AD | When I was a practising Beauty Specialist, one of the questions people always asked me was how to start a skincare routine for a teenager. My answer was simple: the best skin care routine for a teenager starts with finding products they’ll want to use. Such as Korean skincare products which tend to suit most skin types, and come in fun, colourful packaging that appeals to teens. So, if you’re looking for a simple Korean skincare routine for a teenager or tween who’s hit puberty, this is my daughter’s 10-step skincare routine that she’s finding effective and (mostly!) fun to follow.
Korean Skincare Routine for a Teenager – 10 Simple Steps
The perfect Korean teenager skincare routine for one teen or tween won’t necessarily be won’t be right for another. It’s important to remember that during puberty, your child’s skin will most likely be all over the place. And just when you think you’ve found the best skincare routine and products, their skin requirements will probably change again. But Flora and I are both fans of K-beauty teenage skin care products for their fresh and clean feel, together with our easy to follow Korean skin care routine day and night.
A simple Korean skincare routine for a teenager focuses on gentle, effective steps that support changing skin during puberty. Start by identifying skin type, then use a mild cleanser, hydrating toner, lightweight moisturiser, and daily SPF. Optional extras like sheet masks or spot treatments can be added if needed, but a consistent, minimal routine is often best for maintaining balanced, healthy skin.
Identify Their Skin Type Before You Start
Teenage skin can display symptoms ranging from dry, sensitive, oily, inflammation prone, spotty or even acne. So, should teenagers use the 10 step Korean skin care routine? I firmly believe that no, they shouldn’t. Please remember that their young skin is delicate. And you don’t want to overwhelm your teen or their skin with too many steps or products. Ideally, you want to find mild, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free products to maintain oil and moisture balance, and soothing ones to balance irritation, calm and clarify. And it’s a good idea to check their skin type every few months, as they continue to mature, to ensure their new Korean skin care routine at home still meets their needs.
Cleansers for Different Skin Types
So once you’ve nailed down their skin type, the first and most important step in any Korean skincare routine for a teenager is finding the right cleanser. This could be a gel cleanser, an oil cleanser, or a cleansing cream. Flora is currently using a gentle, low-pH, hydrating gel cleanser with a plant-based micro-foam formula as she has a particularly oily T-zone but normal skin on her cheeks. She uses this with a Konjac cleansing sponge in the morning, and her PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device in the evening. A facial cleansing device such as this turns cleansing into both a fun and sensory experience 🙂
What is a Toner Used For?
Personally, I’m not sure toners are one of the must have Korean skin care steps for all teenagers, but Flora does like hers. It does double duty to smooth her skin and deliver a hydrating boost to strengthen its moisture barrier. And last summer we kept it in the fridge so the toner was a refreshingly cool relief during the UK heatwave (a fond but distant memory now). She tips a few drops into her palm and gently massages over her face until it’s absorbed.
Which is the Best Face Moisturiser?
If your teen or tween has oily skin, it can be tempting to think about skipping a moisturiser but you shouldn’t. The best Korean moisturiser for teenagers is one that delivers lightweight protection that doesn’t clog their pores. Whatever their skin type though, you can choose from water-based, lotions, or creams, and don’t rule out an oil-based moisturiser, which can often balance skin rather than exacerbate oiliness. Flora uses one with Neroli oil and other gentle skin-nourishing ingredients that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky or tacky feel. Other good non-Korean moisturisers for teenage skin include CeraVe and Neutrogena.
Which SPF is Best?
I think this step goes without saying, doesn’t it? Flora and I use the same Frezyderm Factor 50 Sunscreen*, a non-comedogenic, parabens and fragrance free, sebum-absorbing gel that gives a matte appearance for hours. It’s been our go-to for years and I’ve yet to find anything to beat it. And it’s also a great base for make up – which will become increasingly important as she matures, I know…
Optional Extras: Sheet Masks, Exfoliators, Pimple Patches
Remember what I said about the best skin care routine for a teenager starting with finding products they’ll want to use? Some of the best teenage skin care products in K-beauty come in colourful, cartoony, pop-style packaging, which appeals to younger consumers, both male and female. And your teenager has probably also seen influencers reviewing these on Instagram and YouTube. K-beauty is famous for their fabulous sheet masks for ultimate skincare goals.
