Question 1

I've started a routine and my skin got WORSE in the first 2 weeks. I want to quit. Is this normal?

Bélletique verified dermatologist · Accepted Answer

This is called purging — and yes, it's completely normal. When you start active ingredients (especially salicylic acid or retinoids), they accelerate skin cell turnover. All the congestion under your skin comes to the surface faster than usual. It looks worse before it looks better. Timeline: 2-4 weeks of purging is normal. If it's been 6+ weeks, it might be irritation, not purging — DM us.

Question 2

I'm a 15-year-old boy and I feel like skincare is seen as a 'girl thing' at my school. But my acne is really bothering me. Am I weird for caring about my skin?

Bélletique verified dermatologist · Accepted Answer

No. Absolutely not. Skin is an organ. Taking care of it is hygiene, not vanity. Cricketers, athletes, actors — they all use sunscreen. The idea that skincare is gendered is marketing, not reality. Also: acne affects boys just as much as girls, often more severely due to higher testosterone. You're not weird. You're informed. Welcome here.

Question 3

how to remove sun tanning

Bélletique verified dermatologist · Accepted Answer

Sun tan fades naturally over time. The best treatment is daily SPF 30+ sunscreen, moisturising, and avoiding further sun exposure. Avoid harsh scrubs or home remedies like lemon, as they can worsen pigmentation. If the tan persists for more than 2–3 months, consult a dermatologist.

Question 4

How to hyderated skin from sun tanning

Bélletique verified dermatologist · Accepted Answer

Sun tanning can damage your skin barrier and cause dehydration. Keep it simple: use a gentle cleanser, apply a moisturizer with ceramides or hyaluronic acid twice daily, stay well hydrated, and wear a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every day. Avoid harsh scrubs or DIY remedies like lemon—they can make your skin worse. Your skin usually recovers with consistent care and sun protection. ☀️💙

Question 5

My skin is dark and I keep getting told to use fairness products. But I also genuinely want my acne marks to fade. How do I explain the difference between treating marks and wanting to be 'fair'?

Bélletique verified dermatologist · Accepted Answer

This is such an important question. There is a huge difference between fading POST-ACNE MARKS (which is treating a skin condition) and trying to change your natural skin tone (which is colourism). Dark marks from pimples are not part of your natural skin — they're scars that happen to people of every skin tone. Treating them with niacinamide or SPF is healthcare. Using fairness creams to lighten your natural tone is not. You are allowed to want clear skin AND love your skin tone. Those are not the same thing.