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I've often been amazed how men have been able to wash their faces with soap and their skin is almost, if not flawless. I get annoyed because we, women have to resort to a whole host of skincare needs and variations to combat all the skin concerns we're often plagued with.
If we were to take care of our skin the way men do what would happen? I dare not even venture there. I wouldn't want to know—it's just a risk I'm not willing to take.
Even though men are known to wash their faces with just soap, more and more of them are beginning to be a bit more conscious of what their skin needs and what they put on their skin. They might not know enough about retinol, acids, ceramides, etc, but I'm going to guess that the younger generation of men will soon catch on.
I say this because ever since my teenage son started getting mild acne, he has shown some interest in what he puts on his skin and how he takes care of it so he doesn't get those pesky spots.
As much as these boys appear nonchalant about how they look, that nonchalant-ness comes with a lot of work! They lowkey care about how they look and it plays a big part in their overall self-esteem. Like everybody else, if they look good, they feel good! And especially with teenagers, where they're experiencing so many changes in their lives, physically, mentally, and emotionally, feeling good in their own skin plays a crucial role in their overall well-being.
Between school, sports, and their social lives, a skincare routine can feel like an afterthought for them. But here's the thing—teenage skin is going through a lot. And helping your teenage son develop a simple, effective skincare routine now can save him frustration later.
The Changes A Teenage Boy's Skin Goes Through
Puberty doesn't just bring with it mood swings and growth spurts — your teen's skin goes through changes too.
Teenage boys — thanks to hormones, experience a unique set of challenges.
Here is what's going on in a nutshell:
Increased Oil Production
Hormones, specifically testosterone trigger your son's oil glands to produce more sebum which can lead to oily skin and clogged pores if not addressed carefully.
Acne and Breakouts
More oil + dead skin cells = acne. It's not only common on the face but also on the back and chest. And if left untreated it can lead to continuous flare-ups and scarring.
Sun Damage Risk
Teenage boys might spend a lot of time outdoors and yet sunscreen might be the last thing on their minds. But then again, sun damage can start early. Consistent SPF use can prevent premature wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancer.
Facial Hair Growth
Your teenage son has probably started shaving and shaving can cause irritation — redness, ingrown hairs, and maybe breakouts. Using the right shaving tools and aftercare can make a big difference.
Knowing what's happening to the changes in your teenage son's skin can help you understand why a simple skincare routine is so important.
The Best Skincare Routine for Teenage Boys
A skincare routine for your teenage boy doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, by keeping it simple your teen will then be more inclined to stick to it.
Here's a step-by-step guide that covers the essentials, along with some product recommendations to make things easier.
Since your teenage son wouldn't have a clue of where or how to start and what to use, it's really up to you! He'll look to you for advice.
1—Cleanser
As you know, cleansing is the most important step in any skincare routine especially for teenage boys.
The changes in skin during puberty are one thing, then you have dirt, sweat, and bacteria from his daily activities that can build up on his skin and cause havoc. A proper cleanser removes these impurities. The best is to get your teen a cleanser that matches his skin type.
For oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming cleanser, and sensitive skin should look for fragrance-free, gentler options.
Why it matters.
Skipping the cleanser means dirt and oil stay on the skin and it builds up which can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, and breakouts. By cleansing twice a day, your teen sets the foundation for clear, healthy skin.
Try these.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser, and Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Wash.
2—Scrub/Exfoliant
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that build up on the surface of their skin and clog their pores. Teenage skin regenerates quickly, so exfoliating once or twice a week helps limit that build-up and keeps their skin looking fresh.
It's especially helpful for teenage boys who struggle with blackheads or whiteheads.
Harsh scrubs can cause micro-tears on the skin which can leave the skin sensitive so it would be best to use scrubs with fine, gentle particles or even a chemical exfoliant.
Why it matters.
Exfoliation keeps pores clear and it's a game-changer for skin texture and overall appearance of the skin. Scrubs and chemical exfoliants are also great for keeping ingrown hairs at bay if they've already started shaving.
Try these.
Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Daily Facial Scrub, Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant, and Paula's Choice CLEAR Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution.
Quick Tip.
Stick to exfoliating no more than twice a week to avoid over-drying or irritating the skin. A little goes a long way.
3—Moisturizer
Your teenage boy may assume they don't need moisturizer, especially if they're already dealing with oily skin type. But the truth is skipping this step can actually be training their skin to produce more oil to compensate.
Moisturizing balances the skin and keeps it hydrated. The key is to choose one that is suited for their skin. For boys with dry, sensitive skin, a lightweight cream would be best and for those who are prone to breakouts, a gel-based moisturizer would work best.
Why it matters.
Proper hydration through moisturization reduces redness, helps prevent access oil production, and can improve skin texture. A moisturized face looks and feels healthier.
Try these.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer, Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer, and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
Quick Tip.
Teach your teen to use a pea-sized amount and apply it evenly to his face and neck.
4—Spot Treatment
For your teen boys who are frustrated with dealing with those persistent breakouts, adding a specific acne treatment to their whole routine can make some difference.
These targeted treatments work by targeting the root causes of acne which can be due to clogged pores, excess oil, and bacteria.
Spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are great for those breakouts and pimples. For more widespread acne, a leave-on treatment like an acne gel can be helpful.
Why it matters.
If they ignore acne and want to live their lives with it, they might regret it as it can eventually lead to more severe skin issues and also scarring. A consistent acne treatment helps clear existing breakouts and prevents new ones from forming.
Try these.
Differin Acne Gel Treatment, Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch, and Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment.
Quick tip.
Start with a lower-strength product to avoid drying out the skin. They can always increase use as and when they need it.
And if your teenage son has trouble with body acne, especially on his chest and back, you can try Paula's Choice CLEAR Back & Body Exfoliating Acne Spray.
5—Sunscreen
Most teenage boys will just skip the sunscreen because they won't see the point in it, but it is important.
If your teen spends a lot of time outdoors — with sports, walking to and from school, or just hanging out — his skin is going to be most likely exposed to UV rays. And over time, this can lead to his skin aging prematurely, dark spots, and maybe even cancer.
You might want to suggest a sunscreen that's lightweight and non-greasy because if it's anything else, the chances of him skipping it altogether will be high.
Why it matters.
Sun damage adds up over time. So though he might think lightly of it now, getting into the habit of using sunscreen early would benefit him in the long run.
Try these.
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50, EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46, and Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen.
With teenage boys, the more basic the routine the easier it is for them to stick to it. Their lives are as busy as it is without having a 10-step skincare routine. And another thing you might want to consider is the texture of each product.
Taking a cue from my experience with my son, I've bought many products for him, not only to see what suits his skin but also what he's comfortable with. If it's too oily or heavy, then he just won't bother so there has been a lot of trial and error and quite frankly, I'm still introducing new products to him for him to try.
Bear in mind that with your teenage son, he can be impatient — he'll put a spot treatment once and expect the spot to magically disappear overnight and he'll tell you that it's not working so you'll have to remind him that it might take a bit more time.
Remember that the key is keeping it straightforward: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, treat, and protect. With the right products and a little consistency, skincare can become just another easy part of his day.
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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