So, if you’re looking for some fun ways to encourage your teen or tween to take their skincare seriously, why not have a pamper session together? Think gentle exfoliation, followed by a sheet mask, and finish up with some Dots for Spots pimple patches* (even if you’re lucky enough to have clear skin, patch up in solidarity, why don’t you?) Flora has a fabulous blemish ampoule with soothing, anti-inflammatory Neroli flower water extract that I keep pinching!
Why Drinking Water is Important
We’ve all heard of those supermodels and actresses that claim their glowing skin is as a result of drinking 2-4 litres of water a day. While that’s not practical for most of us, it’s because our bodies are made up of between 60% and 70% water. And we need to drink water every day; to keep hydrated, help our kidneys flush out the toxins, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So encouraging your child to drink plenty of water every day is as important a step in a Korean skincare routine for a teenager as using any skincare products.
A Healthy Diet
Sugar plays havoc with your skin so try to cut out as many sugary and fatty food from your teenager’s diet as possible. Swap chocolate and crisps for fresh fruits and vegetables with dips, for example. And you’ve heard of the saying, “an apple a day”? Tempt them with one of these 7 healthy apple breakfast recipes before heading off to school. Or encourage them to make their own smoothies with some superfoods that can also benefit their mental health. And don’t be afraid to suggest a supplement either – Flora currently takes an immunity-boosting Bassets Vitamin D supplement with Evening Primrose Oil* to help balance her hormones.
Regular Exercise
When you perform a physical activity, your body releases a number of feel-good hormones known as endorphins. Bonus points if this takes place outside, and allows you to reconnect with Nature. But as well as the mental benefits that exercise brings, you can also enjoy increased energy, improved fitness, potential weight loss, and better skin. Why better skin? Because getting your heart rate up will also improve blood circulation, which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin and carry away waste products. Which of course is super helpful for teens and tweens who favour a junk food diet…
Quality Sleep
Received wisdom says teenagers need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep a night, although I think they could all qualify for the Olympics when it comes to sleep. But joking apart, quality sleep is vitally important for all of us, it’s when your body heals itself. When following a Korean teenage skin care routine, getting the right amount of sleep will help your teen to stay healthy. And why not treat them to a Calidad silk pillowcase for a touch of luxury* with added skin, hair and health benefits too.
Why is Our Skincare Routine Not Only About Korean Skincare Products?
Our 10-step Korean skincare routine for a teenager or tween is a holistic one, because the K-beauty ethos is all about balance and beauty from within. And that starts with what you put in your body every bit as much as what you put on your body. Koreans put a lot of effort into taking care of their skin, focusing on gentle, natural ingredients for a healthy, youthful glow. And that includes Korean skincare for teenage skin. All of which means that these days, instead of Flora using my skincare products, I’m now trying to pinch most of hers!
Have you ever tried any Korean skincare products? What do you think of our Korean skincare routine for teenage girls (and boys)? Who do you know that might like to give this gentle K-beauty regime a try?
* This is a sponsored post and contains affiliate links, please see my Disclaimer.
Lovely post. I’ve dabbled in Korean skincare after I was sent some cool gadgets and foamers for my skin. I mix it up with my other tried and tested bits but there’s a lot to be said about their tools to get gorgeous skin!
Rosie
Thank you, Rosie! Yes, I only got into Korean skincare in the last year or so but I’m so glad I did, some of their products are game changers!
Great post, I love Korean skin products 🥳
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com
Thank you, good to hear!
Yay!!!!!!! Korean skin care routine is the best! My skin has improved a lot since I started Korean skin care routine 8 years ago.
