When my son was 11, I saw the early signs of puberty with his oiler skin, white bumps on his cheeks (milia). I started my son with just the Face Wash. The Face Pads came next- they were perfect when he was lazy to wash his face- and made a big difference he could see. Shortly after, he added the Face lotion- moisturizer. You don't need everything on day one. Here's how to build your routine without overwhelming your teen — or your wallet.
Option 1: The Starter (Face Only)
✅ RECOMMENDED FOR FIRST-TIMERS
Complete Face Care Set for Tweens and Teens
- Face Wash (5oz) — cleanses without stripping, easy rinse
- Face Lotion (1.7oz) — moisturizes without clogging. Leaves them soft, not oily or tacky
- Face Pads (40 pads) — clears excess dirt and oil face washing misses.
This is where almost everyone should start. Three products. Morning and night.
Why this first? Because faces show the fastest results. Parents notice improved skin within weeks. Teens feel less self-conscious. This is the easiest habit to build — just add it to the bathroom routine right after brushing teeth.
If your budget only stretches to one purchase, make it this one. Everything else can wait.
Option 2: The Premier (Face + Body)
Premier Face & Body Kit for Tweens and Teens
For active teens who shower after sports- Thank Goodness! The Body Wash handles sweat, dirt, and post-training funk.
The Shampoo is also great for general teen hair care and is formulated for active teen lifestyles, removing sweat, excess oil and maintaining scalp health.
Choose The Body Wash if your teen plays sports, sweats heavily, or has started complaining about body odor- or you smell a new odor coming from your teen. The Body Wash is orange citrus-scented and sulfate-free — fresh without being overwhelming.
We switched from a mild very juvenile/baby wash to JB SKRUB Body Wash when he started football practice. He needed something that actually tackled sweat without drying him out.
Option 3: The Full Coverage (Everything, $75)
The Ultimate Skin & Body Kit for Tweens and Teens
- Face Wash (5oz)
- Face Lotion (1.7oz)
- Face Pads (40 pads)
- Body Wash (14oz)
- Shampoo (14oz)
- Body Spray (5oz)
- Pimple Patches (25 patches)
For teens with consistent breakouts, body odor concerns, or parents who want to handle everything at once. This is the "we're all in" option.
The Pimple Patches alone save you from midnight pharmacy runs when a spot appears before picture day. The Body Spray helps remove body odor after practice or P.E.
I recommend this for parents of 13-15 year olds who are hitting peak oil production and need everything at once. It's also the best value.
The 4-Week Building Plan
If you want to ease into it, here's the exact progression that worked in our house:
Week 1-2: Face Wash and Face Pads. Morning and night. Build the habit before adding complexity.
Week 3-4: Add Face Lotion. Once they have used a pad to their face, apply lotion immediately after while skin is still damp.
Week 5-6: Add Body Wash. Replace regular soap in the shower.
Week 7+: Add Body Spray if body odor is an issue. Keep Pimple Patches on hand for breakouts.
Small steps. Consistent habits. That's how you build a routine that actually lasts.
What NOT to Buy First
Don't buy everything at once if your teen has never consistently washed their face. It's overwhelming, expensive, and sets them up for failure. Start with the basics. Prove the concept. Then expand.
Also avoid: toners, serums, masks, scrubs, and anything with "anti-ageing" on the label. Teens don't need them. They're designed for adult concerns. Save your money.
The Bottom Line
Start with the Face Set. Add Body Wash if they're active. Consider the Ultimate Kit if you want everything handled at once. Whatever you do — start simple. Consistency beats complexity every time.
Jill Biren
Jill Biren spent 16 years as a publishing executive at Conde Nast. Specifically, Jill served as the Los Angeles Director for STYLE & LUXURY at Vogue, GQ, Glamour, Allure and Vanity Fair. During this time, Jill led brand and performance marketing campaigns for beauty and fashion companies.
As a mother of two boys, Jill recognized the evolving needs of young boys navigating puberty. Leveraging her professional network and resources, Jill assembled a team of beauty industry experts and pediatric physicians to create JB SKRUB.
