At 13, skin can start changing surprisingly quickly. A little more oil. The first blackheads. A few spots that suddenly feel like a very big deal. And for parents, there’s another challenge: teenagers are surrounded by TikTok routines, serums, acids and products designed for much older skin. So what does a 13-year-old actually need? The good news is: not very much.
Dermatologists recommend keeping skincare for tweens and young teenagers simple — focusing on gentle cleansing, moisturising and daily sun protection.[1]
Why does skin start changing?
Puberty brings hormonal changes that can increase the amount of oil the skin produces. Pores can become blocked and blackheads, whiteheads and spots may start appearing. It’s completely normal.
And while the instinct may be to immediately start “treating” the skin with lots of products, young skin can easily become irritated by doing too much. At Zanna, we believe skincare for teenagers should be about supporting changing skin, not fighting against it. A simple routine is usually enough
For most 13-year-olds, start with three basics:
1. Cleanse gently
A gentle cleanser helps remove excess oil, sweat, sunscreen and everyday dirt without stripping the skin. Avoid harsh soaps and scrubs. NICE recommends a mild, non-alkaline cleanser for acne-prone skin.[2]
Usually, cleansing morning and evening is enough.
2. Moisturise
Yes — even oily skin needs moisture.
A lightweight moisturiser can help keep the skin barrier comfortable and healthy. If your teenager is prone to breakouts, look for products labelled non-comedogenic, meaning they are designed not to clog pores.[2]
3. Protect with SPF
This is one habit worth starting young.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for young skin.[1] Especially under the South African sun, sunscreen should become as normal as brushing your teeth in the morning.
What about spots?
A few spots at 13 are completely normal. Try not to panic — and encourage your teenager not to panic either.
The temptation to add exfoliators, masks, acids and spot treatments all at once can actually leave skin more irritated. If breakouts become more persistent, established acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may be appropriate, but they should be introduced thoughtfully.[1][3]
For more significant acne, professional advice is always better than endlessly experimenting with new products.
What doesn’t a 13-year-old need?
Most young teenagers do not need a complicated adult skincare routine.
Unless recommended for a specific skin condition, be cautious with:
- Retinol and anti-ageing products
- Strong exfoliating acids
- Aggressive facial scrubs
- Peels
- Multiple active serums layered together
The American Academy of Dermatology specifically cautions against unnecessarily introducing adult-focused actives such as retinol and exfoliating acids to young skin because of the potential for irritation.[1]
Keep skincare simple — and kind
Perhaps the most important thing we can teach a teenager is that having a breakout doesn’t mean there is something wrong with their skin.
Skin changes. Hormones change. Spots happen.
A good routine should help them feel comfortable and confident — not make them feel that their skin needs to be perfect.
That philosophy sits at the heart of Zanna.
We created Zanna for young, changing and breakout-prone skin, with a simple approach that teenagers can realistically stick to.
Cleanse. Hydrate. Protect. Be consistent.
Sometimes, less really is more.
Scientific References
- American Academy of Dermatology. A Dermatologist’s Guide to Skincare From Growing Up to Glowing Up. Guidance for tween and teenage skincare, including gentle cleansing, moisturising, SPF 30+ and avoiding unnecessary adult-focused active ingredients.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Acne vulgaris: management (NG198). Recommends gentle, non-alkaline cleansing and avoiding comedogenic skincare products for acne-prone skin.
- Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2024;90(5):1006.e1–1006.e30. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017.
