Heavy Skin Care Routines on Social Media Threaten Teens' Health

“Get Ready with Me” videos spread across social media platforms, popularizing heavy-duty adult skin care routines among teenagers. Young people, who prioritize the recommendations of social media influencers over expert advice, risk their skin health in order to achieve smooth and "glass-like" skin.

Dermatologist Dr. Jonathan Kentley stated that the most worrying element on social media is "the constant sharing of unrealistic beauty standards".

"THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS GLASS-LIKE SKIN"

Stating that filtered images create erroneous expectations in young people, Dr. "I've seen thousands of patients, but I've never seen someone with 'glass skin'. I don't think there is such a thing, and because of these overly filtered images, kids think it's achievable. Pores, blackheads, blemishes and rashes are completely normal for teenage skin," Kentley said.

THE INVISIBLE DANGER: ERROR OF THE SKIN BARRIER

Dermatology Specialist Dr. states that more than 80 percent of young people between the ages of 13-18 experience acne problems during adolescence. Zainab Laftah stated that the root of the problem lies in hormones and fat production.

Experts mention the dangers of uncontrolled use of active acids, serums and peeling products; He emphasized that young people's skin barrier is still in the developmental stage. It has been noted that excessive product use erodes the skin barrier in adolescents, causing an explosion in "perioral dermatitis" cases and further exacerbating acne.

5 GOLDEN RULES FOR TEENAGE SKIN CARE FROM EXPERTS

Experts Dr. Zainab Laftah and Dr. Jonathan Kentley listed the correct care steps that young people should follow as follows:

Keep your routine simple: Instead of complicated steps, you only need three basic products: a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection.

Avoid using layers of products: High acids, retinoids and exfoliating serums wear down the skin barrier and cause inflammation.

Pay attention to nutrition and sleep: Sugary and white carbohydrate foods and supplements containing whey trigger acne attacks. Insufficient sleep increases the stress hormone cortisol, accelerating acne formation.

Do not squeeze pimples: Popping pimples pushes the inflammation deeper, leaving blemishes and scars. For surface acne, hydrocolloid acne patches create a protective barrier.

Get expert help: In cases of painful cystic or scarring acne, be sure to consult a dermatologist instead of discussions on social media.

BE CAREFUL ABOUT SHAVING IRRITATION IN BOYS

Dr. stated that the skin may be more oily in male adolescents due to the increased androgen hormone. Kentley stated that shaving also creates extra irritation. Kentley said that improper shaving causes hair follicle inflammation called "folliculitis"; He emphasized that shaving should always be done in the direction of hair growth, on skin softened by steam after a shower, with a shaving brush and lubricating products.