What I appreciate about skins is that it doesn't romanticize the teenage life. It's the most realistic teenage drama series I have ever seen. The average teenage movie or show shows us a 16 year old (portrayed by 26 year old) with the perfect body and the perfect life, finding true love. Skins gives us an honest image of what it's like being a teenager: an emotional rollercoaster.
This is why I totally forgive them the sometimes cringy scenes and awkward dialogues. At least they're honest.