Top 5 teen skin myths, debunked

Meet Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist and world-renowned expert in medical and aesthetic dermatology.

Certified in both the US and the UK, not only is she a member of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), but she’s also on the advisory board of the British Beauty Council.

More importantly for teen skin, Alexis believes in the ‘less is more’ approach to skincare – it’s among the many mantras she shares with indu.

We sat down with her to discuss the most common misconceptions and myths she’s come across, from parents, about their teens.

Myth 1: Teens will just "outgrow" their acne

Alexis:

There are so many causes for acne, and it’s something that needs to be carefully managed. Teen hormones definitely have their part to play, but it isn’t something that teens will simply outgrow – they have to be on top of their skincare routine, keeping pores free from bacteria and excess oil.

Other causes of acne include blocked hair follicles and genetics. The severity may also vary, from persistent whiteheads right through to painful cysts.

Maintaining a simple but effective skincare routine is so important, but if the acne persists or worsens, it’s best to make an appointment with a dermatologist who can offer more specific advice, and may prescribe medication or topical treatments.


Myth 2: Bad hygiene causes spots

Alexis:

It’s a common misconception that not maintaining basic hygiene causes spots or acne in teens. Yes, not washing your face regularly can worsen acne by allowing dead skin cells and bacteria to increase on the skin, which then clogs pores and creates breakouts.
But it’s not the only or even the main reason that spots occur.
There are a multitude of reasons why teens get spots, from hormones to genetics, and any combination of those reasons can contribute to the breakouts.

Myth 3: Diet is a cure for acne

Alexis:

Like skin hygiene, of course maintaining a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and reducing refined sugar is more than beneficial for overall teen health and skin, but diet isn’t the root cause of acne - it's a combination of things. It’s typically caused by a combination of many factors.

Myth 4: More skincare products means clearer skin

Alexis:

This definitely isn’t the case. In fact, in many cases, it can have the opposite effect. A 5, 8, 10-step skincare routine is not suitable for teens, as it can lead to over-exfoliation of the skin, which in turn causes breakouts.
Too many products can also clog the pores with product, creating the perfect environment for spots to form.
It’s always best to keep to the ‘less is more’ principle in teen skincare, to allow the correct, safe and suitable ingredients to get to work and restore balance.
Generally, 3 steps is enough – cleanser and moisturiser day and night, with SPF to protect the skin in the daytime. Treatments like face masks and tonics can be used a few times a week, for skin that is feeling oily or prone to hormonal breakouts.

Myth 5: Teens are okay to use products with potent actives, such as vitamin c and retinol 

Alexis:

Teens should not be exposing their delicate, young skin to potent actives. These ingredients can damage the skin barrier.
Ingredients such as vitamin c and retinol can cause increased sun sensitivity, so the skin is more likely to burn, as well as perioral dermatitis (small bumps around the eyes and mouth). Keeping a skin routine simple is the key to avoiding long-term damage to the skin’s natural processes.
I recommend that teens focus instead on hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide, among others.
You can see a full list of safe and suitable ingredients here
Discover other ingredients to avoid here