I knew you’d agree with me on this one, Fadima! 🙂
It’s difficult to get teenagers to cooperate at all (!), but that cleansing device may be a winner! Great reminders to cut back on sugar and increase water consumption! Thanks so much.
–Sue
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
I know, right? Anything that makes life easier! Thank you, Sue, glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
I loved reading this! When I was a teen, to be honest skincare was not much of a thing, or at least not for me, but I am glad that people now see the importance of taking care of their skins. I agree that though, some products can be too much for a delicate and changing skin of a teenager so this guide will surely be helpful x
Thank you, Cristina – yes, I know, I can still recall the days of OXY10 with a shudder! I do hope this guide will be helpful though, young skin needs TLC, not bombarding with astringent products 🙂 x
A really interesting post Lisa! I wish I started skincare a lot younger than I did! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you, Lucy, so do I 🙂 x
I think you tip about finding products the teenager would like to use is so good. Also, I think it applies to us too, as adults. I am more likely to stick to my routine if I like the products I’m using.
Thank you, Anca – yes, it’s true, products that are fun and feel good are the ones that tend to make it into my routine too 🙂
Aw this is such a cute idea, and I love that you’re exploring skincare routines from around the world. I wish I’d started my routine a little earlier in life, just to give my skin that healthy boost that it now gets from my routine 🙂 thank you for sharing x
Thank you, Eleanor – I’m relatively new to K-beauty but the products are so good for young skin, Flora loves them! x
Such a great post Lisa! I think when you’re just getting into your teens and want to start with skincare etc it can be really overwhelming to know which products etc to use! I’d love to try Korean skincare, I’ve heard such good things!
Oh you should, Jenny, there are some gorgeous products out there, for all skin types. And they’re very gentle too, perfect for young skin 🙂 x
the earlier you start a skincare routine the better. i actually keep mine very simple. thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Colorful packaging attracts more than the younger eye for sure! I love that this post is aimed at a skincare routine for younger people but can be used by anyone effectively with the right kind of personalization. If I was doing something on my face I would not want a kid to do to theirs, I might step back and re-evaluate my choices in products too!
Thanks so much for sharing some lovely ways we can look after our skin, no matter our stage in life. 🙂
That’s absolutely right, Jaya, when I was looking at skincare for Flora, it definitely made me stop and consider what I was using on my own skin. Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
I would love to try out Korean skin care products. I’m an adult but I still suffer with acne and have oily skin. I would like to see how their skin care products work for my skin. These are great tips for someone starting a skin care routine.
Korean skincare is very gentle so it’s perfect for anyone at any stage of their skincare journey – I’d suggest starting out with the gentlest products first and introducing them one at a time, to see how you get on 🙂
Great and detailed guide! And I like that this is targeted towards teens because what works for adults may not necessarily work for them with the hormone changes etc.
Thank you so much, Sumedha, I’m so glad you found this useful.
Ooh I love this. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a skin-care post before that’s specifically directed at teens but it’s certainly the time in our lives when we’re most conscious of our skin as it flares up and settles down. To be honest, I’m taking note of these as an adult and where I’m messing up, aha. Great post!
Ah, thank you, Lindsey, that’s very kind, glad you enjoyed the post! x
So many brilliant points and helpful bits of advice! It’s so important to stay hydrated and get a good amount of sleep xx
Thank you, Della, yes indeed, and also for adults! x
Other than wishing I was a teenager again to have younger skin, I’ve been thinking about trying korean skincare! I keep seeing people mentioning how good they are but there are just so many products out there! Good luck, Flora!!
Oh Korean skincare isn’t just for teenagers, I use it too and I’m no spring chicken, sadly! If you’re keen to try it, I’d start off with a cleanser and a moisturiser for your skin type and see how you get on 🙂
Great post! Thanks for sharing this! I’ve never tried Korean skincare before but it sounds great! I also really like how you’ve included lifestyle factors as well! As a tween, I didn’t drink enough but now I always make sure to have lots of drinks throughout the day!
Thank you so much – yes, getting Flora to drink enough water is a challenge but her skin looks so much better when she does!
