Findley Fact or Fiction: What Popular Teen Skincare Trends Work and What Doesn’t?
A conversation between Dr. Alyssa Findley and her daughter Juliet.
Dr. Findley: Juliet, I know you and your friends are always talking about skincare, especially all those viral trends on social media. How about we chat about some of those trends and if they really work?
Julia: Sure! I see all kinds of hacks on TikTok, but sometimes I’m not sure if they’re actually good for my skin. What about the ice cube challenge? Some people swear that rubbing ice on your face gets rid of pimples.
Dr. Findley: That's a great one to start with! Using ice on your face can reduce swelling and inflammation temporarily, so it might help with a painful pimple for a short time. But it’s not a long-term fix. Ice can’t treat the underlying causes of acne like clogged pores or bacteria. For pimples, a gentle cleanser and spot treatments with a prescription strength antibacterial are much more effective.
Julit: Ok, what about DIY face masks? I see people using things like honey, lemon, and even toothpaste!
Dr. Findley: Well, lemon and toothpaste are two big myths. Lemon is highly acidic and can irritate your skin, while toothpaste can cause dryness. While honey can be soothing, it’s not enough on its own to clear up acne or other skin issues. Stick with products designed for your skin type instead of experimenting with random household items.
Juliet: What about peel-off charcoal masks? They seem so satisfying!
Dr. Findley: I get it—they do look fun. But peel-off masks can actually damage your skin by stripping away essential oils and protective layers. They can also cause irritation. A clay mask or others that we actually have in my clinic are much better.
Juliet: So, what should my friends and I use for our skin, especially with breakouts?
Dr. Findley: For teens, keep it simple! Use a gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen every single day, rain or shine. You might be too young to be worried about skin cancer, but you certainly don’t want all of the wrinkles that come from excess sun For acne, it’s so important to see a dermatologist if these simple things are not working, as you don’t want to wind up with long-term color changes or scarring in your skin. And remember, consistency is key. Don't try every trend you see online—stick to what really works.
Juliet: Got it, mom! Thanks for the tips!
Dr. Findley: Anytime! Just remember, taking care of your skin is a long-term process—no shortcuts. And not everyone out there is a skincare expert 🙂.
If you or your teen have a specific question about the products or trends they see, send us an email and let us know. We’ll be covering more teen skincare topics in future blogs and on our social media!