Skin care (tween and teen-safe)

What is a good skincare routine for a teenager?

Give your teen a healthy glow with a simple routine, created with help from Ulta Beauty's skincare experts! We offer a wide variety of products at various price points, so you can find the perfect routine to fit your teen's needs and budget.

1. Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Use it both morning and night for a fresh start and clean end to your day.
2. Toning: Follow with an alcohol-free toner to balance the skin’s pH levels and remove any leftover impurities. This helps prep your skin for the next steps.
3. Moisturizing: Hydrate your skin with a lightweight moisturizer that provides hydration without clogging pores. Apply it twice daily after cleansing and toning.
4. Sun Protection: Protect your skin with a Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen. We offer many options including lotions, mists, and glide-on sunscreen sticks.
5. Acne Treatments: For acne-prone skin, a treatment with with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is perfect for reducing breakouts.
6. Exfoliation: Once or twice a week, use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear. This step helps maintain a smooth and glowing complexion.
7. Hydrating Masks: Pamper your skin weekly with a hydrating sheet mask for an extra boost of moisture for a healthy glow.

Take our skincare quiz and find products that match your unique skin concerns.

What is an acne treatment to get rid of pimples as a teenager?

We know teen acne can be frustrating, but Ulta’s skincare experts have solutions and product recommendations to help your teen achieve clearer, smoother skin.

Target Your Teen's Acne:

• Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments: This is a good choice for mild to moderate acne, especially for whiteheads and blackheads. It can cause dryness and irritation, so start with a lower strength and apply it every other day at first. You can gradually increase the frequency of use as your skin tolerates it.
• Salicylic Acid Treatments: This is a good option for mild acne, particularly clogged pores. It's typically gentler than benzoyl peroxide.

Remember:

• Don't pick at your pimples. This can worsen scarring.
• Avoid touching your face. Your hands can transfer oil and bacteria to your skin, which can lead to breakouts.
• Healthy habits are key. A balanced diet and plenty of sleep support healthy skin from within.

See a Dermatologist: If your teen's acne is severe or doesn't improve with OTC treatments, Ulta Beauty recommends consulting a dermatologist for a personalized plan.

Should teens use retinol?

Retinol can be a game-changer for some teens struggling with acne, but it's important to understand its pros and cons. Ulta's skincare experts can help you navigate this powerful ingredient and the variety of retinol products we offer.

Our experts recommend considering these factors:

Potential Benefits:

• Clearer Skin: For teens with moderate acne, retinol helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation, potentially reducing breakouts.
• Scar Minimization: By reducing inflammation and promoting cell turnover, retinol may help minimize the appearance of acne scars.
• Long-Term Benefits: While not a main focus for teens, retinol can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the future.
• Oil Regulation: For teens with oily skin, retinol can help regulate oil production and minimize shine. Ulta also offers a variety of oil-free moisturizers to use alongside retinol.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Irritation: Retinol can be irritating, especially for sensitive skin. It might cause dryness, redness, and peeling. If your teen has sensitive skin, it may be best to hold off on retinol.
• Sun Sensitivity: Retinol increases sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is crucial. Ulta has a wide range of broad-spectrum sunscreens to choose from!
• Patience is Key: It can take weeks or even months to see results, and it might not work for everyone.

Remember:

• Consult a Dermatologist: A dermatologist can assess your teen's skin and recommend the best course of action, including whether retinol is right for them.
• Start Slow: Start with a gentle, low dose retinol product and use it only a few times per week.
• Moisturize Daily: Combat dryness with a gentle moisturizer.
• Sunscreen Every Day: Daily use of SPF 30+ sunscreen is essential with retinol.

Which is the best face wash for teenage skin?

Teens and tweens come with all kinds of skin, and Ulta Beauty has the selection to match!

Take our skincare quiz for personalized recommendations or visit a store near you for recommendations from our skincare consultants.

Here's how to choose the right cleanser for their unique needs:

• Look for gentle cleanser: Teen skin is often delicate, so skip the harsh scrubs. Ulta offers a wide variety of gentle cleansers that remove dirt and oil without irritation.
• Fight breakouts (optional): For acne-prone skin, look for cleansers with salicylic acid to help unclog pores. We have a wide range of cleansers formulated to combat breakouts!
• Fragrance-free matters: Especially for sensitive skin, fragrance-free is the way to go. At Ulta, you'll find a vast selection of fragrance-free cleansers to keep their skin calm.