Hi there. I think you're confused on a few points.

There is nothing separating Eastern and Western skincare other than ingredients, and those don't evenly change according to time zone. Don't be timid about AB just because it isn't western skincare, just find ingredients you want to try and maybe read up on some you'd rather avoid. If anything, you might find AB gentler than many western counterparts.

In the same vein, I'm not sure to whom you're referring when you say serums and the rest aren't recommened. A lot of time in the west, teenagers are recommended to start using strong cleansers, cleansing masks, mild AHA's, and sunscreen. That's just what's popular, but it's also a cocktail for highly irritated skin! Meanwhile in Asian countries, teenagers have gentler, less irritating recommendations. Yes, skin can vary a little bit due to race and ethnicity, but not enough to account for the difference. It's mostly just a cultural thing. Serums are not going to ruin your face, and while anti-aging products might not be necessary at the moment, they aren't going to, either.

Yes, sometimes products can be too rich. That has little to do with age, just your skin type and can happen to anyone. Just don't buy those. I layer essences rather than serums for the most part because otherwise it's kind of a lot for daily use, you might be in the same category.

Another misconception you seem to have, most people here don't have "MAJOR" skin issues. I'm older than you but given the issues you've just shared you have, you have more concerns. I'm just dry and concerned with anti-aging, no blackheads, whiteheads, inflammation or dark spots to speak of, so given essences serums do not ruin younger skin as the myth says, I would strongly recommend you try some out to address those issues.