If you’re one of those who grew up in the ’90s, you’ll remember how television commercials dominated your skin care choices. This was the time when products like fairness creams, so-called game-changing peel-off masks and ‘miracle’ acne clearing face washes gained popularity. Did those products do more harm than good to your teenage skin? Many dermatologists would agree.

Currently, a similar story is unfolding but with a twist. TV commercials have been replaced by social media influencers, who promote new products almost daily.

For example, Kabir Kanojia, a 14-year-old student from Delhi, learned about salicylic acid on Instagram instead of in chemistry class. He is keen to buy salicylic acid and a viral charcoal mask to deal with his acne, but his pocket money does not allow him to buy it yet.

18-year-old Gargi’s beauty stash is filled with viral products like snail mucin and retinol serum.

Research shows that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are spending excessive amounts of money on beauty and skin care.

Skin care and the new age teen

Teens and tweens are flocking to Sephora stores; They are already concerned about issues like “anti-aging” and “collagen-boosting.”

Meanwhile, dermatologists have warned that following elaborate skin care routines, overusing products and mindlessly following influencers can be harmful to the skin, especially for teenagers.

“Social media plays a huge role among teenagers today as influencers and trailers promote serums and active chemicals as the need of the hour in skin care. Having knowledge is empowering, but it usually lacks context of skin type, potential side effects and context of use,” says Dr Chandni Jain Gupta, dermatologist and aesthetic physician, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi.

She suggests teens to focus on a simple skin care routine that works for them rather than following any social media trends and making impulsive purchases.

Due to the growing craze for skin care among growing children, dedicated teen skin care brands have also emerged across the world. This trend is gaining momentum in India also.

“Teens often face specific concerns like acne, oily skin and dandruff. Our focus was to develop products that are not only proven clinically effective but are also completely safe for this age group. “We prioritized gentle yet powerful ingredients to address these concerns without compromising skin health,” says Vidya Madhavan, Founder and CEO, Y Play Z.

For teens, the focus should be on establishing good habits and dealing with common problems like acne and oiliness.

“Due to puberty, teenagers, of course, go through hormonal imbalance. However, the lifestyle and eating habits of teenagers today are contributing to the rising rates of acne. Fifteen to twenty years ago, cases of acne and hormonal imbalance were not as prevalent as they are now,” says Dr. Rishne Gupte.

“The main reason is hormonal imbalance, which has become more common among teenagers. Additionally, physical activity, which was much more common 20 years ago, has also declined. Junk food consumption has increased dramatically, and obesity rates and conditions like PCOD have also increased,” says Dr. Gupte.

Doctors want teens to understand that the skin is an organ and that it is affected by hormonal imbalance or poor nutrition. Experimenting too much with the skin will make it more sensitive and may lead to acne.

So, what is the ideal skin care routine for teens?

First things first, do the things you can control – eating habits, sleep routine and exercise.

As far as products are concerned, this is essentially all a teen needs:

• cleanser
• Moisturizer
• sunscreen

The products you purchase should be ideal for your skin type and should be non-comedogenic (a product contains ingredients that will not clog or block the pores on your skin). This is usually mentioned on the packaging of products.

“An Indian teen’s skin care routine should focus on cleansing, hydration and sun protection. Start by using a face wash that will gently remove dirt and oil from the facial surface. Then moisturize with light, non-comedogenic moisture to keep hydrated throughout. Use sunscreen even at home and avoid harsh scrubs; Use an exfoliant once a week,” says Dr. Gupta.

Social media videos are convincing enough for teens to start investing in active content. But do they even need anyone? Well, people struggling with acne may benefit from salicylic acid and adapalene – so say doctors.

“Adapalene is particularly suitable for teenagers. Additionally, salicylic acid works well when combined with moisturizers and sunscreens. Teenagers don’t need many things. “Simple lifestyle changes, healthy eating habits and use of one or two active ingredients along with moisturizer and sunscreen can effectively manage acne,” says Dr. Gupte.

As they grow up, teens can focus on solutions targeted at specific concerns (if any) such as dryness or uneven skin tone.

PS: Bonus (but basic) skin care tips for teens:

• Do not touch or squeeze the pimple
• wash your face twice a day
• drink plenty of water
• Use non-comedogenic products
• Control stress and exercise regularly
• eat healthy diet
• Remove your makeup thoroughly before sleeping
• If you regularly use makeup, let your skin spend a makeup-free day

Consult a doctor for medications if your acne does not disappear.