BACK-TO-SCHOOL SKINCARE

This time of year, kids and teens want to look their best, but their skin may not be cooperating. Here are some common back-to-school skin problems that I’ve been seeing in my office, along with the solutions:

ACNE. Skin gets clogged after wearing sunscreen all summer; plus it’s been really hot and sweaty these past few weeks, so breakouts are common.

✅ CHOOSE THE RIGHT FACE WASH:

For OILY SKIN: look for a Gel Cleanser like BURTS BEES NATURAL ACNE SOLUTIONS PURIFYING GEL CLEANSER

For DRY/SENSITIVE SKIN: choose a Milky or Cream Cleanser like CERAVE ACNE FOAMING CREAM CLEANSER

✅ IF YOU CAN’T WASH ASAP, use face wipes, like YES TO CUCUMBERS FACIAL WIPES which are oi-free and biodegradable

✅ Try SPA LIFE PIMPLE PATCHES to heal blemishes faster and remind you not to squeeze. These come in 6 different skin tones so you can wear them during the day.

BODY BREAKOUTS are common in teen athletes due to sweaty uniforms and chafing from equipment.

✅ Use a BODY SCRUB with AHA or BHA, like DIFFERIN ACNE-CLEARING BODY SCRUB with both AHA & BHA, along with exfoliating Vitamin E beads..

✅ IF ITCHY, it could be “Miliaria” (Prickly Heat), caused by blocked sweat ducts. Try using a thin later of HYDROCORTISONE CREAM. It typically clears up in a week.

✅ IF PAINFUL red bumps and/or pustules: Could be Folliculitis, infection of hair follicles. Use Benzoyl Peroxide wash like PANOXYL ACNE FOAMING WASH, with 10% BP.

GOOD GYM & LOCKER ROOM HABITS: Avoid catching warts, athlete’s foot, Staph infections

✅ WEAR SHOWER SHOES

✅ DON’T SHARE SHOES, CLOTHES, TOWELS, RAZORS