Can teens use too much skincare?

Signs they're overdoing it

Quick summary

• Using too many skincare products can be unnecessary, expensive, and may even stop products from working properly
• Overloading the skin can lead to irritation, such as redness, dryness, or blisters
• For most teens, a simple routine – cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF – is all they need

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Between TikTok skincare trends, “holy grail” product lists, and advice from friends at school, it’s no surprise that many teens end up with skincare routines longer than most adults’.

In fact, a recent luna poll found that 1 in 3 teen girls follow a skincare routine with 5 or more steps. 

But more products doesn’t always mean better skin. In fact, overdoing skincare can sometimes create the very problems they’re trying to fix.

Here’s what parents need to know, and how to help your teen keep things simple, safe, and effective.

The risks of using too much skincare

Using lots of products may feel fun or grown-up to teens, but it can come with a few downsides:

• Spending money on things they don’t actually need
• Mixing ingredients that work against each other
• Using products that are too harsh or too active for young skin, such as retinol

But the biggest concern? Irritation.

Signs of irritation can include:

• redness
• dryness
• burning or stinging
• itchy patches
• painful blisters (in more severe cases)

These symptoms often link to contact dermatitis, which is irritation that happens when the skin barrier becomes damaged from too many products, too-strong ingredients, or allergens.

If your teen develops any of these symptoms, they should stop using the product straight away and give their skin time to settle.

How to help your teen keep their routine simple and effective

For most teens, the best skincare routine sticks to the basics:

• Gentle cleanser (morning and evening)
• Moisturiser (morning and evening)
• SPF 30+ sunscreen (every morning, reapplying through the day)

Encourage them to use products that are suitable for their skin type, gentle enough for young, sensitive skin, and ideally dermatologist-tested or recommended.

If they want to add extra steps over time (like an acne treatment or serum), it’s usually best to:

• Stick with the basic routine for at least 3-4 months
• Add one new product at a time
• Check how their skin responds before adding anything else

This makes it easier to spot what’s helping, and what’s irritating.

Helping your teen get to know their skin

Correct skincare isn’t about buying every trending serum under the sun because they promise magic results.

It’s about finding what works for teen skin and giving it time to settle.

A simple routine, patience, and steady habits are almost always better than trying 10 different products at once.

If your teen wants support figuring out what actually works for them, the luna app can help them log their routine and spot patterns. 

There are also plenty of resources on luna covering different aspects of skincare!

This can help your teen navigate how best to look after their skin without the pressure of trying every product they see online.

Supporting them to slow down, choose wisely, and care for their skin gently can make all the difference.

Rated 4.8

Give your daughter the best guide to girlhood with luna

Find out more