Skincare for Teens
13-19 year olds
With hormonal changes, most teens are overwhelmingly concerned with acne breakouts. For acne concerns, we recommended checking out our skincare guide for acne-prone skin.
This page is dedicated to daily teen skincare. In this stage of transition from kid to adult skin, and given periods of more aggressive blemish treatment, we recommend gentle skincare products that offer deeper skin hydration and strengthen the skin barrier with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides
- RECOMMENDED ROUTINE: gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturiser + sun protection when going outside
- Optional/occasional skin treatments: hydrating essences, serums and masks
- ACTIVE INGREDIENTS may include: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, BHAs (including salicylic acid) and vitamin E. From mid-to-late teens, you may consider adding vitamin C to your routine as an antioxidant. Start with low dosages and avoid using too many products with active ingredients. Be aware that some actives can reduce the efficacy of other actives (eg, AHAs/BHAs with niacinamide).
- Consult a dermatologist before starting to use products & active ingredients targeting acne (such as retinol and other retinoids).
- DO NOT USE anti-aging ingredients such as coenzyme Q10, collagen, peptides and growth factors.
- When in doubt, consult a physician.
Below are our skincare recommendations for teens:
- Low pH cleansers
- Hydrating skin treatments (essences, serums & masks)
- Non-comedogenic moisturisers
- Sunscreens for dry/combination skin
- Sunscreens for oily/combination skin
Low pH Cleansers
The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a bit less gentle than the other cleansers, while the Micellar Water is the gentlest.
MAKEUP REMOVER / OIL-BASED CLEANSER
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
- Melts away makeup, excess sebum and skin impurities without drying the skin
- Plant-based ingredients rich in amino acids, minerals & vitamin E
- Formulated for sensitive skin
- No added fragrance or colour
Hydrating Skin Treatments
Essences, serums & masks suitable for youthful skin. Free of alcohol, fragrance, essential oils, parabens, sulfate, silicone and EU allergens.
In more humid climates and during the summer, more viscous essences/serums may substitute moisturisers, in particular for those with oily skin.
Non-comedogenic Moisturisers
Oily/combination skin
- Colder weather/climates — We recommend COSRX Oil-free Ultra-moisturizing Lotion, or the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream.
- Warmer weather/climates — You may be able to use a more viscous essence or serum and skip moisturiser.
Dry/combination skin
- Colder weather/climates — Cream moisturisers are typically more effective for moisturising dry areas of skin.
- Warmer weather/climates — Gel moisturisers may better suited, as well as lighter lotions and creams.
