The Best Body Care Routine For Teenage Boys

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Teenage boys and body care are two things that don't always go together. If you're a parent to a teen son, you've probably noticed that hygiene isn't exactly at the top of his priority list. Most days, you're lucky if he remembers to shower without a reminder.

But don't think they're not noticing what's happening to their own bodies. Because with them going through puberty, their bodies are going through so many changes that affect their skin and hair. Their bodies are pumping out more sweat, oil, and that distinct odor that hits you when they walk by! It's totally normal, but it can make them feel awkward.

A good body care routine for your teenage boys helps them deal with these changes and, at the same time, makes them feel more confident in themselves.

It's not just about smelling fresh (though it's definitely a bonus!) or staying clean, but it's also about building good habits that support their health, confidence, and overall well-being. Good hygiene stops skin problems like acne or skin irritation, which can really affect their self-confidence, and we truly want them to go through their teenage years being confident of themselves. And the way they look and feel (and smell!) plays a big role in self-confidence as a teenager.

My son has gone through quite a lot with his skin issues, and what I might view as a small issue that no one really takes notice of, he views it as the 'end of the world', which is fair considering he's never had to deal with all these issues. Stretch marks, back acne, that even though nobody else sees, are enough to send him to my room asking for some help. So I've done my share of research and tried a number of products on him to help him manage these issues.

Body care for teenage boys is often overlooked. Maybe because the beauty aisles, advertisements, and general awareness are targeted towards girls and women. So maybe your teen son feels a bit awkward talking to you about it, thinking it's a 'girl' thing, so it's up to us, parents, to help them find what's good for them.

With all that said, this guide will help you break down the basics in a way that's realistic, manageable, and tailored to a teenage boy's lifestyle. No fancy stuff. Just practical tips to help your teen son feel more comfortable in his own skin.

One thing I must say, which makes me so happy, is that I never thought I'd share skincare and bodycare knowledge with my son. It's wild. I don't make a big deal about it, because he's too cool and I don't want him to stop coming to me for skin care or body care advice, but I do a little dance in my head every time he comes to me asking me what certain ingredients do or help him find a product for whatever. It makes me smile.

Common Body Skin Issues In Teenage Boys

Before we talk about what to do, let's go over what your son might be dealing with:-

Body Odor

Sweat glands are active at an all-time high during puberty, and without regular washing, problems like body odor start.

Back Acne (Bacne)

Sweat, hormones, and bacteria make the back and shoulders a common acne zone.

Dry or Flaky Skin

Some teens get dry patches, especially during the colder months.

Oily Skin

On the flip side, others deal with excessive oiliness, especially around the chest and back.

Ingrown Hairs

These can happen with shaving or simply from wearing tight clothing for sports.

Razor Burn and Bumps

If you're teen's shaving, bad razors, or rough technique can cause red, bumpy, and inflamed skin.

These things can make your son feel self-conscious. Nobody wants to deal with any of these if possible, and knowing what's normal makes it easier to find a solid body care routine that works to tackle these issues and keep their skin healthy.

Step-by-Step Body Care Routine for Teenage Boys

Here's a routine that's, hopefully, not overwhelming, that you can share with your son. It's quick, covers all the basics, and won't feel like a chore. I've also included some product picks and tips to make it work for him.

Body Wash

A good body wash is the starting point for body care for teenage boys. It cleans off sweat, dirt, and the bacteria that make them smell. Washing well also stops pores from getting clogged, which means fewer pimples. Choose something gentle that will still do the job, especially if your son has sensitive or acne-prone skin. Look for products with salicylic acid if he's dealing with breakouts.

Tip. Get him to use a washcloth or a silicone body scrub. They scrub better than just using their hands and help get rid of dead skin cells. He should shower every day, especially after sports, to keep odor and acne in check. Just remind him that the washcloth and loofah need to be regularly washed too.

Product Picks. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash is great for dry or sensitive skin and has no strong scent. If he’s got body acne, try Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash or the Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash.

Moisturize

Most teen boys will not bother with moisturizing, it's too much of a chore, and they don't want to have a sticky body on top of all the things that are going on with their bodies. Puberty can make their skin oily in some areas and dry in others, so a light lotion keeps things even, especially after a shower.

Tip. Keep the moisturizer in plain sight, in the bathroom, and have him apply moisturizer right after a shower when his skin's still damp. It saves time, while locking in moisture. And if he hates thick lotions, go for a gel-based one that feels light. If you want to take it a step further, get him a spray-style moisturizer, which also makes it easy for him, and hopefully, he'll stick to it.

Product Picks. Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream Moisturizer, or Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Aloe Soothe Spray.

