Teen skincare basics: a science-led guide for acne-prone skin
- Natasha Venter
- Jul 3, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Welcome to the very first Upenya blog, a space created for South African teens and parents looking for clear, honest skincare guidance.
Teen skin can change quickly. Hormones, stress, sport, school, and the occasional breakout are all part of adolescence. The good news is that healthy skincare does not have to be complicated.
At Upenya, we believe that confidence starts with understanding your skin. Every teen, across every shade, sensitivity, and story, deserves thoughtful, specialised care.
Skincare made for South African acne-prone teen skin
Upenya products are formulated with the full spectrum of teen skin in mind, including melanin-rich, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
We use carefully selected ingredients with documented skin benefits, inspired by South Africa’s rich botanical heritage, including marula oil and prebiotic aloe.
Our Youth Range is designed to:
support the skin barrier
gently exfoliate without harsh stripping
provide lightweight hydration
help maintain microbiome balance for comfortable, resilient skin
Key active ingredients and what they do
We choose ingredients for safety, teen compatibility, and evidence-based benefits. Here are some of the key actives found in our formulations.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is a well-studied ingredient that helps support balanced oil levels, calm the look of redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is especially suitable for blemish-prone and uneven-looking teen skin.[1]
Lactic acid (AHA)
Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant that helps remove dead skin build-up while supporting hydration and smoother-looking skin texture. It is generally well tolerated, even by sensitive skin types.[2][3]
Salicylic acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid works inside pores to help clear excess oil and congestion. It supports clearer-looking skin over time and is commonly used in routines for acne-prone teen skin.[4]
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stress and supports moisture retention, an important part of barrier care.[5]
Marula oil
Marula oil is naturally rich in oleic acid and antioxidants. It helps soften and nourish the skin without feeling heavy or clogging pores.[6]
Hydrolysed jojoba esters
Jojoba esters help mimic the skin’s natural lipids and support moisture retention, leaving skin feeling smooth, comfortable, and hydrated.[7]
Aloe ferox leaf extract
Aloe ferox, native to Southern Africa, is valued for its soothing properties and skin-comfort benefits, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.[8]
Inulin (Prebiotic support)
Inulin is a prebiotic ingredient that helps support the skin’s beneficial bacteria, contributing to a balanced microbiome and stronger-feeling skin barrier.[9]
Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.)
Honeybush is a South African botanical rich in naturally occurring polyphenols and antioxidants. It is valued for its calming, skin-comfort properties and is often used in gentle skincare to help support stressed or sensitive-looking skin. [10]
Why we choose these ingredients for acne-prone skin
At Upenya, we do not believe teen skincare should rely on overly harsh or aggressive formulations.
Our goal is to support the skin’s natural balance, with ingredients chosen to work gently, consistently, and in harmony with the skin barrier and microbiome.
Healthy teen skin is not about quick fixes. It is about calm, supportive care over time.
The basics of a healthy teen skincare routine
For acne-prone or combination teen skin, the most effective routine is usually a simple one.
Focus on four daily steps.
Step 1: Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove sweat, oil, and daily build-up without stripping.
Step 2: Moisturise
Hydration supports the skin barrier, even for oily or blemish-prone skin.
Look for lightweight, non-greasy moisturising care.
Step 3: Target acne-prone areas
Targeted care can help support clearer-looking skin, calm visible redness, and maintain balance in areas prone to congestion.
Try: Upenya Blemish Care
Step 4: Sun protection (Daily)
Sunscreen is essential for all skin tones, especially when using exfoliating acids.
Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic SPF 50+, apply every morning, and reapply during sport or outdoor time.
Consistency matters most
With gentle skincare, visible improvements typically take time.
Most teens notice changes after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily use.
If irritation occurs, reduce frequency and seek professional medical advice for persistent or severe skin concerns.
Our mission at Upenya
Upenya is here to empower teens and parents with reliable skincare knowledge and products you can trust.
We believe every teen deserves to feel seen, supported, and confident in their own skin, regardless of tone, texture, or sensitivity.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. More teen skin education is coming soon.
References
Marques, C. et al. (2024). Mechanistic Insights into the Multiple Functions of Niacinamide. Antioxidants, 13(4), 425. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13040425
Karwal, K., & Mukovozov, I. (2023). Topical alpha-hydroxy acids in dermatology: mechanisms and efficacy. Cosmetics, 10(5), 131. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10050131
Feng, X. et al. (2024). Lactic acid chemical peeling in skin disorders: a clinical update. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 17, 901 to 909. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S455700
Kim, H.-J. et al. (2024). Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Basis to Therapeutic Strategies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(10), 5302. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105302
Keen, M. A., & Hassan, I. (2016). Vitamin E: A Review of Its Role in Dermatology. Dermatology and Therapy, 6(2), 265 to 286. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-016-0126-0
Komane, B. et al. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327 to 335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.10.037
Meyer, J. et al. (2008). Evaluation of additive effects of hydrolyzed jojoba esters and glycerol. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 7(4), 268 to 274. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00405.x
Jia, Y. et al. (2008). Preliminary evaluation: effects of Aloe ferox on wound healing. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 120(2), 181 to 189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2008.08.008
Halagali, P. et al. (2025). Inulin as a Natural Ingredient in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products. In Inulin for Pharmaceutical Applications. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-9056-2_7
Gerber, G.S.F.W., Gevers, D.W. and Hamman, J.H. (2015). Stability, clinical efficacy, and antioxidant properties of Honeybush extracts in semi-solid formulations. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 8, pp. 105–113. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4653346/
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