00:00Teens are obsessed with the complex, multi-step, glass skin routines they see all over social media.
00:07But dermatologists warn these adult-style regimens are actually making things worse.
00:12Here is what they actually recommend.
00:14First, stop using strong exfoliating acids.
00:18A teenager's skin barrier is still developing.
00:20Harsh chemicals strip away those natural defenses,
00:23leaving behind a severe inflamed rash around the mouth called perioral dermatitis.
00:28Second, drop the serums and toners entirely.
00:32You only need three basic products.
00:34A gentle cleanser, a basic fragrance-free moisturizer, and an SPF 30 sunscreen.
00:39That's it.
00:40Keeping your routine this simple is the best way to prevent unnecessary breakouts.
00:45Third, stop staying up late.
00:47Acne isn't just a surface problem.
00:50Skimping on sleep spikes your cortisol levels.
00:52This acts as a stress signal that pushes your body to pump out even more acne-causing oil.
00:58Finally, for teenage boys, those new bumps might not be hormonal acne at all.
01:03Scraping a razor across dry or cold skin physically damages the hair follicle.
01:07This causes painful, inflamed bumps called folliculitis.
01:11Always prep your skin with a hot shower first.
01:14Ultimately, clearing up teenage skin doesn't require a complex chemical regimen.
01:18It just requires protecting your natural barrier from aggressive serums, lack of sleep, and harsh physical scraping.
