The Biggest Skincare Mistakes Teens Make And How to Fix Them, Expert Insights

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Teen skincare can feel confusing, especially with K-pop "glass skin" trends and endless advice online. With so many products and opinions out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or make the wrong choices. The truth is, simple and consistent care works best. If you've had skincare mishaps, you're not alone.

We spoke to Prasanna Vasanadu, Parent Educator and Founder of Tikitoro, who listed some common teen skincare mistakes you can easily avoid.

Photo Credit: Freepik

Ignoring Skin Type

One of the most common mistakes teens make when it comes to skincare is to ignore their skin type. Each skin type has different needs, and using the incorrect products can result in excess oil, dryness, irritation, or breakouts. "For instance, if your skin is oily, heavier creams designed for dry skin could clog pores, and light formulas might not adequately hydrate dry skin. Knowing your skin type-dry, oily, mixed, or sensitive, allows you to select products that truly suit your needs," explained Vasanadu.

Skipping Moisturiser

Many people believe that moisturiser is only meant for dry skin, but that's a common misconception. Even oily or acne-prone skin needs proper hydration to stay healthy and balanced. "When you skip moisturiser, your skin can become dehydrated, and it may start producing even more oil. This excess oil can mix with dirt and dead skin cells, increasing the chances of clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation," warned Vasanadu.

"Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic, non-greasy formula that hydrates the skin without making it feel heavy or sticky while supporting the skin barrier with consistent moisturising," she advised.

Skipping Sunscreen When Indoors

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UV rays are present every day and can still reach your skin. This daily exposure may gradually contribute to pigmentation, premature ageing, and skin damage over time. So, even if you're at home or spending most of your day indoors, applying sunscreen is a must.

Popping Pimples

Popping pimples often makes the problem worse. "When you press or pick at a pimple, bacteria and oil can get pushed deeper into the skin, increasing inflammation and redness. This also spreads infection to nearby areas and sometimes leaves permanent scars," explained Vasanadu. Using the right targeted treatment and avoiding touching allows it to recover faster and reduces the risk of long-term damage.

Playing with DIY Recipes

Vasanadu concluded, "DIY skincare recipes often sound fun and easy, especially when they involve kitchen ingredients like honey, lemon, rice water, or aloe vera. However, not everything natural is safe for your skin. Everyone's skin reacts differently, so experimenting without proper knowledge can do more harm than good. It is best to follow dermatologist-approved routines and use products that are properly formulated for skin safety."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.