Viral Isn’t Always Vital: Teen Acne & the TikTok Trap

Teen Acne: What Causes It and How to Treat It Early

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns faced by teenagers, and it often appears just when life is starting to get more socially and academically demanding.

With the right understanding and early intervention, acne can be managed effectively, often preventing long-term scarring and restoring confidence.

What Causes Teen Acne?

During adolescence, the body undergoes hormonal changes, especially an increase in androgens (a type of hormone). 
These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more sebum (natural oil).

When excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and C. Acnes (bacteria that naturally live on the skin), it can clog pores and cause inflammation — leading to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and in some cases, deeper nodules or cysts.

Common acne contributing factors include:

•    Hormonal fluctuations
•    Genetics – A family history of acne increases your likelihood
•    Stress – Can worsen inflammation and oil production
•    Skincare habits – Over-cleansing or using harsh products, abrasive scrubs can irritate the skin
•    Makeup – Especially if it's heavy or not removed properly
•    Diet – Especially foods with a high glycaemic index

FAQs: 

1.    Can Makeup Cause or Worsen Acne?

Yes, makeup can clog pores if it's not the right type or not removed thoroughly. 
Products that are too heavy, oil-based, may contribute to acne cosmetica — a form of acne caused by cosmetic products.

To prevent this:

•    Choose non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance-free, and oil-free makeup products.
•    Always remove makeup before bed — no exceptions.
•    Clean your brushes regularly to avoid bacterial buildup.

2.    Diet and Acne: Is There a Link?

Yes, recent studies suggest that high glycaemic index (GI) foods can contribute to acne by raising blood sugar levels rapidly, which in turn affects hormone regulation and oil production.

Foods to watch include:

•    White bread and pastries
•    Sugary cereals
•    Soft drinks
•    White rice
•    Processed snacks (like chips and crackers)

Instead, aim for low-GI options like whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits like apples and berries. A balanced diet helps maintain hormonal stability, which supports clearer skin.

3.    Basic Skincare Routine for Teens:

1.    Gentle cleansing – Wash your face twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser.
2.    Topical treatments – Products containing:
o    Benzoyl peroxide – Reduces bacteria and inflammation
o    Salicylic acid – Helps unclog pores
3.    Moisturizer – Use an oil-free moisturizer to maintain skin barrier function.
4.    Sun protection – Daily use of non-comedogenic sunscreen is essential.

4. What About Retinoids?

Topical retinoids (like adapalene or tretinoin) are very effective in treating comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads) and improving skin cell turnover. 

However, these should always be used under a dermatologist’s supervision, as they can cause dryness or irritation if not used correctly.

 5. When to See a Dermatologist?
If:
•    Over-the-counter treatments aren’t working
•    Acne is moderate to severe (painful cysts or nodules)
•    There is scarring or pigmentation
...it's time to consult a dermatologist. Early prescription treatments may include topical or oral medications, or tailored skincare routines.

What is Oral Isotretinoin? And when is it the right call?

For moderate to severe acne—or acne that is scarring or not responding to topical treatments—oral isotretinoin can be life-changing. 
But it’s also a powerful medication that must be used responsibly.
•    Age and timing matter: Starting isotretinoin at the right stage can prevent permanent scarring and years of physical and emotional distress. 
•    Lab monitoring is essential: Isotretinoin requires periodic blood tests to monitor liver function, cholesterol, and triglycerides, among other parameters. 
•    Strictly prescribed under Doctor's supervision

What are Chemical Peels? 

A chemical solution (usually containing acids like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, or TCA) is applied to the skin for a specific duration.

Depending on the type and depth of the peel, the outermost layer (or deeper layers) of skin exfoliates and peels off over the following days.
 This process stimulates skin renewal, improves texture, and reduces acne and pigmentation.

However, not all acne-prone skin responds the same way. That's why selecting the right type of peel and concentration is crucial, and should always be done by a trained dermatologist & under their guidance.
 Attempting peels at home or through non-medical spas can worsen inflammation or lead to burns and scarring.

Do’s and Don’ts for Teen Acne

Here are some everyday habits that can make or break your skin’s health:

 DO:
•    Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser
•    Use clean towels and pillowcases
•    Follow a consistent skincare routine
•    Eat a balanced, low-GI diet
•    See a dermatologist early if acne is persistent

DON’T:
•    Pop or squeeze pimples. This can push bacteria deeper and cause scarring
•    Over-wash or scrub your face - it may irritate your skin further
•    Sleep with makeup on
•    Skip moisturizer - even oily skin needs hydration
•    Share makeup, face towels, or brushes

Remember, Teen acne is common, but manageable.
 
With the right approach: gentle skincare, smart diet choices, and, when needed, medical guidance, your skin can stay healthy and clear.

Don't Let TikTok Trick Your Skin

In today's digital world, teenagers are more skincare-aware than ever, and that's a good thing. But with that awareness comes an overwhelming flood of advice, especially from social media platforms. 
While some of these trends may seem fun, accessible, and even effective on the surface, not all of them are backed by science—or suitable for your unique skin.

As a dermatologist, I've seen firsthand how one-size-fits-all routines popularized online can lead to breakouts, irritation, and even long-term damage. It's time to talk about why skincare should be personal, not viral.

1. Every Skin is Unique—And So is Your Skincare

What works for your favorite influencer may not work for you—and that's okay. 
Skin type, tone, texture, and sensitivity all vary from person to person. 
A product that gives one teen results might trigger acne or dryness in another.
That’s why a personalized skincare approach, ideally guided by a dermatologist, is key. 
We don’t just hand out product lists, we consider your skin’s current condition, history, and how it responds over time.

2. The Problem with TikTok Trends

TikTok is full of videos and contents with 10-step routines, DIY face masks, and trending ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, or exfoliating toners. 

But without proper knowledge, these trends can do more harm than good.

Using active ingredients without guidance can strip the skin barrier, cause purging, or even lead to conditions like contact dermatitis. 
Just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s right—or safe—for you.

3.  Skin Minimalism: Less is Often More

More products don’t mean better results. In fact, overloading your skin with too many actives and layers can confuse and irritate it.
Embracing skin minimalism, a less-is-more approach, allows your skin to breathe and maintain its natural balance. 

A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen are often all teens need to get started.

Build only when necessary, and always under expert guidance.

4. Trust Science, Not Just Social Media

Dermatologists rely on science, research, and years of training to treat skin effectively.

If you're struggling with acne, oiliness, sensitivity, or any skin issue, skip the online guessing game. 
A short consultation with a professional can save you months of trial and error.

Your skin deserves better than a trend. While social media can be entertaining and sometimes even educational, it's not a substitute for expert care. 

Especially in your teenage years, when hormones are already influencing your skin, it's crucial to keep things simple, gentle, and tailored to you.

Instead of chasing viral routines, take a moment to understand your own skin. Talk to a dermatologist, even if it's just once, to set a foundation for healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Authored by Dr. Aishani Shah, Specialist Dermatologist