“For the first 30 years of your life, you get the skin you were born with. After that, you get the skin you deserve.”
That quote completely changed how I looked at skincare. I only wish I’d known sooner how important it is to care for your skin from a young age.
In France, teenagers are often taken to a beautician early on to learn proper skincare. I love that idea – learning how to care for your skin from around 12 or 13 can make such a difference later in life.
As a vegan makeup artist in Bristol, I believe in keeping skincare simple, kind, and cruelty-free. Here are my favourite vegan products and tips for healthy teenage skin.
Cleansing
If you’re still using a bar of soap on your face, it’s time to upgrade! Soap can strip your skin’s natural oils and cause irritation (with the exception of a bar of soap that is specifically designed for your face).
Most teens have combination skin — a little oily in places, a little dry in others. A gel cleanser works best. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts and gently exfoliate.
Try:
MARY & MAY Vegan Low pH Hyaluronic Gel Cleanser – gentle, hydrating, and vegan.
Isntree Yam Root Vegan Milk Cleanser – perfect if your skin feels a little sensitive.
Exfoliation
If your skin is dry, you can exfoliate twice a week to remove dead skin cells. Be gentle! Use exfoliating gloves or a mild scrub, and always work in upward, outward motions. Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate or damage teenage skin.
Toner
A toner helps minimise pores and balance your skin’s pH. Always choose an alcohol-free formula so it doesn’t dry you out.
Try:
Green People Oy! Clear Skin Toner – vegan, cruelty-free, and made for teenage skin.
Apply with a reusable cotton pad, sweeping lightly over your face while avoiding the delicate eye area.
Moisturising
Please don’t skip this step – even if your skin is oily. Often, oily skin is a sign that your skin is actually dehydrated. A lightweight moisturiser helps balance oil and keeps your skin healthy.
For oily or combination skin, look for ingredients such as Vitamin C, Lemongrass, or Willow Bark. For dry skin, go for something richer and soothing.
Try:
Ayumi Oil Control Face Cream — vegan, cruelty-free, with tea tree and moringa for breakout control.
KAINE Vegan Collagen Youth Cream — rich and nourishing, ideal before bedtime.
And of course, drink plenty of water. Hydration shows up on your skin!
Don’t Touch Your Face
I know it’s tempting (and sometimes impossible), but don’t poke, squeeze, or pick your spots. Touching them spreads bacteria, causes inflammation, and can lead to scarring. Hands off – your skin will thank you later.
Remove Your Makeup Every Night
Never sleep in your makeup. It clogs pores and prevents your skin from repairing itself overnight.
Try:
The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm – it’s gentle and vegan.
Massage a small amount between your hands until it melts, then gently remove makeup with a soft cloth.
If you struggle with acne, don’t be afraid to speak to your GP or a dermatologist. Sometimes medication can help while your hormones settle.
Good skincare doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Be kind to your skin, feed it with nourishing products, and be patient — healthy, happy skin takes time.
Check out more of my vegan faves over on the blog