Teenage Skin: What’s Really Going on and How to Care for It Naturally

Teenage years bring big changes—not just emotionally and physically, but also in your skin. As hormones kick into gear, it can feel like your skin has a mind of its own. Breakouts, oily patches, and sensitivity suddenly appear, leaving many teens reaching for the latest trending product or complex skincare routines. But here’s the truth: simplicity is your superpower! 

At Heartwood, we believe in understanding what your skin is going through, supporting it with clean, natural products, and keeping skincare simple but effective.

What’s Happening to Teenage Skin?

During adolescence, your body produces more androgens, a group of hormones that stimulate the oil glands in your skin. This leads to increased sebum production, which can clog pores and result in blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. You may also experience:

• Increased oiliness, especially in the T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin)
• Hormonal acne, particularly in the T-zone and in some cases jawline and cheeks
• Redness, sensitivity or irritation, as skin can become more reactive
• Sub-conditions like Eczema and Dermatitis and Rosacea can form 
• Combination skin, with dry and oily areas coexisting

It’s a confusing time for skin, but it’s all part of growing up.

Simplicity Is Your Superpower

During your teens, your skin responds to the many changes you're going through, but that doesn’t mean you need a multi-step skincare regime or a bathroom that looks like a Mecca store. Your friends may have it, it may be viral on TikTok, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin at your stage.

At Heartwood, we focus on skin health. A clean, preventative skincare regime that supports your skin and helps it thrive is more than enough. Less is more, and consistency is key.

And if there’s one product you never skip? Its Sunscreen! Wearing SPF every day (or as often as possible) is your best long-term investment for your skin. A whopping 80–90% of skin ageing is caused by UV exposure. Yikes! And much of that damage won’t show until years, even decades, later. So, get into the habit now—your future skin will thank you.

A Simple and Effective Skincare Routine for Teens

Here’s a routine that’s gentle, effective, and teen-approved:

Morning

1. Cleanse in the shower or at the sink with a gentle cleanser (gel or milk) to remove oil and sweat
2. Moisturise with a lightweight gel or cream 
3. Apply SPF a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide is ideal

Evening

1. Cleanse (double cleanse if wearing sunscreen or makeup)
2. Face Mist to calm and refresh 
3. Moisturise to keep skin hydrated and balanced
4. Apply a spot treatment if breakouts pop up

No fancy extras, no harsh actives or acids, no stress 😊

Best Clean & Natural Products for Teen Skin

Look for products that are gentle, plant-based, and free from synthetic fragrances, sulphates, and alcohols. Great ingredients for teen skin include:

• Aloe vera – Soothing and calming
• Chamomile or calendula – Reduces redness and irritation
• Green tea – Antioxidant-rich and calming
• Willow bark extract – Natural source of salicylic acid
• Jojoba oil – Balances sebum without clogging pores
• Squalane – Hydrating and non-comedogenic
• Tea tree oil – Antibacterial and great for spot treatment

These ingredients support skin without overwhelming it.

View our Teen Skin Collection here.

Professional Support: A Gentle Deep Clean to Reset the Skin

Sometimes, a little extra support makes all the difference. Our Teen Facial at Heartwood is designed specifically for teenage skin. It’s a calming, clarifying facial that:

• Gently unclogs and decongests pores
• Helps regulate sebum production
• Reduces inflammation and redness
• Leaves skin feeling fresh, balanced, and clear

It’s the perfect reset for skin that's feeling overloaded or out of balance—and a great introduction to self-care and skin health. 

Final Thoughts

Teenage skin doesn’t need complexity—it needs consistency, care, and a little guidance. By choosing clean, natural products and a routine that prioritises balance over trends, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of healthy, glowing skin.

And remember simplicity is your superpower! 

Nikki x