Colorful packaging boxes of Prep U arranged artistically on a vibrant geometric background.

Clear Skin, Naturally—Every Day Starts with Castile

Prep U’s Castile Bars deliver gentle, plant-based cleansing for teens and active skin. Tackle breakouts, sweat, and sensitive skin—no harsh chemicals, just pure, effective care.

Cleansing for Different Skin Types: The Teen’s Guide to a Clear, Healthy Face

Why Your Skin Type Matters When Cleansing

Ever wonder why your friend can wash their face with anything and never break out, while you’re dealing with dry patches, oil slicks, or random redness? It’s all about skin type! Understanding your skin type—and picking the right cleansing routine—can make a huge difference in how your face looks and feels every single day.

Teens go through a lot of changes (thanks, hormones!), so your skin’s needs might shift over time. The good news? Once you know your skin type, you can choose the best cleanser and routine for you—no more guessing, no more frustration.

The Main Teen Skin Types (and How to Tell Which One You Are)

Oily Skin:

Looks shiny, especially by midday
Prone to blackheads, breakouts, and larger-looking pores
Makeup slides off or disappears quickly

Dry Skin:

Feels tight, itchy, or flaky
Looks dull or rough, especially after washing
Rarely breaks out, but may feel sensitive

Combination Skin:

Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), dry or normal on cheeks
May have both breakouts and dry patches
Most common skin type for teens

Sensitive Skin:

Easily irritated by new products or weather changes
Gets red, itchy, or stings with certain cleansers
Needs extra-gentle care

Acne-Prone Skin:

Frequent pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads
Oiliness and clogged pores are common
May feel bumpy or rough in certain areas

Eczema-Prone Skin:

Patches of dry, itchy, red, or inflamed skin
May flare up with stress, weather changes, or certain products
Needs ultra-gentle, fragrance-free care

How to Cleanse Oily Teen Skin

Goal: Remove excess oil and prevent breakouts—without over-drying.

Use a gentle foaming cleanser or a bar with ingredients like tea tree oil or charcoal.
Wash twice a day (morning and night), plus after sports or sweating.
Don’t scrub hard—gentle, circular motions are best.
Avoid harsh, alcohol-based products—they’ll make your skin produce even more oil.
Always follow with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.

Prep U Picks:

How to Cleanse Dry Teen Skin

Goal: Cleanse gently while keeping as much moisture in as possible.

Use a creamy, non-foaming cleanser or a hydrating bar soap with shea butter or olive oil.
Wash your face with lukewarm (not hot) water—hot water strips moisture.
Cleanse once a day at night (and rinse with water in the morning if needed).
Pat your face dry—never rub.
Apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer right after cleansing.

Prep U Picks:

How to Cleanse Combination Teen Skin

Goal: Balance oil and dryness, keeping both in check.

Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip dry areas or clog oily ones.
Wash twice a day, and adjust frequency if you feel tightness or excess oil.
Exfoliate 1–2 times per week to keep pores clear (but avoid overdoing it).
Use a lightweight moisturizer on oily areas and a richer one on dry spots if needed.

Prep U Picks:

How to Cleanse Sensitive Teen Skin

Goal: Avoid irritation, redness, and stinging.

Choose a fragrance-free, ultra-gentle cleanser or bar with soothing ingredients like oats or sandalwood.
Wash once a day at night (and rinse with water in the morning).
Use lukewarm water—hot or cold can trigger redness.
Avoid scrubs, strong acids, or harsh exfoliants.
Always patch test new products before using them all over.

Prep U Picks:

How to Cleanse Acne-Prone Teen Skin

Goal: Keep pores clear, fight acne-causing bacteria, and prevent irritation.

Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser with ingredients like tea tree oil, charcoal, or bentonite clay.
Wash your face twice a day and after sweating or sports.
Don’t over-wash—stick to gentle cleansing, not scrubbing.
Avoid harsh alcohols, sulfates, or strong exfoliants that can worsen acne.
Use a spot treatment (like Prep U’s Blem Pen) as needed.

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How to Cleanse Eczema-Prone Teen Skin

Goal: Soothe, protect, and avoid flare-ups.

Pick a fragrance-free, ultra-mild cleanser or bar with hydrating and calming ingredients (like shea butter, oats, or olive oil).
Wash with lukewarm water—hot water can trigger eczema.
Cleanse once a day at night, and rinse with water in the morning if needed.
Pat dry gently and moisturize immediately after washing.
Avoid scrubs, exfoliants, or anything with harsh surfactants.

Prep U Picks:

Extra Tips for Every Teen Skin Type

Never use body soap or harsh cleansers on your face—they’re not made for delicate facial skin.
Always moisturize after cleansing (even oily skin!).
Change your pillowcase and towel regularly to avoid bacteria buildup.
If your skin changes with the seasons (oily in summer, dry in winter), it’s normal—adjust your routine as needed.
If you’re unsure of your skin type, start with a gentle cleanser and see how your skin responds.

FAQs: Cleansing for Different Skin Types

How do I know my skin type?
Pay attention to how your skin feels a few hours after washing. Shiny = oily, tight/flaky = dry, both = combination, easily irritated = sensitive, frequent breakouts = acne-prone, red/itchy patches = eczema-prone.

Can my skin type change?
Yes! Hormones, weather, stress, and products can all affect your skin. Adjust your routine as needed.

Can I use the same cleanser as my friend?
Only if you have similar skin types. What works for one person might not work for another.

What if my skin is breaking out and dry at the same time?
That’s combination or acne-prone skin! Use a gentle cleanser and moisturize dry areas.