Teen Skincare Made Simple: Healthy Habits That Actually Work

I’ve worked with thousands of clients over my 26 years as an esthetician—and a big part of that has been helping teens navigate the ups and downs of their skin.

Between hormones, sports, makeup, late nights, and stress, teen skin can change week to week. I see it in the studio all the time. But the truth is, getting on top of it doesn’t require a complicated routine or a cabinet full of products. It just takes consistency, gentle care, and the right habits.

What I See Most Often in the Skincare Studio

When teens come to me for facials, I hear the same concerns:

• “I keep breaking out, so I scrub harder.”

• “I tried a new product I saw online, and now my skin feels tight.”

• “I skip moisturizer because I’m oily.”

I get it—it’s easy to think that more scrubbing or stronger products will fix everything. But in reality:

• Over-cleansing strips the skin, which can trigger more oil.

• Harsh products cause irritation and redness, which can make breakouts worse.

• Skipping hydration forces your skin to overcompensate, leading to clogged pores.

In the studio, my approach is simple: calm the skin, keep the barrier strong, and build easy routines teens will actually stick with.

How I Coach Teens for At-Home Care

During teen facials, I don’t just treat the skin—I ask questions and I walk them through how to care for it at home. I’ve found that simple routines are the ones that stick.

That’s exactly why I created The Trio. It’s the same philosophy I use in the treatment room—cleanse, hydrate, protect—with products that are gentle, effective, and teen-friendly.

The Trio: My Studio-Approved Teen Routine

• Grit (Sulfur): This cleanser keeps pores clear, calms inflammation, and smooths skin without stripping it.

• Quench (Niacinamide): A lightweight serum that balances oil, reduces redness, and supports a healthy skin barrier.

• Shield (Linoleic Acid): A super light, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and keeps skin balanced without clogging pores.

Three steps. Under five minutes. No overthinking.

How I Recommend Teens Use The Trio

Morning:

1. Cleanse with Grit – Use lukewarm water (not hot) to cleanse your face. Massage GENTLY for 30–60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.

2. Pat skin dry – Don’t rub. Use a clean, soft towel and pat until skin is just slightly damp.

3. Hydrate with Quench – While skin is still slightly damp, apply a few drops of Quench and smooth it evenly over the face.

4. Protect with Shield – Follow with a 3-10 drops of Shield to lightly seal in hydration and protect the skin barrier. Use less if you get oily within an hour of washing and more if you tend to stay oil-free until later in the day.

Evening:

1. Cleanse with Grit – Again, cleanse gently to remove sweat, sunscreen, or makeup from the day.

2. Pat skin dry – Gently pat skin, leaving it slightly damp.

3. Hydrate with Quench – Apply Quench to keep the skin barrier hydrated overnight.

4. Lock in moisture with Shield – Finish with Shield to nourish and support the skin as it repairs while you sleep.

Why Parents Trust It

Parents love this routine because it’s safe, simple, and designed by someone who works hands-on with teen skin every week. It’s professional care that works at home—no guesswork, no gimmicks.

✨ Ready to set your teen up for skin success?

I created The Trio as an easy, effective way to build good skincare habits that last.

👉 Shop The Trio here