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Experts share the best skincare products for teens, from gentle cleansers to fast-acting pimple patches
Best SPF
Staff Pick
If you’re looking for a sunscreen and makeup primer in one, this 100% invisible product does double duty — better yet, it’s suitable for all skin types thanks to the hydrating, fragrance-free, and oil-free formula. As an added bonus, it not only shields the skin from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays, but it also helps to filter out blue light from your devices.
Rain or shine, you need your sunscreen, but you don't always want to feel like you're wearing it. Prioritizing broad-spectrum sunscreen is key so that you can protect your skin against both UVA rays, associated with aging, and UVB rays, associated with burning. Dr. Adel says, "A good rule of thumb is to say two finger lengths [of product] for your face and for your neck" to ensure you're getting plenty of protection. Luckily, this sunscreen never feels heavy, thanks to its gel-like, sheer formula that melts into the skin.
Best drugstore SPF
This lightweight sunscreen can be used as a primer under makeup for a simple and affordable multi-purpose product.
Dr. Adel says, "The difference between something like SPF 30 versus SPF 50 is actually really minimal," so there's no need to worry about piling on SPF 100. This sunscreen from e.l.f. doubles as a primer for an easy two-in-one, keeping your makeup bag light and filled with the essentials.
Best dark spot treatment
Young skin need not fret, thanks to gentle active ingredients like niacinamide and azelaic acid.
After a pimple, the skin can be left irritated with some scarring. Dr. Adel says, "Things like azelaic acid [are] really great for rosacea, and it also has the added benefits." The azelaic acid gently exfoliates the skin, while the niacinamide in this serum helps reduce any lingering hyperpigmentation and redness.
Best face wash for acne-prone skin
Pimples don’t stand a chance against this salicylic acid cleanser.
According to Dr. Glick, "Over-the-counter salicylic acid cleansers are the first line for acne treatments." Their smooth, gel-like texture will bring relief to acne-prone skin at a price point that won't break the bank. Coupled with a moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier, this cleanser will renew your skin.
Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin
Dry, irritated skin is out. Strong skin barriers and hydration are in, and luckily, the Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer is here to nourish and repair
While Dr. Glick recommends salicylic acid cleansers as a great place to start for acne, she warns that they "can also be drying." Hyaluronic acid is a natural lubricant your body produces, known for its hydrating power, and this moisturizer from Glow Recipe is packed with it. Glycerin helps as an added layer of protection for your skin barrier, so you know that you can leave the house hydrated.
Best pimple patch
These star-shaped pimple patches bring whimsy to a frustrating breakout and are effective, too.
You heard it hear first: there's no secret to getting rid of pimples faster. Dr. Glick says the key is patience, saying, "The best way [to get rid of a pimple] is not to touch or pick it [because] doing so will make the healing process longer." However, she also adds that "a hydrocolloid pimple patch is the best way to cover the pimple and prevent any manipulation of it." These star-shaped pimple patches will add a little fun adornment to your face and protect your pimple properly.
Best spot treatment
Staff Pick
Benzoyl peroxide fortifies this spot treatment’s potency, while glycerin keeps your skin hydrated.
Dr. Adel shared that one kind of "spot treatment that works quite well is one with benzoyl peroxide." This topical treatment is built to combat acne by fighting off any bacteria that causes it. While it can sometimes be drying and cause the skin to peel, this spot treatment from La Roche-Posay utilizes glycerin to help lock in as much moisture as possible.
Best face wash for oily skin
Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser is super gentle, will keep you hydrated, and prevent you from getting more oily. Better yet, it doesn't sting the eyes at all.
For any teens interested in starting a skincare routine, Dr. Adel recommends you "keep it really simple and basic [because] that will be your path to having great skin." This cleanser from Glossier uses rose water to help hydrate the skin. While that may seem counterintuitive for oily skin, the added hydration will help stave off the overproduction of natural oils.
Best moisturizer for oily skin
If you’re prone to oily skin, this lightweight gel is all you need to hydrate your skin.
Even if you have oily skin, you still should prioritize hydration so your skin doesn't naturally start producing too much oil. Dr. Glick says, "Everyone must protect their skin barrier with a moisturizer. Oily skin patients may want to use a lighter moisturizer like a lotion." This lightweight formula utilizes niacinamide to reduce inflammation and hyaluronic acid for hydration, giving you a one-two punch of protection.
Best face wash for sensitive skin
Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser is a staple in many medicine cabinets because you can cleanse, soften, and soothe without worrying about a long list of ingredients.
Dr. Glick says, "Gentle cleansers and moisturizers can protect the skin barrier and prevent redness," and this Cetaphil cleanser was made with sensitivity in mind. Niacinamide helps maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier and helps reduce inflammatory responses.
Best moisturizer for sensitive skin
With an ultra-hydrating formula made from hyaluronic acid and a price tag under $7, The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors is the best value for your dollar.
The Ordinary keeps it simple with a few key ingredients in this moisturizer. Dr. Adel says that people with "very reactive skin which becomes red and irritated may actually find that a lot of skincare products make their skin worse rather than better." She shares, "You really want to scale your skincare routine back to using very simple fragrance-free products." With hyaluronic acid as its core ingredient, this moisturizer will bring the hydration you need.
Best face wash for dry skin
Feel fresh-faced and rejuvenated with this hydrating K-beauty cleanser.
Krave Beauty's Matcha Hemp Cleanser utilizes sodium PCA, which is a stronghold in the beauty industry because it helps your skin and hair retain moisture. Thanks to the omega-three and omega-six fatty acids, Hemp seed oil assists with even more hydration.
Best moisturizer for dry skin
Staff Pick
The lightweight gel consistency of Belif's Aqua Bomb delivers a refreshing dose of hydration that lasts and is great for any skin type. Snag this staff favorite for 30% off.
Dr. Glick recommends that "those with dryer skin should use a thicker moisturizing cream." While this moisturizer is more of a thick, water-like gel than a cream, it still packs just as much hydration. A small dollop will cover your face and neck, leaving you with a glowy, dewy finish and hydration that lasts all day.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].
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