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Social media platforms have significantly influenced teenagers’ beauty standards, particularly promoting the pursuit of “flawless complexions” and intricate “glass skin” skincare routines. Many young people tend to prioritize advice from influencers featured in Get Ready With Me (GRWM) videos, often valuing these over guidance from skincare professionals. This raises the question: is such an elaborate multi-step regimen truly necessary for adolescent skin?
Dr Jonathan Kentley, a consultant dermatologist, expresses concern over the impact of social media’s unrelenting portrayal of unrealistic beauty ideals. He emphasizes that despite seeing thousands of patients, he has never encountered anyone with the so-called “glass skin,” which he believes is a myth created by heavily filtered images. According to Dr Kentley, normal teenage skin often shows visible pores, blackheads, blemishes, pigmentation, redness, and scarring—all of which are typical and vary from person to person.
During adolescence, over 80% of individuals aged 13 to 18 experience acne. Dr Zainab Laftah explains that this is largely driven by testosterone, a hormone that increases oil production and contributes to blocked hair follicles and inflammation, leading to blackheads and inflamed spots. She notes that boys might face more severe symptoms due to higher androgen levels but girls also experience similar issues since they have testosterone as well. Salicylic acid is recommended as a helpful ingredient for those with oily or acne-prone skin, although caution is advised to prevent irritation from overuse. Those dealing with severe acne are encouraged by Dr Kentley to seek professional medical advice rather than relying on social media for treatment strategies.
When it comes to caring for teenage skin, both Dr Laftah and Dr Kentley advocate for simplicity. A basic skincare routine should consist of a gentle cleanser, fragrance-free moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Complex routines involving repeated exfoliation or strong active ingredients can damage the developing skin barrier and cause conditions such as perioral dermatitis. Additionally, lifestyle factors like adequate sleep and a balanced diet play a role, as elevated cortisol from lack of rest or consumption of high sugar and white carbohydrate foods may trigger breakouts. Dr Laftah also stresses the importance of resisting the temptation to pick or pop pimples, recommending hydrocolloid patches instead to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring. For persistent or severe cases, consulting a GP or dermatologist is essential to access appropriate prescription treatments
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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