Secrets to glowing teen skin

Journalist Rosie Green has been trying and testing products for almost three decades. Here, as well as revealing her own experiences, she asks her daughter Sophia, 16, to share the tips she has picked up – including her top five skincare lessons for teen skin.

Rosie’s skincare strats

I’m deluged with products daily. As a beauty journalist, I’m inundated with everything from £1.99 bargains to £500+ face creams. And I’ve seen many trends come and go, from celebrity-backed ranges to dermatologist-led brands, via kitchen-foraged DIY formulas.

But my love affair with beauty began in my teens. My mother was indifferent, verging on disapproving – a feminist hippy who possessed precisely one lipstick and an Anne French cleansing milk. But that didn’t put me off. I enthusiastically addressed my pubescent breakouts with scrubs so harsh they could remove graffiti and face masks that set like concrete.

But what ultimately I learned (apart from not to use the above) was that beauty has the power to boost your mood. That the ritual of applying lotions and potions calmed me down and gave me self-confidence. And that swapping beauty tips with my friends strengthened our bonds.

My daughter has inherited both my love for beauty, and skin that’s prone to sensitivity. It’s been a joy to pass on my skincare knowledge to her – I hope it will be useful for you, too.

Sophia’s skincare strats

I think I’m like all teenagers, in that my skin varies according to my hormones. It can be sensitive and occasionally feel dry. And, of course, I get breakouts sometimes. 

I’ve grown up listening to my mum give beauty advice and watching what she uses. Even though she gets sent lots of fancy brands, she mainly uses pharmacy-type products. She focuses on ingredients – rather than gold packaging and crazy claims. 

I’ve also seen lots of advice on social media, and while some is fun, Mum has taught me to be sceptical.

Sophia’s five skincare lessons

1. Never pick a spot

You’ll be in agony and it’ll look worse. Mum told me you’ll double its lifespan by doing that, and she’s right.

Sophia recommends: I like spot stickers – such as Starface Hydro-Stars Spot Stickers Kit, £11.99 (32 stars) – because they deliver a double whammy: ingredients that help the spot heal, and a physical barrier so I can’t attack it.

2. Use SPF

I’m religious about this, as Mum has drilled it into me. I’m aware of the risks of burning, plus, I think SPF will keep my skin looking healthy.

Sophia recommends: On my face, I like products that don’t feel too clogging, such as Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Serum SPF50+, £9.99 (125ml). On holiday, I use Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Spray SPF30, £7.89 (200ml) because I love the smell.

3. Don’t over-complicate things

I see so many people using multi-step routines on social media, but I know from my mum that as soon as you overload your skin, it will start to freak out. So I always remember to cleanse. I’ll exfoliate and moisturise, too – but only when I think my skin needs it.

Sophia recommends: I like CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser With Salicylic Acid, £12.99 (236ml) and Acnecide Purifide Daily Cleanser, £9.99 (235ml).

4. Accept your skin

It won’t be perfect all the time and it’s normal to have ups and downs. In my tweens, I thought a spot was the end of the world. Now I know it’s temporary.

When I’m feeling down, I cheer myself up with feel-good products that smell nice.

Sophia recommends: I like Superdrug Vitamin E Sensitive Oat & Coconut Body Lotion, £4.99 (300ml) and Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion, £6.29 (200ml). Or I might steal some of Mum’s Nuxe Prodigieux Floral Scented Shower Gel, £17.19 (200ml).

5. Concealer is your friend

When I have a breakout, being able to cover it gives me confidence. I think it’s important to keep everything clean, so I always wash my hands before applying makeup.

I also put concealer on my hand then apply it to my face with a finger, rather than touch my spot with the applicator. And I replace sponges regularly.

Sophia recommends: I like Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer, £6.99, and Superdrug B. Blending Sponge, £5.99.