Puberty changes everything, from voice becoming deeper, moods being more dramatic, and the sudden change in your child’s skin doesn’t look like it once did. For many parents, the first blackhead on their child, or breakout, may trigger the question: Is it time for my teen to start a skincare routine?
We understand this journey not only as skin professionals or individuals who have gone through this process but also as fellow parents. Skincare through puberty isn't just about treating acne; it's about building healthy self-esteem, establishing healthy habits, and supporting our kids during a time of big change. In this guide, we'll cover why these changes occur, when to start the treatment, what's safe, and how to prepare your child for healthy skin and confidence over the years.
Why Skin Changes During Puberty
Hormones Surge
Puberty causes a rush of hormones, particularly androgens, which activate the oil glands. This sudden increase in the production of sebum can make skin feel oily and increase the likelihood of clogging. For many teens, this is when they first witness blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. This is a natural process, not indicative of poor hygiene.
Oil Glands and Clogged Pores
The combination of excess oil and dead skin cells creates an ideal breeding ground for pore blockage. Then, add bacteria into the mix, and inflammation is soon to follow. That’s why acne breakout typically occurs in the T-zone, i.e., the forehead, nose, and chin, where oil glands are most active during puberty.
Sensitive, Reactive Skin
Moreover, if oil and breakouts weren’t enough, puberty also causes their skin barrier to become more fragile. This then results in them experiencing redness, irritation, or dry patches alongside acne, which can become an emotional trigger at this age. Therefore, it is necessary to know the right time to start a treatment routine.
When Is the Right Time to Start a Skincare Routine?
Unfortunately, there isn’t one magic age; rather, it depends on when your child’s skin starts to show change.
This is why some dermatologists will generally recommend simple skin care products as early as 10 years of age if there is excessive oiliness or exposure to sun or other damaging environmental factors. To prevent this, we recommended:
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Starting with cleanser and sunscreen in late childhood.
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Add moisturiser when dryness or oiliness appears.
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Introduce mild acne products only if breakouts begin.
At Iyvos, we always suggest starting simple, consistent, and gentle. Teenagers do not need “anti-aging” creams or strong actives, their skin thrives with balance, not intensity.
Common Mistakes Teens Make (Especially from Social Media)
Overloading Activities Too Soon
Using trendy retinol, strong acids, and daily exfoliation might work for adults; however, on a teen's skin, they generally cause more harm than good. In fact, sometimes it's the complete opposite, with redness, irritation, and worsening breakouts being the common results.
Chasing Trends and Viral Products
Social media frequently romanticises extravagant 10-step routines or fabulous, excessively expensive skincare hauls that look so appealing even though they were not made for young, sensitive skin.
Teens who copy these influencers generally overload their skin with unnecessary activities, which then leaves it irritated or broken out. Moreover, their disappointment grows even further when the results don’t match the glossy promises, and the cost adds up quickly.
Over-cleansing and Harsh Scrubbing
Another misconception teenagers often have is that acne is a result of not cleaning their face or skin enough. However, scrubbing the skin too much or over-washing it continuously can strip their skin of its natural oils and cause it to start producing even more oils in response. This process leads to an imbalance and inflammation in the skin.
A Safe, Effective Starter Routine for Teens
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Morning Routine — Help your child by providing them with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser like Hydrating Milk Cleanser to clear away overnight oil, followed by a lightweight barrier-supportive product such as Collagen Moisturiser, and finish with SPF 30+.
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Evening Routine — In the evening, help them cleanse again, then restore hydration with the Collagen Moisturiser or, for teens with oilier skin, a lighter gel texture. If breakouts persist, then use serums like Active B Serum to provide calming niacinamide to balance excess oil and reduce redness without harshness.
Smart Add-Ons
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On drier days, Skin Quencher can help restore hydration without clogging pores.
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Once teens are older or if gentle resurfacing is needed, our Active A Serum can be introduced gradually; however, with guidance.
At Iyvos, we have learned that simplicity creates trust and effectiveness creates results. This is why products like the Hydrating Milk Cleanser and Active B Serum are designed to calm, balance, and support young skin gently-not overwhelm it.
How Parents Can Support Healthy Skincare Habits
Skincare works best when parents and teens approach it as a team.
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Educate, don’t dictate, explain why gentle routines matter.
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Filter hype, guide teens away from expensive fads that don’t suit their skin.
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Model consistency, let them see your own daily habits.
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Encourage patience, remind them that results take time.
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Be a safety net: Book dermatologist visits if things aren’t improving.
Here at Iyvos, we believe parents can do more than just support their child's skin; they can help them develop resilience, self-confidence, and acceptance.
When to Seek Professional Help
Unfortunately, sometimes, at-home routines just aren’t enough, which is also a sign it’s time to see a dermatologist. Seek professional help if your puberty skin is:
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Persistent or cystic acne.
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Painful or inflamed breakouts.
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Scarring that’s beginning to form.
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Irritation that doesn’t get better.
Also, keep in mind that seeking professional help early isn’t a failure; it’s protection. We’ve seen how the right guidance can prevent years of scarring and help teens feel confident in their skin again.
Glow With Confidence
Although puberty skin can be erratic, it does not have to feel like a challenge with the right products. We at Iyvos believe that gentle, consistent skin care can help teenagers manage breakouts while building lifelong self-love and confidence. Parents can start simply with their teens and avoid aggressive trends while focusing on balance, where teens can feel more comfortable facing the mirror and the world.
