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Teen Skincare

Adolescent years are formative both physically and emotionally. That is why we focus on the special skincare needs of teenagers. From severe acne to athlete’s foot, we try to make these difficult years less difficult.

The DOs and DONTs of Teen Skincare Routines

Adolescent skin care has evolved a lot since you were a teenager…and not necessarily in a good way. A toxic anti-aging craze is on the rise as more young people are using hard-hitting skincare like retinol and AHAs. This is not just unnecessary, it could actually be damaging their skin. This current obsession for anti-aging skincare may be attributed to social media which promotes maintaining youthful skin through “preventative” procedures and products. So, if you’re confused  on what your teenager should be doing, our dermatologists can help. Here are some simple Dos and Don’ts.

DOs

DO use non pore-blocking products.

DO use gentle cleansers that are non-irritating and fragrance-free.

DO choose lightweight products without potent or rich ingredients.

DO use gentle moisturizers that aren’t heavily fragranced.

DO use mineral-based makeups.

DO use a 30+ SPF daily.

DO see a dermatologist if suffering with more severe acne.

DON’Ts

DON’T overcomplicate your routine.

DON’T over-use active ingredients which may cause more harm than good, and trigger skin issues.

DO’NT use abrasive cleansers or scrubs daily.

DON’T use products with vitamin C or chemical exfoliants.

DON’T sleep with makeup overnight.

DON’T waste your money on complex & advanced formulas.

DON’T pick at acne, which can lead to long term scarring.

Acne

More than 85% of teenagers have this common skin problem, which is marked by clogged pores (whiteheads, blackheads), painful pimples, and, sometimes, hard, deep lumps on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, back, and upper arms. We treat (and prevent) acne many different ways based on the severity, from topical and oral solutions to light and laser therapies. Below are some of the treatment options we offer.

DC Teen Facial
Our teen facial is specifically designed to address the unique needs of our younger patients that are beginning to experience hormonal changes presenting with breakouts, clogged pores and in need of a simple skin care routine that they are able to stay compliant with to maintain that youthful, glowing, healthy appearance that we associate with younger skin.
Hydrafacial

The treatment removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while simultaneously bathing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing serums. The treatment is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating and immediately effective.

Learn More
Isotretinoin Medications (aka Accutane)
Isotretinoin is a drug used to treat severe acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments. These oral medications are prescribed by your physician. Available in a variety of brand names, including Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, and Sotret. The original brand, Accutane, is no longer on the market.
LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy, or color light therapy, is a pain-free, non-invasive, soothing and rejuvenating skin treatment. It helps treat acne breakouts, fine lines and wrinkles, post inflammatory scarring, rosacea and boost collagen production by using clinically proven wavelengths of UV-free LED lights.
Teen Custom Skincare Routine

Work with your dermatologist to develop an individual skin care regime. Based on your unique skin type and lifestyle, customize your plan for healthier skin.

Acne Clear Essential Kits

Introducing DC Clear Essentials. Acne regimen kits for mild and moderate acne.

STEP 1: CLEAR + CLEAN FOAMING WASH

Highly effective acne treatment cleanser delivers Glycolic Acid & Salicylic Acid USP to treat & prevent acne breakouts while clearing pores. Exfoliates & cleanses revealing a healthy, clear complexion.

 

STEP 2: GENTLE TREAT PADS

2% Glycolic Acid & 2% Salicylic Acid USP gently exfoliate, removing excess surface oils. Clears blemishes & refines pores for a clear, even-toned complexion.

 

STEP 3: SPOT ON ACNE CLEARING GEL

Lightweight formula fortified with the antibacterial properties of Benzoyl Peroxide USP helps clearexisting blemishes & prevent future breakouts.

 

STEP 4: HYDRATE

Lightweight oil-free moisturizer with soothing Aloe Vera & antioxidants hydrate skin while calming visible redness & irritation. Fast absorbing formula leaves skin feeling soft & nourished.

SHOP HERE

STEP 1: CLEAR + CLEAN FOAMING WASH

Highly effective acne cleanser delivers Glycolic Acid & Salicylic Acid USP to treat & prevent acne breakouts while clearing pores. Exfoliates & cleanses revealing a healthy, clear complexion.

 

STEP 2: TREAT PADS

5% Glycolic Acid & 2% Salicylic Acid USP exfoliate, removing excess surface oils. Clears blemishes & refines pores.

 

STEP 3: SOOTHE + BRIGHTEN BLEMISH SEREUM

Acne fighting serum quickly clear blemishes & prevents future breakouts. Salicylic Acid & a soothing botanical complex calm irritated & inflamed skin. Balances oil production & reduces pore size.

 

STEP 4: HYDRATE

Sheer, oil-free moisturizer with soothing Aloe Vera & antioxidants hydrate skin while calming redness & irritation.

 

STEP 5: BRIGHTEN + CORRECT CLEAR SUNSCREEN

Lightweight, oil-free sunscreen calms & brightens sensitive skin. Lactic Acid & Niacinamide improve the appearance of discoloration while Hyaluronic Acid boots moisture. Sheer, fast-absorbing formula.

SHOP HERE

Sunburns/Suncare

The effects of youthful sunburns are often not realized until decades later. Over-exposure as a child can lead to leathery skin or even skin cancer as an adult. So it is important to start a healthy regimen of protection at an early age. While every sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer, it’s not just those big days at the beach or ballgame that cause trouble.

