In our next edition of Teen Talk Tuesdays*, we hear from a parent seeking advice on skincare routines for a teen boy suffering from spot breakouts.
Dear Karen,
Any advice as to a simple skincare routine for a 15 year old boy who has occasional breakouts, does a lot of outdoor sports, has a habit of picking at his spots and thinks skincare is for girls only?
Dear Parent,
Spots during teenage years are primarily due to hormonal changes. In boys, this includes overproduction of testosterone, although there can be other factors at play. The spots will likely go away in time, however poor skin hygiene and habits (like picking at spots!) can lead to other problems like cystic acne and scarring. Here’s what you can consider to help your son establish a simple but consistent skincare routine:
- Cleanse: Twice a day, once on waking and once before bed. Thorough cleansing will get rid of sweat, oil and dirt, thereby preventing breakouts. For spotty skin, pick a cleanser that contains salicylic acid which helps unclog pores.
- Treat: Use a spot cream at least once a day to combat acne. Key active ingredients for tackling inflammation and redness are azelaic acid, niacinamide and succinic acid.
- Moisturise: A day cream and a night cream provide essential hydration. Both should be oil-free and non-comedogenic. As your teen does outdoor sports, the day cream should be a sweat-resistant formula with sun protection (minimum 30 SPF).
Besides the skincare routine, healthy lifestyle habits are also essential for skin health. These include having a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and C that support skin repair, staying active and getting enough sleep to regulate hormones and keeping stress at bay. Having clear, healthy skin isn’t just for girls!
Just Peachy Pre Teen & Teen Underwear for confidence, movement and every day
Got questions? Submit them confidentially by emailing hello@justpeachybasics.com or sending us a DM at justpeachy.basics. Every Tuesday, we'll publish a Q&A on teen topics, providing valuable insights and advice.
Teen Talk Tuesdays* is brought to you in collaboration with Karen Chan from The Greenstone Group, a weekly initiative to support teens and their parents. Karen, a registered counselor and ICF-accredited coach, offers holistic therapeutic support through psychotherapy and coaching, specializing in confidence issues, anxiety, stress, and more.
About Karen Chan
Karen Chan, of The Greenstone Group, is a registered counsellor and ICF-accredited coach who works with teens and adults, focusing particularly on women at all life stages. Recognizing the difficulty of moving forward without addressing past issues, Karen provides a holistic therapeutic experience through psychotherapy and the transformational power of coaching. Her clients include those struggling with confidence issues, low mood, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, or those wanting to make a change but not knowing how. Using evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Karen takes a flexible, respectful, and client-centred approach, offering a safe and trusting environment for clients to heal and find a path forward. With over 20 years of corporate experience, she also consults with companies to promote workplace mental wellness and resilience.
Learn more about Karen Chan: Karen Chan LinkedIn
Get started on your journey towards a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life by booking a free 20-minute discovery call with Karen.
*The information provided on in this article is generalized and for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice, diagnoses, or treatment. For more personalized advice, please reach out for counseling or seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
