Back-to-school season is officially here—and while you’re stocking up on notebooks and prepping your class schedule, don’t forget your skin deserves a reset too. For teens, the return to early mornings, stress, and sweaty sports practices can trigger unwanted breakouts and oily flare-ups. That’s where Clear Start by Dermalogica comes in. This dermatologist-developed skincare line was made just for teen skin—easy to use, gentle but effective, and designed to tackle everything from surprise pimples to post-gym bacne. Because let’s face it—clear, confident skin should be part of your school supplies too.

Why Teens Need a Routine

Teen skin is unique. During adolescence, hormones amp up oil (sebum) production and skin renews faster—often erratically. That means more clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and even inflammation. Throw in late-night study stress or poor sleep, and breakouts are prone to popping up. A good routine doesn’t just clean—it balances oil, soothes, and prevents future issues.

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The Clear Start Collection: What Teens Actually Need

Dermalogica developed Clear Start to be straightforward, effective, and teen-friendly. The full lineup includes:

1. Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
2. Breakout Clearing Pore Mist (toner)
3. Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion
4. Breakout Clearing Booster (treatment)
5. Clearing Defense SPF30 (mattifying sun care)
6. Optional treatments

Let’s break down the key essentials for a solid morning and evening routine.

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1. Cleanse with Confidence: Foam Wash

Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash is the hero starter: a gentle foaming cleanser with 0.5% salicylic acid to sweep away excess oil and dead skin cells before they clog. It also uses tea tree, lavender, and green tea for natural calming and antibacterial action—perfect for giving skin a fresh base morning and night 

How to Use: Just a dime‑sized amount lathered with water, massaged onto face, neck, and even chest/back if needed. Rinse and pat dry—no abrasive scrubbing!

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2. Tone It Down: Pore Mist

After cleansing, teens can reach for Breakout Clearing Pore Mist. It functions like a toner—balancing pH and reducing shine with salicylic acid while soothing skin with botanicals like camellia and argan.  A quick mist revives skin before moving on to treatment.

Quick Tip: Spray after cleansing or midday for a refreshing, invisible layer. No need to rinse off!

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3. Hydrate (Without Grease): Hydrating Lotion

Lightweight hydration is key—don’t skip this step! Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion delivers moisture that absorbs fast without clogging pores. It balances oil and keeps skin smooth—essential for comfortable all-day wear.

Morning routine: Cleanse → mist → lotion → SPF. Night routine: cleanse → mist (optional) → lotion.

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4. Spot-Treat with Precision: Booster

Breakouts still happen. That’s why the Breakout Clearing Booster contains a calming combo of salicylic acid and niacinamide to reduce redness and shrink pimples fast Apply it directly to spots—concealer-style—but avoid using it across your whole face to prevent drying.

Tip: Keep it in your locker or pencil case for fast application before photos or presentations.

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5. Shield and Shine Control: SPF

Sun protection is non-negotiable—even cloudy schoolyards have UV rays! Clearing Defense SPF30 protects, controls oil, and helps prevent redness and dark spots.

Daily: Use as the final step in your morning routine. Reapply midday if outdoors—say, before/after gym.

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Bonus: Overnight Rescue

If breakouts won’t quit, Clear Start offers Overnight Clearing Treatment loaded with hyaluronic acid, green tea, camphor, cucumber, and maybe colloidal silver or niacinamide depending on the mix. Apply a thin layer before bed on trouble areas to help calm irritation overnight.

Bonus: Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray

Let’s be real—acne doesn’t stop at the jawline. For teens juggling gym class, sports, and sweat-prone schedules, back and body breakouts are a real struggle. That’s where Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray comes in.  This ultra-fine mist is designed to target hard-to-reach areas like the back, shoulders, and chest. It contains 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and clear active breakouts, along with niacinamide to calm inflammation and witch hazel to tone skin. Bonus: it sprays from any angle—even upside down—so you can actually reach your upper back without doing yoga.

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Teen-Savvy Routines: AM & PM

Morning Routine

• Foaming Wash
• Pore Mist
• Hydrating Lotion
• Clearing SPF30

Evening Routine

• Foaming Wash
• Pore Mist (optional)
• Solo lotion or spot treat
• Overnight treatment (if needed)

Stick to this routine consistently—it's simple, efficient, and fits between classes or practices.

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School Tips That Actually Work

Here's how to make skincare stick to your rhythm:

1. Place products where you'll use them—like the wash in the shower or lotion by the sink—for easy access.
2. Travel-size Kicks: Clear Start kits are perfect for backpacks or lockers.
3. Consistency beats perfection: snacks, water, sleep, and less phone time = happier skin. Overloading your skin with drying actives might do more harm than good.
4. Everyone’s different—patch-test new items and give them a few weeks. If dryness occurs, scale back or add moisturizer.

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