Start with your existing routine
Get comfortable with cleansing, moisturising and sun protection first. Then ask what you want an extra product to do. You may want a hydrating formula or help with a particular appearance concern. Choose a product designed for that purpose and your skin type; you do not need a separate serum for every trend.
American Academy of Dermatology: building an adult routine (opens in a new tab)Read beyond the ingredient headline
Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and exfoliating products are different entries on the shelf, not interchangeable names. Read the exact product's purpose, ingredients, directions and cautions. A higher percentage or a more expensive bottle is not enough information to decide whether it suits you. If you use prescribed skin treatment, ask your clinician how extras fit.
Give changes some breathing room
Add one new product at a time so you can notice how your skin responds. Stop if it irritates you. Follow the brand's small-area testing instructions where supplied; this does not guarantee you will never react. Layering several active products can cause irritation. For teenagers, a gentle basic routine is usually the right starting point, with professional help for acne.
American Academy of Dermatology: skincare order (opens in a new tab)Royal Children's Hospital: teen skin health (opens in a new tab)
