Dr. Shaun Segal on Healthy Skin Habits Every Teen Should Have

Being a teen is fraught with its share of challenges—school stress, changing bodies, and, yes, skin that occasionally doesn’t cooperate. Whether it’s acne just in time for the big event, persistent dry spots, or greasiness that feels impossible to tame, it’s not hard for teens to feel frustrated.

I’m Dr. Shaun Segal, a Johannesburg-based pediatrician, and I’ve counselled numerous teenagers who simply yearn for one thing: to be comfortable in their skin. The best news is that with good habits, healthy and clear skin can easily be achieved.

The following are the top healthy skin habits I suggest for every teen—easy, efficient, and doable.

1. Begin with a Simple Skincare Routine

Ditch the 10-step regimens. Teenagers require only three steps, twice a day:

Cleanse: Apply a mild face wash in the morning and at night to clear oil, sweat, and grime. Don’t scrub too hard or use harsh soaps.

Moisturize: Even oily skin requires moisture. Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer to maintain skin equilibrium and hydration.

Shield: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more every day, even on cloudy days. Sun damage not only exacerbates acne but can also lead to long-term skin problems.

2. Hands Off Your Face

Touching your face transmits bacteria and oil to your face, which can clog pores and create more pimples. Popping or squeezing zits also results in scars that will take considerably longer to go away than the actual pimple.

Tip: Keep your hands occupied—hold a stress ball, chew gum, or use tissues to wipe rather than rubbing your face directly.

3. Be Clever About Makeup

If you wear makeup, opt for products that are “non-comedogenic” or “for sensitive skin.” Make sure to remove your makeup at night so your skin can breathe and heal during the night. Wearing makeup to bed clogs pores and raises the risk of breakouts.

4. Shower After Sweating

No matter if it’s sports, dancing, or just a hot day, sweat combines with oil and bacteria on your skin. If you do nothing to wash it off, it can result in breakouts on your back, shoulders, and forehead in particular.

Rapid showers and a fresh towel make a big difference.

5. Watch What You Eat

Your diet can influence your skin. Although there’s no “acne-preventing magic food,” reducing your intake of sweet treats and fatty fast food might help.

Prioritize:

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Water rather than soda

Omega-3-rich foods such as walnuts, flaxseed, and fish

A healthy diet benefits not only your skin, but your energy and mood as well.

6. Replace Pillowcases and Towels Frequently

Pillowcases pick up oil, sweat, and bacteria from your skin and hair each night. Wash them every few nights, and don’t use the same towel on your body and face.

Tiny habit, huge payoff.

7. Don’t Chase Quick Fixes

Social media hacks, online fads, and miscellaneous product pairings can more often than not cause more harm than help. There’s no miracle overnight fix for skin troubles, and applying too many products at a time tends to backfire.

Stick to a gentle regimen, be kind, and consult a doctor if something doesn’t get better. 

8. Ask for Help When You Need It

If breakouts persist, if your skin is painful, or if it’s getting in the way of feeling good about yourself, it’s time to visit a doctor.

In my practice, I frequently assist teens with:

Mild to moderate acne

Eczema or sensitive skin

Scars from previous breakouts

Emotional stress resulting from skin issues

Sometimes it just takes a quick prescription or lifestyle adjustment to make all the difference.

The Last Word: Self-Esteem Develops with Care

Your skin is continuously evolving—and that’s natural. What’s most important is the way you care for yourself and how you speak to yourself in the process.

You don’t have to have flawless skin to possess self-confidence. You simply need the tools to back it up—and the self-worth to treat yourself gently.

If you’d prefer to have this post as a downloadable teen skin care checklist, let me know—I can make that happen for you as well.

Final Thoughts: Confidence Grows with Care

Your skin is always changing—and that’s normal. What matters most is how you care for it and how you talk to yourself along the way.

You don’t need perfect skin to feel confident. You just need the tools to support it—and the self-respect to treat yourself kindly.

If you’d like this post in a downloadable teen skincare checklist format, just let me know—I can prepare that for you too.