Back to School: Talking Acne at My Alma Mater in Batu Pahat
By Dr Lim Tzyy Huei, Consultant Dermatologist at Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
It was a pleasure to return to Chinese High School, Batu Pahat, this time to speak to students about acne and skincare.
As a former student, I enjoyed being back on campus. More importantly, it was an opportunity to discuss a condition I see regularly in practice—one that can affect teenagers’ confidence just as much as their skin.
The talk covered why acne develops, which skincare habits help, and when it is worth seeking treatment. I also wanted to reassure students that acne is common, treatable and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Why Acne Deserves Attention
Acne is often dismissed as something teenagers simply have to grow out of. Yet persistent breakouts can affect how a young person feels about themselves, their friendships and everyday school life.
In clinic, I meet teenagers who have spent months trying different products, often becoming frustrated when their skin does not improve. Some are already developing scars. Others have relatively few spots but feel deeply self-conscious about them.
That is why I encourage students to seek advice when acne is troubling them. They do not need to wait until it becomes severe.
What Our Research Taught Us
My interest in this subject also comes from research I conducted with colleagues in Sarawak.
Our paper, “Prevalence and Psychosocial Impact of Acne Vulgaris Among High School and University Students in Sarawak, Malaysia,” was published in the Medical Journal of Malaysia in July 2022.
We studied 582 students aged 16–25 in Kuching and found that 75.8% had acne. Among those affected, 56% had not sought medical attention. The study also showed that even mild acne could have a substantial effect on quality of life.
Those findings have stayed with me. They underline the importance of asking how acne is affecting someone, rather than judging its impact by appearance alone.
They also make a strong case for school-based education. A straightforward conversation can help students recognise when they need support and understand that effective treatments are available.
The Main Messages for Students
During the session, I focused on a few practical points.
Acne is not a sign of poor hygiene. Hormones, genetics, oil production, blocked follicles and inflammation all play a role. Washing harder or more often will not solve the problem.
Be gentle with your skin. Harsh cleansers, scrubs and too many active ingredients can cause irritation. A simple routine with a gentle cleanser, suitable moisturiser and sunscreen is a sensible starting point.
Try not to pick or squeeze. It can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of lasting marks and scars.
Give treatment time. Frequently switching products makes it difficult to know what is helping. Consistent use and follow-up allow treatment to be assessed and adjusted properly.
Get help if acne is persistent, painful, leaving scars or affecting your confidence. These are all valid reasons to speak to a doctor.
Making Sense of Skincare Advice
Teenagers have no shortage of skincare information. The challenge is deciding what to trust.
A product recommended by a friend or promoted online may not suit their skin. Expensive products and complicated routines are not necessarily better, either.
I wanted students to understand their skin, know when to seek help, and feel more at ease with the changes that come with adolescence. Good skin health education should give them practical knowledge without making them feel that every breakout is something to worry about.
A School Visit I Was Glad to Make
The questions and conversations with students were a valuable part of the visit. They offered a chance to address concerns directly and make the subject more approachable.
My thanks to Chinese High School, its teachers and students for welcoming me back. It was rewarding to contribute to the school community in a different capacity, years after being a student there myself.
I hope the session helped students feel better informed about acne—and more confident about asking for help.
