Brightening Ingredients: Why They Might Cause Acne in Teens (Dermatologist Warning)
Brightening Ingredients: Why They Might Cause Acne in Teens (Dermatologist Warning)
That "brightening" ingredient everyone's talking about? For teenagers, it might actually be making acne worse! A leading UK dermatologist is sounding the alarm, warning that popular skincare routines trending among adolescents could be doing more harm than good for their developing skin.
In a recent interview with The Mirror, Dr. Jaskiran Azad, a dermatologist at the UK clinic chain sk:n, emphasized, "Teenage skin is sensitive and highly reactive due to hormonal changes. High concentrations of active ingredients or irritating products can strip natural oils, leading to breakouts or damage to the skin barrier." She added, "Strong ingredients like retinol and AHA/BHA, as well as scrubs and alcohol-based products, can cause irritation and dryness. It's crucial to carefully select products that match the skin's condition."
Why Teen Skin is Different from Adult Skin
Structurally, teenage skin differs significantly from adult skin. During puberty, hormonal fluctuations dramatically increase the activity of the sebaceous glands, leading to a rapid surge in sebum production. This excess sebum on the skin's surface can clog pores, mix with dead skin cells, and create an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. Crucially, teen skin often has an unstable balance of oil and water, making it more susceptible to external irritants. Additionally, its faster cell turnover rate can result in rough skin texture and recurring breakouts.
The Dangers of Trendy "Get Ready With Me" Routines for Teens
Unfortunately, many "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) videos popular among teenagers often fail to consider the unique characteristics of adolescent skin. There's a growing trend of indiscriminately following routines that include potent ingredients like **retinol** (known for skin regeneration and wrinkle improvement) and **AHA/BHA** (acid-based exfoliants). Adult skincare products are mostly high-performance formulations targeting concerns like aging or hyperpigmentation, which are prevalent in adult skin.
However, these ingredients are not only unnecessary for teenagers but can also act as powerful irritants. Specifically, retinol and high-concentration acid ingredients can **weaken the skin barrier**. Furthermore, physical scrubs and alcohol-based products can dry out the skin, paradoxically increasing sebum production or worsening acne. Many teens are also layering multiple products just because they're labeled "good ingredients," a habit that can over-stimulate sensitive skin and should be avoided.
The Best Skincare Approach for Teenagers: Back to Basics
For teenagers, a complex routine is less effective than focusing on fundamental care. Maintaining healthy skin can be as simple as:
- Cleansing twice a day with a **gentle, low-irritation foaming cleanser.**
- Applying a **lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer.**
If acne is a primary concern, using a mild topical treatment containing **salicylic acid** or **benzoyl peroxide** temporarily is generally sufficient. Therefore, rather than chasing trends, teenagers should stick to a consistent, basic routine that suits their individual skin condition. buybeautykorea.com offers a range of gentle and effective products perfect for this age group, ensuring your skin gets what it needs without unnecessary harshness.
Remember, your skin is unique and constantly evolving. Listen to what it needs rather than following every social media trend. Building a solid, gentle foundation now will set your skin up for long-term health and radiance!
