If your teen's skincare stash is growing, here's what to keep (and what to toss).

Thanks to our brand partner, Thursday Plantation

Walking into my 14-year-old daughter's bathroom feels like stepping into an escape room. At first, I'm cautious — tiptoeing across the cool tiles, trying not to touch anything. I scan the room, noting what's where and what looks completely out of place.

Then curiosity takes over. I start picking things up — tubes, packets, tubs, mysterious potions — and before I know it, I've touched everything, completely ruining the scene and any hope of returning it to how it was.

This bathroom is her sanctuary. It's where she feels free to stash whatever she wants — on her three-tier spinning organiser, in her (usually unplugged) beauty fridge or buried deep in the clear storage bins I bought during my Home Edit phase.

And her skincare collection has grown with her, thanks to birthdays, Christmases and love-bomb gifts — all influenced by TikTok trends and beauty content creators.

Which brings us to the big question: What do teens actually need — and not need — when it comes to skincare?

Something for the spots and dots.

I remember dealing with the dreaded spots and dots when I was a teen, and it's something that every teen will experience at some point.

That's where Thursday Plantation's new Patch Perfect Invisible Acne Control comes in as a handy option for spot care. These triple-action patches are formulated with tea tree oil, salicylic acid and cica to help reduce redness and irritation while absorbing impurities from the skin.

It contains tea tree oil as a natural antibacterial ingredient, salicylic acid to help reduce acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear and Cica to soothe, heal and protect the skin from pimples. The patches are also dermatologically tested. 

They're ultra-thin and breathable, so they stay discreet even under makeup — plus, with small, medium and large sizes included, they offer practical options to cover spots of all sizes.

Something hydrating.

Aqua. H2O. Water.

Okay, it might not be a typical beauty product, but staying hydrated is a total game-changer for your skin — especially for young people. Nobody wants dry, flaky skin that gets itchy and uncomfortable.

Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare because it's a humectant, which means it helps attract and hold moisture on the skin's surface. That's why moisturisers with hyaluronic acid can be a great choice for keeping the skin feeling fresh and plump.

Water facial mists are also handy, particularly during warmer months. Just be sure to check the ingredients — watch out for sulfates and parabens, which some studies have linked to hormone disruption.

Something cleansing.

A gentle, age-appropriate cleanser is a solid choice for young skincare routines, helping to unclog pores and remove dirt without overdoing it.

Aloe vera is a popular ingredient here because it's known for its moisturising and soothing properties. It can also help hydrate and cool the skin, making it a great option for sensitive or irritated skin.

But here's the thing to skip: exfoliators. Young skin is delicate, and using exfoliants can sometimes cause irritation, dryness or even damage the skin's natural barrier.

Something moisturising.

But ditch the fragrance! Harsh perfumes and scented chemicals can irritate young skin and cause discomfort.

Moisturising is a key step in teen skincare — keeping skin hydrated helps support a balanced skin microbiome, which can contribute to healthier-looking skin. Since young skin tends to be more sensitive, it's best to choose moisturisers that are unscented, lightweight and non-greasy.

And a quick note on retinol, which is trending on TikTok right now: This ingredient is quite potent and not recommended for young skin because it can cause irritation and sensitivity.

Something protecting.

Let's be honest — sunscreen isn't exactly the most exciting part of a skincare routine, especially for young people.

But the truth is, young skin tends to be more sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, so starting sun protection early really matters.

Regular exposure to UV rays during childhood and adolescence can contribute to skin damage down the track — think premature ageing and uneven skin tone.

That's why getting into the habit of applying sunscreen early on is such a smart move.

Find Thursday Plantation's new Patch Perfect Invisible Acne Control at Chemist Warehouse.

Feature Image: Getty.

Introducing New Thursday Plantation Patch Perfect Invisible Acne Control – the pimple patch powered by Tea Tree Oil, Salicylic Acid and Cica. Dermatologically tested and ultra-thin, it absorbs pimples and whiteheads, reduces redness, and soothes irritated skin. Whether it's school photo day or a sleepover, this triple-action patch is your teen's go-to for fast, invisible support. Just cleanse, apply, and let it work – effective and no stress. Now available at Chemist Warehouse and leading pharmacies.