Dermatologists advise on teenage acne and skincare

Dermatologists are warning against the unrealistic beauty standards promoted on social media, such as the ‘glass skin’ trend, which can lead teenagers to adopt overly complex skincare routines. Dr. Jonathan Kentli notes that visible pores, pigmentation, and redness are normal, and that the ‘flawless’ look seen in filtered photos is unattainable.

Data shows that over 80 percent of teenagers aged 13 to 18 experience acne. Dr. Zejnab Lafta explains that these skin issues are largely driven by testosterone during puberty, which increases oil production and leads to clogged follicles, blackheads, and inflammation. She suggests that salicylic acid can be a helpful ingredient for managing oily, acne-prone skin by removing excess sebum and dead skin cells.