Teen Athlete Skincare: The Complete Guide
Why Skincare Matters for Teen Athletes
Being a teen athlete means you’re always on the go—practices, games, gym sessions, and more. All that movement is awesome for your body and mind, but it can be tough on your skin. Sweat, friction from gear, dirt, and even stress can lead to breakouts, body odor, irritation, and dryness. The good news? With the right skincare routine, you can tackle all of these challenges and stay confident in and out of the game.
Common Skin Challenges for Active Teens
- Breakouts & Acne: Sweat, dirt, and oil can clog pores, especially after practice or games.
- Body Odor: Extra sweat means more bacteria, which leads to stronger smells.
- Irritation & Chafing: Helmets, pads, and tight uniforms can rub skin raw or cause rashes.
- Dryness or Flakiness: Frequent showering, swimming, or outdoor activities can strip moisture.
- “Bacne” & Body Breakouts: Back, chest, and shoulders are common trouble spots for athletes.
The Athlete’s Daily Skincare Routine (Made Simple)
You don’t need a complicated, multi-step routine. Here’s what works best for active teens:
1. Cleanse (Face & Body):
Use a gentle, plant-based cleanser or bar soap after every workout, practice, or game. This helps remove sweat, oil, and bacteria before they cause problems.
Use a gentle, plant-based cleanser or bar soap after every workout, practice, or game. This helps remove sweat, oil, and bacteria before they cause problems.
2. Moisturize:
Even if your skin is oily, don’t skip this step. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer keeps your skin balanced and helps prevent dryness.
Even if your skin is oily, don’t skip this step. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer keeps your skin balanced and helps prevent dryness.
3. Deodorant:
Choose a natural, aluminum-free deodorant that can stand up to all-day activity (and locker rooms).
Choose a natural, aluminum-free deodorant that can stand up to all-day activity (and locker rooms).
4. Spot Treatment (If Needed):
If you’re prone to breakouts, use a targeted treatment on pimples or problem areas.
If you’re prone to breakouts, use a targeted treatment on pimples or problem areas.
5. Shower ASAP:
Shower as soon as you can after sports to prevent breakouts and body odor. If you can’t, use a gentle face wipe and change out of sweaty clothes.
Shower as soon as you can after sports to prevent breakouts and body odor. If you can’t, use a gentle face wipe and change out of sweaty clothes.
Prep U Product Picks for Teen Athletes
- Foaming Daily Face Wash: Gentle, effective, and perfect post-workout.
- Charcoal Face & Body Cleansing Bar: Deep clean for face and body—great for acne-prone skin.
- 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash: Quick, all-over clean after practice.
- Natural Deodorants: Aluminum-free, long-lasting protection in scents teens actually like.
- Blem Pen with Witch Hazel: Easy, on-the-go spot treatment.
Explore the Athlete Skincare Playbook
Click any topic below for step-by-step guides, tips, and product recommendations:
- Preventing Body Acne for Active Teens
- Best Skincare Products for Teen Athletes
- How to Prevent Odor and Stay Fresh All Day
- Quick Skincare Routine for Busy Athletes
Real Stories: Teen Athletes Who Trust Prep U
“I used to break out after every soccer game. Switching to Prep U’s Charcoal Bar and deodorant made a huge difference—and I actually smell good after practice!”
— Jordan, 15
“The 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash is a lifesaver for swim team. My skin feels clean and not dried out after being in the pool.”
— Maya, 16
FAQs: Teen Athlete Skincare
How soon should I wash my face after practice?
As soon as possible! The quicker you remove sweat and grime, the less likely you are to break out.
As soon as possible! The quicker you remove sweat and grime, the less likely you are to break out.
What if I can’t shower right away?
Use a gentle face wipe and change into clean clothes. Then do a full cleanse as soon as you can.
Use a gentle face wipe and change into clean clothes. Then do a full cleanse as soon as you can.
Why does my skin break out more when I’m playing sports?
When you’re active, sweat, heat, and friction from gear can clog pores and create the perfect environment for breakouts—especially on your face, back, and shoulders. Add in helmets, pads, and tight uniforms, and it’s easy for bacteria to get trapped against your skin. That’s why it’s so important to shower and cleanse as soon as you can after practice or a game.
When you’re active, sweat, heat, and friction from gear can clog pores and create the perfect environment for breakouts—especially on your face, back, and shoulders. Add in helmets, pads, and tight uniforms, and it’s easy for bacteria to get trapped against your skin. That’s why it’s so important to shower and cleanse as soon as you can after practice or a game.
