Clear Skin, Clear Mind
Get School-Ready with Clearer, Healthier Skin
As preteens and teens head back to school, increased oil production and clogged pores can lead to unwanted breakouts. At SKN Dermatology, we’re here to help set the foundation for healthy skin with expert-backed skincare tips, in-office treatments, and dermatologist-approved product recommendations.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
Everyday skincare tips for teens and preteens
How to choose the right cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen
Why early acne treatment matters
In-office treatments like Hydra Facials and teen facials
Featured products: SkinBetter Detoxifying Scrub Mask + Epionce Recovery Kit
OUR TOP TIPS FOR TEENAGE SKINCARE
Navigating breakouts during the teen years can be frustrating, but the right routine makes a huge difference. Here’s how to support healthier skin at home:
CLEANSE DAILY
Cleansing is the foundation of any effective skincare routine. Teens should aim to wash their face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night, especially after sports or sweating. This helps remove excess oil, bacteria, sweat, and impurities that can clog pores.
Start with gentle foaming cleansers that won’t strip the skin’s natural barrier.
SKN Dermatology favorites:
EltaMD Foaming Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Cleanser
Epionce Gentle Roaming Cleanser
INCORPORATE A MEDICATED CLEANSER (Every Other Day)
When breakouts are present, introducing a medicated cleanser 2–3 times a week can target acne at its source. The right active ingredients can help reduce bacteria, inflammation, and pore congestion.
Benzoyl Peroxide – Kills acne-causing bacteria; ideal for inflamed pimples or pustules.
Salicylic Acid – Unclogs pores and reduces blackheads; great for oily, congested skin.
Sulfur – Absorbs excess oil and calms red, irritated skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – Gently exfoliate; suitable for sensitive or mild acne.
Niacinamide – A calming anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps with redness and irritation.
Pro tip: Alternate medicated cleansers with gentle options to avoid irritation and dryness.
MOISTURIZE CONSISTENTLY
Many teens with oily or acne-prone skin think they should skip moisturizer, but that’s actually counterproductive. Cleansing and acne treatments can dry out the skin, and without hydration, the skin may overcompensate by producing more oil.
AM: Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer designed not to clog pores. In the morning, opt for a formula that includes broad-spectrum SPF 30+. Teens get plenty of sun exposure during the day, walking to school, playing sports, or sitting near windows.
Favorites:
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
PM: At night, apply a calming, hydrating moisturizer after cleansing and over any acne medications.
Favorites:
EltaMD Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer
CHECK YOUR LABELS
From sunscreen to makeup to moisturizers, products should be labeled “non-comedogenic”—meaning they’re specifically designed not to clog pores. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent new breakouts from forming.
Check all products your teen uses:
Sunscreen
Moisturizers
Makeup (especially foundation and concealer)
Haircare products (especially those that touch the forehead or sides of the face)
TREAT ACNE EARLY
The sooner acne is addressed, the better the outcome. Mild acne can quickly progress if left untreated, leading to pigmentation, scarring, and a significant impact on self-esteem. Early treatment doesn’t just clear existing breakouts; it can prevent new ones from forming and help your teen feel more confident heading into the school year.
Over-the-counter options:
Adapalene 0.1% Gel – A powerful retinoid that prevents clogged pores and improves skin texture.
Benzoyl Peroxide & Salicylic Acid Washes – Help reduce bacteria and oil.
For more persistent or severe acne:
Schedule a visit with a board-certified dermatologist. We can recommend:
Prescription topicals like Clindamycin, Tretinoin, Aczone, Azeleic Acid, and Winlevi
Oral antibiotics like Doxycycline, Minocycline, or Bactrim
Oral hormonal treatments like Spironolactone
Oral Accutane
In-office treatments like teen facials and Hydra Facials to clear pores and support skin health
AESTHETICIAN CORNER
Clearer skin starts with the right products and treatments. Whether your teen is battling breakouts or needs a skin refresh, these two favorites are perfect for supporting healthier, calmer skin this school year. Offers valid through September 15th.
15% off SkinBetter Detoxifying Scrub Mask
15% off Epionce Gentle Cleanser, Purifying Wash, Purifying Spot Gel, and Essential Recovery Kit
Featured Product: SkinBetter Detoxifying Scrub Mask
Exfoliate and deep clean with one multitasking product. This scrub mask removes surface oil, gently clears clogged pores, and brightens dull skin—all without overdrying. It's a great addition to your weekly routine and a teen favorite for those fighting breakouts and oily skin.
Why you'll love it:
Dual-action clay mask and exfoliator that targets clogged pores and excess oil.
Uses gentle, biodegradable exfoliating beads to smooth texture without irritating acne-prone skin.
Helps reduce blackheads and breakouts while brightening dull, congested skin.
Absorbs excess oil and draws out impurities to support a clearer, calmer complexion.
Featured Product Line: Epionce
Epionce offers gentle, botanical-based solutions that support clear, balanced skin without harsh side effects. Ideal for teens with acne, oily skin, or those on prescription treatments.
Lytic Gel Cleanser – A top choice for oily or blemish-prone skin; exfoliates and clears without over-drying.
Gentle Foaming Cleanser – Effectively removes oil and debris without stripping or irritating the skin.
Purifying Wash – A powerful cleanser for acne-prone areas like the face, chest, and back.
Purifying Spot Gel – Targets blemishes with fast-acting botanicals and salicylic acid.
Essential Recovery Kit – A must-have for Accutane patients, designed to restore hydration and calm irritation.
Back-to-School Treatments for Glowing Skin
Sometimes, a deeper clean is what skin really needs. Our teen facials and Hydra Facials are tailored to help reduce congestion, calm inflammation, and support your at-home routine. These treatments are perfect for starting the year with clearer skin and renewed confidence.
Why you'll love it:
Professional treatments designed to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and calm acne-prone teen skin.
Gently remove blackheads, whiteheads, and pore-clogging buildup with manual or vortex-assisted extractions.
Customized to target breakouts, redness, and oiliness while supporting overall skin health.
Leave skin feeling clean, balanced, and visibly clearer.
Let’s build a routine that works.
Schedule a skincare consultation or treatment today, and let our board-certified dermatologists and licensed aestheticians help your teen glow, at school and beyond.
Call us or book online at skndermatology.com
Appointments available for facials, consultations, and customized teen acne care.