Everyone’s skin goes through ups and downs, but for teens it can be a rollercoaster. When faced with hormonal changes, excess sebum and acne, it’s a time when simple and safe is best. To make things as easy as possible, we’ve put together a gentle, simple routine that’s perfect for teenage K-Beauty fans.More
We’ve Had A Few Of Our Community Recently Asking About Our Thoughts On Teen Skin And K-beauty Routines.
Here’s our Teen Skincare Guide with practical tips on how to care for skin at this age, as well as some product recommendations to help both teens and parents.
Teen Skin
Let’s drop some real talk – everyone’s skin goes through ups and downs, but for teens it can be a rollercoaster. When faced with hormonal changes, excess sebum and acne, it’s a time when simple and safe is best.
One of the great benefits of K-Beauty is that it’s focused on promoting healthy and well-nourished skin with minimal irritation. To make things as easy as possible, we’ve put together a gentle, simple routine that’s perfect for teenage K-Beauty fans.
The Routine
Step 1: Cleanser
Starting skincare with the right cleanser is really important for the skin at any age, but especially when skin is oil-prone. This is because clean skin is the basis for a good skincare routine.
When it comes to teen skin, ingredients like kaolin, volcanic ash and charcoal are perfect for cleansing. They help absorb excess oil and also help with lightly exfoliating at the same time.
Our pick for teenagers is:
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For sensitive skin that is easily irritated - Subi Powder Cleanser. This ultra gentle cleanser comes in powder form so your teen can make it up fresh at each wash. The liquid free formula means it lasts much longer than regular cleansers and can be popped in gym bags, sleepover bags and used on the go.
- For skin with a lot of oiliness, congestion and blackheads - Jelly Ko Cinnamon Toast Sugar Scrub Foam. This 2-in-1 cleanser and exfoliator can be customised at each wash so that it is a gentle exfoliator or regular face wash.
Step 2: Toner
Often overlooked (especially by parents who remember toners from the 80s and 90s), which were harsh, filled with alcohol and used to strip our skin of every last drop of moisture – yep, it’s toner!
Thankfully, Korean toners are nothing like the toners of our nightmares. Instead, they actually play an essential role in prepping skin to get the most out of the skincare routine that follows.
There are a few options - something gentle and exfoliating (which works best for oily skin prone to breakouts) or something nourishing and hydrating (which works best for those on anti-acne medications, those with naturally dry or dehydrated skin types).
Depending on what your teen skin needs, we recommend either COSRX AHA/ BHA Clarifying Toner or Jelly Ko Dewy Glaze Toner.
Step 3: Serum
With a range of serums for all skin types, there are plenty of great options to help with finnicky teen skin as well.
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For wide pores and overly oily skin, try TIAM Vita B3 Source. Filled with niacinamide, an excellent ingredient for managing problem pores it is a cheap and cheerful addition to a teen's skincare routine.
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For breakouts, we’re fans of cult K-Beauty favourite Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum. This formula is perfect for teenagers because it’s infused with tea tree leaf water and centella extract, which helps to soothe and moisturise skin.
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For oily skin that is also dry in patches, try Innisfree Green Tea Serum. It helps lock in moisture and is perfect to use on sensitive skin.
Step 4: Moisturiser
While it may be tempting to skip the moisturiser, especially when the skin is already oily, this is a massive no-no.
Moisturiser actually helps to balance skin’s oil and moisture levels, which is critical for teen skin.
- For a great moisturiser to use on active breakouts, STYLE STORY's community raves about Tosowoong Ovalicin Red Spot Cream.
- For light and refreshing formulas that won't weigh teen skin down, we love Rovectin Clean Lotus Water Cream, which is also a favourite of Youtuber Beauty by Hyram, as well as Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream and One Thing Centella Soothing Cream.
- For a soothing formula, we love Apieu Madeccasoside Cream.
Dealing With Pimples And Pores
Excess sebum and oil go hand in hand with visible, wide pores and breakouts. For whitehead pimples, hydrocolloid patches are a great way to both conceal pimples and speed up the healing process.
Subi’s Perfect Pimple Patch is ideal for daytime use. Because it’s thin enough to be worn 24/7, it’s an ideal treatment for teens at school, as it means they can continue their treatment without everyone else in the know. It blends seamlessly into the skin with or without makeup. They'll similarly also love Jelly Ko's Jelly Shield Pimple Patches, which are great value with 54 patches to a set.
What K-beauty Products Have You Tried For Teenagers? Let Us Know In The Comments!
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