Skin Care for Teens: 6 Ingredients Teens Should Avoid

Proper skin care is not only for women in their 20s. Teens also need to follow a proper skin care routine to manage skin problems, maintain skin balance, and prevent long-term damage. We know that excess oil production can clog pores and lead to acne, a common problem among teenagers. Dry skin can become irritated without adequate hydration. Without a doubt, eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water are great ways to take care of your skin. It is also important to follow a consistent skin care routine from an early age, as teenagers can understand the importance of healthy skin and self-care, which will benefit them later in life. But there are some skin care ingredients that teenagers should avoid.

Do teenage girls need special skin care?

According to a dermatologist, teenage girls need special skin care because puberty causes significant hormonal changes that can affect the skin. Dr. Rashmi AderaoThese changes often lead to common skin problems such as acne or sensitivity. By using gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens, teens can combat these issues without overloading their delicate skin.

Teenage girls should follow a simple and effective skin care routine using products that are appropriate for their skin type:

1. For oily skin

• Cleanse: Use a gentle foaming or gel cleanser to help control oil production and prevent clogged pores.
• Hydration: Even oily skin needs hydration, so choose a lightweight, oil-free or gel-based moisturizer to help prevent excess sebum production.
• Sunscreen: Daily use of an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can protect against UV rays.

2. For dry skin

• Cleanse: Using a hydrating, cream-based cleanser ensures that it doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Hydration: Apply a thicker moisturizer with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides can deeply moisturize the skin.
• Sunscreen: Choosing a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 30 can prevent dryness.

3. For combination skin

• Cleanse: Use a gentle, balancing cleanser to control oiliness in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) while keeping dry areas moisturized.
• Moisturize: Have them choose a light moisturizer for oily areas and a slightly heavier one for drier areas.
• Sunscreen: Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's suitable for all skin types will provide protection without causing breakouts.

4. For sensitive skin

• Cleansing: If your teen daughter has sensitive skin, allow her to use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser designed for sensitive skin.
• Moisturize: Encourage your child to choose a gentle, soothing moisturizer with ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides that help soothe irritation.
• Sunscreen: It is helpful to use a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as it is less likely to cause irritation.

What skin care ingredients should teenagers avoid?

Teenagers have delicate skin, so it's important to avoid some harsh ingredients. Here are a few of them.

1. Aromas and perfumes

Fragrances are often added to moisturizers or cleansers, according to a 2012 review published in American Journal of Clinical DermatologyThey may cause allergic reactions or irritate the sensitive skin of teenage girls.

2. Parabens

They are commonly used as preservatives in creams and cosmetics. Parabens contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with normal thyroid function, according to a study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2023. “Parabens can cause hormonal disruptions, especially in girls, so it’s best to stay away from them,” the expert says.

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3. Sulfates

Sulfates are often found in cleansers because of their cleansing and foaming properties. But using them is a bad idea, as they can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to irritation.

4. Retinoids

Retinoids have anti-wrinkle properties, enhance the protective function of the epidermis and protect collagen from degradation, according to a study published in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology journal in 2019. “They are effective for people looking for anti-aging ingredients, but they are too strong for young skin. They can cause flaking skin and increased sun sensitivity in teenagers,” says Dr. Aderao.

5. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone may help prevent uneven pigmentation, according to a study published in the journal. StatPearls in 2023. “It is a lightening agent, but it is too strong for young skin and should be avoided unless otherwise recommended by a dermatologist,” says the expert.

6. Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid may be used to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and signs of aging, according to a study published in Molecules magazine in 2018. Alpha hydroxy acid is often used in skin care to exfoliate and brighten the skin by removing dead skin cells. While glycolic acid can be helpful for certain skin concerns, like hyperpigmentation and uneven texture, it may not be suitable for teens, as it’s too harsh for sensitive, developing skin. “It can cause irritation, redness, and even flaking, which can worsen common teenage skin concerns like acne or oiliness,” says the expert.

What skin care ingredients are safe for teens?

There are several safe and effective skin care ingredients that are suitable for teenage skin. Here are some of them:

1. Hyaluronic acid

It’s a great humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and smooth without clogging pores. “For acne-prone teens, benzoyl peroxide (at a concentration of 2.5 to 5 percent) helps kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation,” says the expert.

2. Salicylic acid

Using salicylic acid at a concentration of up to 2 percent can gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. This can help manage acne without drying out the skin. But make sure the concentration does not exceed 2 percent, as this may cause skin irritation.

3. Niacinamide

It is a form of vitamin B3 that can help control oily skin on the face. Also, using Niacinamide is good for the skinas it reduces redness and improves the overall texture of the skin.

4. Aloe Vera

Whether it’s a teenager or an older woman, aloe vera is beneficial for the skin of women of all ages. “It’s a soothing ingredient that calms irritated or sunburned skin while providing hydration,” says the expert.

Avoid trendy products and stick to those that contain proven ingredients, like salicylic acid or niacinamide for acne-prone skin. Teens only need a few basic steps—a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It’s important to avoid unnecessary steps like harsh toners or aggressive treatments unless recommended by a dermatologist.