Building an Age-Appropriate Skin Care Regimen for Teens and Tweens

Guidance for managing puberty-related skin changes amid social media skin care trends

As children enter puberty, skin changes are often among the first visible signs. Acne, eczema and dermatitis are common concerns in teens and tweens, driven by hormonal shifts that increase oil production. At the same time, social media has introduced a new challenge: complex skin care routines that may do more harm than good.

Puberty, Hormones and Skin Changes

Hormonal changes during puberty include rising testosterone levels in all genders, which stimulate oil glands in the skin. This increase in oil production plays a central role in acne development and can also contribute to conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. 

As oil production increases, consistent hygiene becomes more important. Face washing twice daily with a gentle cleanser can help reduce acne development. More frequent hair washing may be required as dandruff becomes more common. Providers should normalize these changes and encourage age-appropriate routines that support overall skin health.

Avoiding Overly Complex Regimens

One of the most concerning trends Katherine Kondratuk, MD, a Pediatric Dermatologist at Children’s Wisconsin, has seen is the rise of multi-step skin care regimens promoted by social media influencers targeted to teens and tweens. 

A study examining social media skin care content for users under age 18 found that the average routine included six products, cost approximately $168 per regimen and featured up to 21 potentially irritating active ingredients. Layering products with exfoliating acids or retinols increases the risk of skin irritation, since many of the ingredients have not been well studied in pediatric populations.

“More products do not mean better results,” said Dr. Kondratuk. “In fact, layering multiple active ingredients can worsen skin conditions and make it harder to treat acne effectively.”

When prescription treatments are started, she recommends eliminating nonessential products, including astringents and harsh cleansers to reduce skin irritation and improve adherence to the treatment plan.

The Role of Over-the-Counter Products

Over-the-counter products play an important role in managing common pediatric skin conditions. Gentle cleansers, moisturizers, anti-dandruff shampoos and acne products can be effective first-line tools when used correctly. Dermatologists at Children’s Wisconsin guide families toward products with appropriate concentrationsof active ingredients, minimal fragrances or additives and that contain ingredients that have been studied in pediatric populations. 

Setting Expectations and Supporting Adherence

One of the most common misconceptions among teens and families is expecting immediate results. 

“Acne treatments typically require at least three months of consistent use to see improvement and determine if the treatment will work long term,” said Dr. Kondratuk. “Sometimes, when a new medicine is started for acne, it can get a little worse before it gets better, especially during the first month.” 

Expectation management is critical, especially in a generation influenced by highly curated social media content where perception isn’t always reality. Providers can support adherence by counseling families on what to expect, including the possibility of early irritation. Simple strategies such as starting topical medications every other night and applying moisturizers to reduce dryness help patients remain consistent and avoid stopping treatment prematurely.

When to Refer to Dermatology

Referral is appropriate when acne raises concern for scarring or when patients do not respond to standard topical therapies or steroids for eczema or other skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. Treatment options for atopic dermatitis have expanded significantly in recent years, including biologics and newer systemic therapies approved for pediatric use.

Addressing the Whole Patient

Skin health is closely linked to mental and behavioral health, particularly during adolescence. Providers in the Children’s Wisconsin Dermatology Program routinely screen patients over age 10 for mental health concerns and collaborate with adolescent medicine, behavioral health and social work when skin conditions affect mood, self-esteem or daily functioning. 

Key Takeaways for Providers

A simple, gentle baseline routine remains the foundation of healthy teen skin care: washing the face twice daily with a gentle cleanser, using a moisturizer with sunscreen in the morning and a gentle moisturizer at night. Providers should be alert to overly complex regimens influenced by social media and encourage families to scale back when irritation occurs.

With early guidance and realistic expectations, providers can help teens and tweens establish sustainable skin care habits that support both physical and emotional well-being.