How soon should I shower after working out or playing sports?
Ideally, as soon as possible! The quicker you wash off sweat, dirt, and bacteria, the less likely you are to get breakouts, rashes, or skin infections. If you can’t shower right away, at least change into clean, dry clothes and wipe down exposed skin.
Ideally, as soon as possible! The quicker you wash off sweat, dirt, and bacteria, the less likely you are to get breakouts, rashes, or skin infections. If you can’t shower right away, at least change into clean, dry clothes and wipe down exposed skin.
What’s the difference between using regular soap and a product like Prep U’s cleansing bars?
Many regular soaps are harsh, drying, or full of synthetic fragrances that can irritate teen skin. Prep U’s cleansing bars are made with plant-based, non-drying ingredients that cleanse gently but effectively—removing sweat, dirt, and bacteria without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Many regular soaps are harsh, drying, or full of synthetic fragrances that can irritate teen skin. Prep U’s cleansing bars are made with plant-based, non-drying ingredients that cleanse gently but effectively—removing sweat, dirt, and bacteria without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Can I use the same products on my face and body?
Yes—many of Prep U’s products (like the Blue Tansy, Charcoal, and Tea Tree bars) are safe and effective for both face and body. If you have especially sensitive or acne-prone facial skin, you might want to use a dedicated face wash or be extra gentle, but all Prep U cleansing bars are formulated for teen skin.
Yes—many of Prep U’s products (like the Blue Tansy, Charcoal, and Tea Tree bars) are safe and effective for both face and body. If you have especially sensitive or acne-prone facial skin, you might want to use a dedicated face wash or be extra gentle, but all Prep U cleansing bars are formulated for teen skin.
How do I prevent body odor, even after a tough practice?
Good hygiene is step one: shower daily (and after sports), and use an aluminum-free deodorant like Prep U’s. Make sure to wash your gear, uniforms, and towels regularly, and air out shoes and pads to keep bacteria and odor under control.
Good hygiene is step one: shower daily (and after sports), and use an aluminum-free deodorant like Prep U’s. Make sure to wash your gear, uniforms, and towels regularly, and air out shoes and pads to keep bacteria and odor under control.
What if I have sensitive skin or eczema?
Look for non-drying, fragrance-free options like the Blue Tansy Cleansing Bar, and always moisturize after showering. Prep U’s formulas are free from harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making them a safer choice for sensitive skin. If you have ongoing skin issues, talk to a dermatologist for personalized advice.
Look for non-drying, fragrance-free options like the Blue Tansy Cleansing Bar, and always moisturize after showering. Prep U’s formulas are free from harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making them a safer choice for sensitive skin. If you have ongoing skin issues, talk to a dermatologist for personalized advice.
Is it really that important to wash my gear and towels after every use?
Absolutely! Dirty gear and towels are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which can lead to breakouts, rashes, and even infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm. Make it a habit to wash and dry everything after each practice or game.
Absolutely! Dirty gear and towels are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which can lead to breakouts, rashes, and even infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm. Make it a habit to wash and dry everything after each practice or game.
How do I choose the right Prep U products for my sport or skin type?
Check out our sport-specific guides (like swimmer, wrestler, football, and more) or take our quick skin quiz! You can also mix and match products based on your needs—whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dryness, odor, or irritation.
Check out our sport-specific guides (like swimmer, wrestler, football, and more) or take our quick skin quiz! You can also mix and match products based on your needs—whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dryness, odor, or irritation.
What’s the best way to start a simple skincare routine if I’ve never had one before?
Keep it easy:
Keep it easy:
- Cleanse (face and body) after sports or before bed.
- Moisturize if your skin feels dry.
- Use deodorant daily.
That’s it! Once you have those basics down, you can add exfoliation or targeted treatments as needed.
Are Prep U products safe for daily use?
Yes! All Prep U products are designed for daily (or even twice-daily) use, especially for active teens who sweat a lot or shower more than once a day.
Yes! All Prep U products are designed for daily (or even twice-daily) use, especially for active teens who sweat a lot or shower more than once a day.
Stay Confident—On and Off the Field
No matter your sport or schedule, Prep U makes it easy to build a skincare routine that fits your active life. Shop all Prep U athlete essentials or take our skin quiz to find your perfect match!
Explore Them All
