Being in my early 50’s, my personal skin challenges are around aging and dehydration, whereas when I was a teenager it was all related to puberty, hormone imbalances and haywire skin! Teen skin issues are mostly centred around oily skin due to overactive oil glands, which can cause blocked pores resulting in breakouts and blackheads.

At this age, they also can shed too many dead skin cells which can also clog pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Then there’s the issue of bacteria getting caught inside the pores causing inflammation, redness, and irritation, basically the start of acne.

It’s easy to see why it’s important for our teens to get into a good skin care routine!

Using natural products becomes even more important because young skin is still sensitive and delicate. At the very least, I recommend a daily cleanser and moisturiser, plus gentle exfoliation once a week. We do love a soothing face mask every 2-3 weeks as well.

Now you know how I feel about any products full of harmful chemicals #nogozone but when we’re talking teens, I enforce this philosophy even more stringently because the last thing we want to do to our kids when they are going through massive changes in their development is bombard their growing bodies with harmful chemicals.

Have a look at this youth-led study looking into personal care products as a source of exposure to potentially endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and benzophenone-3 (BP-3) for adolescent girls.

Below I’ve put together our favourite tried and tested skincare products which my daughter loves and which keeps her health safe. All of these products apply to my teenage son as well but good luck getting him to use them!

Cleansers

Manuka Biotic Natural Face Cleanser

This cleanser nourishes the skin and help clear it of impurities. It works for all skin types, and can be used  on a daily basis. It’s great for tweens and teens to help keep their skin healthy without drying it out.

Weleda Gently Cleansing Foam

This one is great for all skin types but especially dry and sensitive skin.

Moisturiser

Andalou Naturals Acai + Kombucha Oil Free Moisturiser 

This is a great one for hydrating, balancing, and protecting oily and overactive skin.

Rawww Activiate – ME Moisturiser

This one is ideal for oily and breakout-prone skin, This moisturiser contains lots of antioxidants and vitamins to support healthy skin structure and protect adolescent skin from environmental stressors.

Exfoliant

Pollens Botanicals Honey and Sugar Scrub

My daughter just loves a good scrub and she loves how this one leaves her skin feeling soft and smooth.

Face Masks

Antipodes Halo Skin- Brightening Facial Mud Mask

This can be used twice a week and was created for blemish-prone, pigmented, and dull, tired skin but is also ideal for any type of skin in need of an instant, brightening lift. It has the scent of vanilla, raspberry, wild berry and musk.

All in one Skin Care Packs

Juniper Teen Skincare Pack

This pack includes cleanser, exfoliant, moisturiser(lotion) and a treatment mist and is great way to try a complete range at a reasonable price.

Treatments for Skin Breakouts

Tea Tree essential oil (Palm oil free. Australian sourced)

Has incredible cleansing properties and is great to pop a drop onto the end of a cotton tip and pop onto the blemish (especially if recently popped!). But spot test on your jawline or arm first to make sure there’s no adverse reaction. We also love this one, also Australian made and vegan.

Necessity Zit Stick

This is an antibacterial, pocket-size, solid stick formulated to target pimples with healing, therapeutic ingredients.

Other natural products my daughter loves

Lip Balms

Hurraw Organic Vanilla Bean

Bath

These are great oils to pop into the bath after her big sporting sessions.

Eco Lavender Essential Oil or Tinderbox Lavender Essential Oil

Eco Eucalyptus Essential Oil or Tinderbox Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eco Peppermint Essential Oil or Tinderbox Peppermint Oil

Nail Polish

Life Basics Breathable Nail Polish 

Deodorant

Weleda Citrus 24-hr roll on

Shampoo and Conditioner

Grown Alchemist Anti-Frizz Shampoo

Grow Alchemist Anti-Frizz Conditioner

Body Lotion

Dr Bronner’s Organic Hand and Body Lotion Orange Lavender

Find out my Top 5 essential oils to keep my own skin healthy and glowing and find out The Best Natural Sunscreens (and what to avoid). 

What are your teen’s favourite natural skincare products? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Bren x

Here are my Top 5 oils for achieving beautiful skin.

Frankincense – this oil has been used since ancient times for it’s beautifying properties. While it’s great for all skin types, it’s particularly good for, ahem, more mature complexions like mine : ) I just love it for its deep moisturising and skin-smoothing affects.

How to use: Mix 7-10 drops of oil to 30 mls of unscented oil like jojoba and apply it directly to the skin. Or just add a few drops into your favourite natural face cream or natural Vitamin E cream.

Rosemary – rosemary has anti-oxidizing and antiseptic properties that work to clean and protect the complexion. It has also been seen to calm inflammation, tighten the skin, minimise sagging and reduce puffiness and swelling.

How to use: Add one or two drops to your daily moisturiser or mix 7 drops with 30 mls almond oil or jojoba oil.

Lavender – lavender oil has powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and works wonders on sunburnt or dry skin. This one is sooo great for soothing and nourishing most skin types.

How to use: I like to mix 7-10 drops lavender oil in a quarter cup of coconut oil in a jar and gently rub onto my face and whole body too! 

Tea Tree Oil – also known as Melaleuca oil has some antiseptic properties which makes it a great natural skin-cleansing option, cleansing away dirt, toxins, and dead skin, it gives my skin a healthy-looking glow and keeping it blemish free.

How to use: Just pop some tea tree oil directly onto a cotton swab and use to wipe your face.

Peppermint Oil – is great for soothing and cooling my skin when it’s feeling inflamed and sore.  I find it also really helps to keep my skin clear. Those days when I get a surprise to see my reflection and my skin is looking worn out, I find the peppermint oil really gives it a pick me up and seems to really stimulate my skin’s oil production when it’s feeling dry or dehydrated. Just love it!

How to use: Use 4-5 drops of peppermint oil into a 30 mls mix of joboba and vitamin E cream and keep away from eye area as it stings!

Off course you can always use a mix of any of these oils to get all the benefits!

Note: Always to a small patch test on the face first to test for possible allergic reactions.

Do you use any of these essential oils for your skin? What are your favourites? I would love to know in the comments below.

B x

The information above is not intended to replace advice from your qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice.

Photo Courtesy of Young Living