Scrub

He can exfoliate once or twice a week (actually even once is enough) to clear dead skin cells that can clog pores, which can cause those pesky backne, or 'chestne'. It'll also help with any dry, rough patches. Just tell him to not overdo it because then it'll irritate his skin, doing more harm than good.

Tip. Use a scrub in the shower after body wash, and he should focus on rough spots like elbows or knees, and acne-prone areas like his back. It's also great if he has bumpy skin on his upper arms. Using a simple washcloth or a soft silicone body scrubber will work just as well too.

Product Picks. First Aid Beauty - KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, Tree Hut Vanilla Shea Sugar Exfoliating & Hydrating Body Scrub or Neutrogena Body Clear Oil Free Acne Body Scrub.

Treat

If your teen suffers from body acne or ingrown hairs, getting him to apply a targeted treatment can help and make a difference. Acne treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are great for body acne.

Tip. He can apply these treatments at night after a shower. Use a small amount, focusing on problem spots or areas, so it doesn't dry out the rest of his non-problematic skin. And for those hard-to-reach places, products in spray bottles are the best.

Whatever it is, consistency is key, so if he wants to clear his skin issues, he has to be diligent. Just be sure to do a patch test to see how his skin reacts to these treatments. But if his acne is severe, a visit to a dermatologist might be the best way to go.

Product Picks. Paula's Choice CLEAR Back & Body Exfoliating Acne Spray, Naturium Salicylic Acid Body Spray, or Tend Skin Razor Bump, Ingrown Hair Solution for his razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Deodorant

This is a non-negotiable and is an absolute must for teenage boys. Puberty ramps up sweat production, and using a deodorant fights odor, while some also control sweat.

Tip. Apply deodorant to clean, dry armpits every morning, and if he's super active, he might want to reapply throughout the day. Stick deodorants are less messy than sprays, so help him pick one that will be easy for him to use. Also, get extra so he can throw one in his backpack and gym bag.

Product Picks. Jack Black Pit Boss Mens Deodorant Antiperspirant, Native Deodorant | Natural Deodorant or Dove Men + Care Antiperspirant Deodorant.

Shaving & Grooming Tools

As a single parent, when my son wanted to start shaving, I went down the rabbit hole trying to figure out what out there would be the best for a beginner. I needed something that didn't need any particular technique to use, or wouldn't cause him to get any razor cuts or issues that I often see that come with shaving.

The one thing you should remember is that it doesn't just stop at shaving his facial hair, but think about all the other 'bits' that he might want to keep in order. My son did come to me about this, and again, I helped him find the right tool!

Getting the right tools prevents, if not minimizes, any issues that come with shaving, and it gives them a good first-time experience that's safe and easy.

Tip. It's best to use an electric shaver to avoid any nicks and cuts if they use a sharp razor. Just remind them to clean the device after each use.

Product Picks. Philips OneBlade Hybrid Body and Face Stubble Trimmer, MERIDIAN Body Hair Trimmer for Men, and MANSCAPED® The Chairman™ PRO.

Haircare

Body care also means hair care. Teen boys play a lot of sports, they're always on the go, and puberty can make their hair greasy fast. Clean hair looks good and feels better, which matters to teen boys, even if they're nonchalant about it. A clean head of hair also prevents scalp issues like dandruff, which can be a nuisance.

Tip. If your teen is active and always on the go, and depending on how oily it gets, suggest washing their hair every other day, if not every day. Pick products that are suitable for his hair type, just like you would your own hair. If you think he needs a conditioner, it's easy to get an all-in-one, but getting a separate shampoo and conditioner would be much better. But if a 2-in-1 is easier for him, then that's just fine. Just make sure he's rinsing all the products out of his hair to avoid any unnecessary buildup.

Product Picks. Head and Shoulders Classic Clean 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner, Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Purifying Shampoo or SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo.

Getting your teenage son into a proper body care routine doesn't need to be complicated. The key is to keep it simple, make it practical, and explain the "why" behind each step. My son likes knowing what each product does, so I'm always happy to explain things to him.

Focus on a routine that fits into his lifestyle and his needs, and cut out all the unnecessary fluff; being a teenage boy is hectic enough. He won't know what he really needs, so it's up to you to help him find products that work for his skin type and the skin issues he's experiencing. He might not always come to you first, so if you notice any skin changes, make the first move and talk to him.

The first time I saw my son's back acne, I was literally shocked, so I told him all the things that we could do to try and minimize the acne and get rid of the scars left behind. Even though he wasn't really interested in doing anything at first, thinking that they'll just clear up and disappear on they're own, he eventually came around, and I was only too happy to go shopping for him!

Getting your teen son to cultivate a body care routine isn't just about managing problems he already has, but it's about teaching them good hygiene habits and helping them feel good in their own skin, and helping them grow into a confident, healthy young man.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, if you purchase something using my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

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