Determining the skin type is everything for using a skincare product. Because it won’t benefit if it’s not. Great tips, Lisa!!
Thank you so much, I’m glad you appreciated them!
Adore Korean skincare so much and it’s so great to see it much more main stream in the West than it has been – esp as you can get some brands in Boots now! X
It’s brilliant, isn’t it? As you say, great that it’s more easily available over here now too! x
I’ve never tried Korean skincare products and actually hadn’t heard of this before! So it was great to learn about. I really like how you’ve included some important lifestyle points in the skincare routine too. We can forget how important things like hydration and exercise are for our overall health, including skin care.
Thank you, Alison, that’s very kind – and we can heartily recommend K-beauty, it’s lovely stuff!
This is a great post. I’ve been getting into skincare recently, and I’ve learned so much. I wish I had learned about oil cleansing when I was a teenager because it’s made a huge difference for my skin. SPF is also so, so important. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! And yes, the belief that oil cleansers won’t work for oily skin is so wrong, they can be really helpful if you find the right ones 🙂
Have never tried Korean skincare products so will have to look these up! I love the emphasis on a healthy lifestyle in here- sleep, diet, water and exercise are completely crucial to good skin.
Oh do give them a go, there are some gorgeous ones out there – and yes, you can’t have one without everything else that goes with it.
I wish I was more into skincare when I was a teenager. It was never a thing for me until I reached my twenties. Eeep! I love the beauty from within ethos, as even though there are lots of wonderful products on the market, I think fuelling your body with good stuff & especially a good nights sleep can work wonders.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
I don’t think it was much of a thing for many of us as teens, but there’s a lot more choice now – and yes, a good night’s sleep and healthy lifestyle works wonders too! x
I love K Beauty, and SPF is so important in a routine! Drinking water is really important in your routine!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Yes indeed, thank you, Amie 🙂
Aside from some sheet masks I haven’t tried any Korean skincare so this was a good overview! MY routine is so plain – cleanse, serum, moisturise – and of course sunscreen in the morning. I really need to try work more things into it, as I know with two little kids I’m certainly not getting the quality sleep I want, haha!
Hope you are having a great weekend 🙂
I think your 3-step, or 4-step if you include SPF, sounds perfect, especially as a busy mum! But a mask or a gentle exfoliation once a week would be a lovely treat, I can highly recommend 🙂
Such a great post Lisa! I am far from a teenager, but I love Korean skincare. Aside from the benefits of the skincare routine, it’s a great way to just pamper yourself and do a bit of self-care too, isn’t it? I bet Flora loves the fun face masks you can get!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Thank you, Aimsy – and yes, we do love our pamper sessions, it’s always lots of fun 🙂
Fab post! I have been trying my luck with k-beauty products lately and I should say I’m loving them,
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you, and that’s great to hear!
I am unsure what it is about Korean skincare products. They sort of hook you and reel you in. I had previously been gifted some sheet masks a few years ago, and that was that. But in terms of teens, the addition of exercise and hydration goes a long way too.
I know what you mean! I don’t think Flora’s going to fall out of love with hers any time soon (not that this is in any way a bad thing 🙂 )
Such a great and informative post, especially for those who are looking to start a skincare routine for their teens or wants to know more about a Korean skincare. I actually mirror my own skincare routine from a Korean routine I saw on youtube and it works wonders.
Thank you, Jordanne – that’s so great to hear a Korean skincare routine works so well for you too!
I follow a Korean skincare routine & I definitely recommend it for everyone, but like you mentioned you do need to know your skin type first.
The K-beauty sheet masks are so cute & I’ve had fun trying some haha
I also agree that taking care of our bodies is just as important as taking care of our skin.
I have to admit, I’m not a fan of sheet masks, they make me feel a little claustrophobic, but Flora loves them – glad to hear you’re also a fan of K-beauty 🙂
Great insights! My teen loves K-beauty products; the fun packaging and effective results make skincare exciting and enjoyable!
Thank you so much, that’s great to hear!