A Simple Skincare Routine for Teens with Oily or Combo Skin

Starting skincare as a teenager can feel overwhelming. There’s so much advice out there, and most of it sounds like it’s meant for adults. But teenage skin has its own rhythm. It’s oilier, more reactive, and changes with your hormones, seasons, and habits.

The good news? You don’t need a complicated 10-step routine. Just a few solid products and some consistency can make a noticeable difference — especially if you stick to them for a few weeks.

Why Teen Skin Gets So Oily

Teenagers naturally produce more oil because of hormonal changes in the body. But it’s not just about having an oily T-zone. The oil itself tends to be thicker and waxier than adult sebum. That’s why clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts are so common at this age.

Double cleansing in the evening can really help. The first cleanse — using a gentle oil or balm — helps dissolve that thick sebum and any sunscreen, makeup, or grime from the day. The second cleanse actually washes the skin. You don’t need anything fancy, just something gentle and effective.

In the morning, a quick cleanse with water or a mild cleanser is enough.

The Routine: Simple, Affordable, Effective

Here’s what I recommend for oily or combination teenage skin:

AM Routine

1. Cleanser
   Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove oil buildup from the night.
   CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a reliable pick.
2. Moisturizer
   Choose something oil-free and lightweight. A gel-based moisturizer works well.
   Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a popular option.
3. Sunscreen
   Yes, even if you’re not outside all day. Sunscreen helps protect skin from sun damage, pigmentation, and acne scarring.
   La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 is a good matte-finish option for oily skin.

PM Routine

1. Oil Cleanse (optional but helpful)
   Use a lightweight oil to break down thick sebum and sunscreen.
   The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser can double as your first and second cleanse.
2. Foaming Cleanser
   Same as AM. Make sure to rinse well and pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Moisturizer
   Repeat your morning moisturizer or swap to a slightly richer one if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping cleansing at night. You might feel tired or lazy, but that build-up of oil, sweat, and bacteria will stay on your skin unless you remove it.
• Using harsh products or too many treatments at once. This is especially common before events or photos — people panic and overload the skin, which only makes breakouts worse.
• Not using sunscreen. Acne-prone skin is easily irritated by the sun, and unprotected skin can lead to worse scarring or pigmentation.
• Touching your face constantly. If you game, use your phone a lot, or lean on your hands, you might be spreading bacteria and dirt to your skin. Wash your hands often and wipe down devices when possible.

Final Thoughts

Teen skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Just focus on:

• Gentle cleansing (twice daily)
• Lightweight hydration
• Daily sunscreen
• Optional: an oil cleanse at night if you have lots of buildup

Stick with it for at least two to three weeks before expecting results. Breakouts take time to calm down. And the more consistent you are, the easier it gets to understand what your skin actually needs.

This post includes affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I’ve tested or that come highly recommended from trusted sources.

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