A Simple Skincare Routine for Tween and Teen Boys (That They’ll Actually Do)
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So, he’s in need of some skincare TLC but is not super into it. Maybe his skin is getting oilier, he’s experiencing some breakouts or blackheads, or he’s in full-blown acne mode. Regardless, most tween and teen boys aren’t about to indulge in a full-blown complicated skincare routine. They’re busy. They’re tired. Not on their priority list. And as mom, you’re left with figuring out the right products for his age group that are simple, effective, and not built for a grown man instead of adolescent bodies. Not to mention finding ones he’ll actually use!
Good news: skincare at this age isn’t (or shouldn’t be) complicated. In fact, the simpler routine, the better – for both of you — and we’ve got the easiest routine with some great product suggestions (made just for him) to help him take care of his skin with low-to-no drama.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what they need to do (and what they can use) to keep their face clean, clear, and feeling good.
1. Cleanse: Get the Gunk Off
Why: Dirt, sweat, and oil build up all day. If they don’t wash their face, it sticks around — causing breakouts and blackheads.
How:
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- Twice a day, use a gentle face wash like the one from Rally Skincare (in the April Good Guygiene box). It’s made with plant-based ingredients and designed to clean tween and teen skin without drying skin out.
- No sink nearby? TBH Face Wipes (also in the box) are perfect for a fast, easy clean after sports, school, or anywhere he’s building up the face funk. They are also great to keep by his bed for a quick clean before sleep (if he “forgets” a full-face wash with cleanser).
👉 Tip: Keep a travel pack of wipes in his backpack or gym bag for a quick refresh at school after PE, sports, or just a long day.
2. Tone: Calm It Down
Why: Toning helps remove anything the cleanser missed and preps skin to absorb moisturizer better. It can also calm redness and irritation (hi, post-sports sweaty face).
How:
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- Swipe on a natural toner like TN Dickinsons Witch Hazel with a cotton round (this classic is also in the April box; we love that it uses just all-natural witch hazel and can double as a skin soother for rashes or post-shaving bumps). It’s natural, gentle, and basically a no-brainer step that makes skin feel great.
👉 Tip: Keep the toner bottle and cotton balls right next to his toothbrush. If he sees it, he’ll (more likely!) use it.
3. Moisturize: Don’t Skip It
Why: Even oily skin needs moisture. If skin gets too dry, it can produce more oil to make up for it. (Not the vibe)
How:
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- We love Starface’s new oil-free moisturizer (yep, it’s in the April box too) that moisturizes but also fights breakouts and helps unclog pores at the same time. Use a pea-size amount to start and spread onto clean skin – add more as necessary. It’s light, non-greasy, and designed specifically for tween/teenaged skin.
👉 Tip: Look for “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” on moisturizer labels to make sure it will not clog his pores.
4. Spot Treat: Handle Breakouts Fast
Why: Pimples happen, and thanks to hydrocolloidal patches, dealing with them has become a fun statement – we love this generation!
How:
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- Stick on a Starface Hydro-Star Pimple Patch as soon as you feel the pimple starting to form. These little patches suck the gunk right out of a zit while protecting it from bacteria — and bonus, they look way cooler than a giant red bump.
👉 Tip: Patches work best on early-stage pimples (the ones just starting to show up).
The Bottom Line
Tween/teen skincare has come a long way since the Seabreeze days, and a solid routine for your son should be simple and easy for him to do — just cleanse, tone, moisturize, and spot treat when needed. That’s it. Four quick steps to cleaner, fresher, better-looking skin – plus the confidence that goes with it!
Want to make your life easier? Set him up with the Good Guygiene subscription box and he’ll have everything he needs to have a no-excuses hygiene routine that he’ll stay on top of – win for both of you!