty of protection. Luckily, this sunscreen never feels heavy, thanks to its gel-like, sheer formula that melts into the skin.

Best drugstore SPF

Dr. Adel says, "The difference between something like SPF 30 versus SPF 50 is actually really minimal," so there's no need to worry about piling on SPF 100. This sunscreen from e.l.f. doubles as a primer for an easy two-in-one, keeping your makeup bag light and filled with the essentials.

Best dark spot treatment

After a pimple, the skin can be left irritated with some scarring. Dr. Adel says, "Things like azelaic acid [are] really great for rosacea, and it also has the added benefits." The azelaic acid gently exfoliates the skin, while the niacinamide in this serum helps reduce any lingering hyperpigmentation and redness.

Best face wash for acne-prone skin

According to Dr. Glick, "Over-the-counter salicylic acid cleansers are the first line for acne treatments." Their smooth, gel-like texture will bring relief to acne-prone skin at a price point that won't break the bank. Coupled with a moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier, this cleanser will renew your skin. 

Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin

While Dr. Glick recommends salicylic acid cleansers as a great place to start  for acne, she warns that they "can also be drying." Hyaluronic acid is a natural lubricant your body produces, known for its hydrating power, and this moisturizer from Glow Recipe is packed with it. Glycerin helps as an added layer of protection for your skin barrier, so you know that you can leave the house hydrated.

Best pimple patch

You heard it hear first: there's no secret to getting rid of pimples faster. Dr. Glick says the key is patience, saying, "The best way [to get rid of a pimple] is not to touch or pick it [because] doing so will make the healing process longer." However, she also adds that "a hydrocolloid pimple patch is the best way to cover the pimple and prevent any manipulation of it." These star-shaped pimple patches will add a little fun adornment to your face and protect your pimple properly.

Best spot treatment

Dr. Adel shared that one kind of "spot treatment that works quite well is one with benzoyl peroxide." This topical treatment is built to combat acne by fighting off any bacteria that causes it. While it can sometimes be drying and cause the skin to peel, this spot treatment from La Roche-Posay utilizes glycerin to help lock in as much moisture as possible.

Best face wash for oily skin

For any teens interested in starting a skincare routine, Dr. Adel recommends you "keep it really simple and basic [because] that will be your path to having great skin." This cleanser from Glossier uses rose water to help hydrate the skin. While that may seem counterintuitive for oily skin, the added hydration will help stave off the overproduction of natural oils.

Best moisturizer for oily skin

Even if you have oily skin, you still should prioritize hydration so your skin doesn't naturally start producing too much oil. Dr. Glick says, "Everyone must protect their skin barrier with a moisturizer. Oily skin patients may want to use a lighter moisturizer like a lotion." This lightweight formula utilizes niacinamide to reduce inflammation and hyaluronic acid for hydration, giving you a one-two punch of protection. 

Best face wash for sensitive skin

Dr. Glick says, "Gentle cleansers and moisturizers can protect the skin barrier and prevent redness," and this Cetaphil cleanser was made with sensitivity in mind. Niacinamide helps maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier and helps reduce inflammatory responses. 

Best moisturizer for sensitive skin

The Ordinary keeps it simple with a few key ingredients in this moisturizer. Dr. Adel says that people with "very reactive skin which becomes red and irritated may actually find that a lot of skincare products make their skin worse rather than better." She shares, "You really want to scale your skincare routine back to using very simple fragrance-free products." With hyaluronic acid as its core ingredient, this moisturizer will bring the hydration you need. 

Best face wash for dry skin

Krave Beauty's Matcha Hemp Cleanser utilizes sodium PCA, which is a stronghold in the beauty industry because it helps your skin and hair retain moisture. Thanks to the omega-three and omega-six fatty acids, Hemp seed oil assists with even more hydration. 

Best moisturizer for dry skin

Dr. Glick recommends that "those with dryer skin should use a thicker moisturizing cream." While this moisturizer is more of a thick, water-like gel than a cream, it still packs just as much hydration. A small dollop will cover your face and neck, leaving you with a glowy, dewy finish and hydration that lasts all day.