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.