No single method of sun defense can protect you perfectly, though. The best path to beautiful, healthy skin is to adopt as many of these steps as possible into your lifestyle, and make them daily habits everywhere you go, all year long.

Say No to Tanning Beds
It’s simple: Don’t use a tanning bed — ever. Indoor tanning (even one time) raises the risk of all kinds of skin cancer, including melanoma. In fact, using a tanning bed before age 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 75 percent.
Cover It Up
Clothing can provide a great barrier against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Its protection is consistent over time and doesn’t wear off like sunscreen does. Many new fabrics offer high-tech protection and breathability, too. Look for UPF, which stands for ultraviolet protection factor, on labels for clothing, hats and fabrics.
Play in the Shade
When outside, think of shade as your refuge, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, the peak hours of sun intensity. Walk on the shady side of the street, sit below an umbrella, duck under an awning or even a tree. Of course, some UV rays will still reach your skin -- reflecting off water, sand, glass and concrete.
Know Your Sunscreen
Whether it’s a sport spray, an easy-to-use stick or a rich moisturizer, the best sunscreen is the one you will use every day. “Broad Spectrum” indicates that the sunscreen protects against UVA & UVB rays. While sunscreens can’t claim to be waterproof, they can be water resistant for 40 or 80 minutes. Mineral formulas may cause less irritation in people who have sensitive skin.
Look Out for Windows
While glass blocks UVB rays pretty well, it allows UVA rays to pass through. This is true of your windows at home as well as on the road. When you’re in your car, protect yourself with hats, clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Sunburn Treatments
Sunburns appear around 4 to 24 hours after exposure. The affected skin is red and may be painful or blistered. Further exposure should be avoided for a few days. Cool water or milk soaks may help soothe. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help decrease the redness and pain. Should blisters break, use a topical antibiotic ointment. A moisturizer can help with skin peeling afterward.

Other Conditions & Treatments

Still developing, teens are often more susceptible to skin infections than full-grown adults. That is why we treat each condition specifically for teenagers.

Athlete’s Foot/Fungal Skin Conditions Teens

Athlete’s Foot is a scaly, cracked rash that thrives on warm, damp skin. This often effects teens whose feet tend to be damp and sweaty. Other fungal skin infections include jock itch and ringworm. OTC topicals may solve the problem if it is mild, but more serious infections may require topical or oral prescription medicine.

Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema Teens

AD is an inflammatory skin condition that typically manifests in dry, itchy, inflamed patches of skin along with related health conditions such as asthma and allergies. There is no cure for eczema, but, in most cases, it is manageable through treatments like oral medications, steroid creams and light therapy.

Cold Sores/Fever Blisters Teens

The herpes simplex virus causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on your mouth or nose. Cold sores last about 10 days and easily spread from person to person. Triggers include fever, too much sun, stress, and hormonal changes like periods. Can be treated with antiviral pills or creams.

Dandruff Teens

Changes to a teenager’s hormone level and body chemistry can lead to the onset of dandruff, a common scalp condition that that causes flaky skin and an itchy scalp. This may be why dandruff usually begins around puberty. It can be treated with prescription-strength shampoos or topical steroids for itching and redness.

Excessive Sweating/Hyperhidrosis Teens

The increase in hormones during puberty makes the body's sweat glands more active, producing more sweat. In rare cases, there are medical reasons for heavy sweating. If you are sweating when resting, sleeping, or if your hands or feet sweat a lot, it may be hyperhidrosis -- which could require prescription medications.

Warts

Warts are tiny skin infections caused by viruses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. Types of warts include common, flat, plantar and filiform. They can be passed from person to person by close physical contact. They can be treated with topical medications, lasers, freezing and removal.

Featured Products

Teenage skin is changing all the time. We offer a wide range of skincare products specially designed for the unique skincare needs of teenagers. From sunscreens, to acne medications to potent anti-fungal remedies, we have the tools to protect your skin and keep it vibrant and healthy.

DC Clear Me Up Wash
DC Clear Me Up Wash – This soap - free cleanser deep cleanses oily, acne -prone skin. Our Clear Me Up Wash is enriched with Benzoyl Peroxide providing anti-bacterial protection for challenged skin and gentle enough to use for both a.m and p.m skin care routines.SHOP HERE
DC Treat Pads
DC Treat Pads – Excellent for teens, athletes, and patients with combination to oily skin. Easy to use and the ideal addition to a comprehensive skin care routine for oily, clogged and acne prone skin types. Can be used on the face AND body where breakouts tend to occur.SHOP HERE
EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 – This sunscreen is great for swimmers, skiers, runners, golfers and other athletes – or for those who just love to be outdoors! UV Sport is water-resistant so it won’t rinse off in water or drip into your eyes and sting when you sweat.SHOP HERE
Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser
Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser - Papaya Fruit Extract lifts away impurities, gently polishes away dead skin cells, and nourishes skin with vitamins and minerals. Leaves all skin types feeling soft, clean and moisture-balanced. Contains Papain, an enzyme that gently exfoliates for naturally vibrant skin.SHOP HERE
SHOP ALL TEEN SKINCARE

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