Though acne isn’t a health risk, it dents the self-image and confidence of adolescents for whom looking good is important, writes Nishiha David

The adolescence years are a period of rapid physical and intense emotional change. During this period when children are struggling to cope with bodily and emotional transformation, they are often plagued by a typically teenage skincare problem — acne. Almost all teens get acne, with pimples appearing on face and neck. Acne is caused by an oily substance, sebum, which clogs skin pores. Though acne isn’t a health risk, it dents the self-image and confidence of adolescents for whom looking good is important.
With the Internet and social media replete with skincare advice — usually slapdash and unprofessional — in an interview with ParentsWorld, Dr. Shivangi Panda, a Coimbatore-based dermatologist, advises caution and offers advice on ways to prevent and control acne by following a simple skincare regimen.

• Follow a skincare routine. The routine should include using a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen lotion. Avoid elaborate skincare routines.
• Use sunscreen lotion even indoors. You could also install terminals with blue light filters to protect skin from harmful rays emitted by digital gadgets.
• When outdoors and in direct contact with the sun, apply sunscreen every two hours. Also, use umbrellas, scarves and sunglasses to protect skin from scorching sunlight.
• The body naturally rejuvenates new skin every few weeks which removes suntan. Therefore avoid using face scrubs to exfoliate skin.
• Don’t pop or burst pimples, this may make your acne worse.
• Check and verify the use and side effects of natural skin products. They may not always be good for the skin.
• Many youtube influencers tout lemon juice as a panacea for all skincare troubles. But teenagers should avoid using lemon juice as it causes skin allergies and depletes the natural sebum produced by the skin.
• Turmeric has been used by Indians for centuries to lighten skin. But it causes problems for teens with sensitive skin types. Dermatitis i.e, skin irritation/rash is caused predominantly by turmeric. Therefore the turmeric beauty routine which works for most people might not work for all.
• Social media platforms are flooded with skincare products such as retinol and vitamin C serums. However, adolescents should avoid vitamin C serums and retinols which have too many “active ingredients” that irritate the skin.
• Avoid using a skin toner as it has alcoholic content harmful for teens with dry and sensitive skin.
• Traditional curd, besan powder and homemade ubtan packs may not suit every skin type. Do a skin patch test before using any face pack — homemade or commercial.
• Excessive consumption of dairy products is unhealthy for the skin. Balance by consuming eggs and yogurt.