The teenage years are challenging enough without the added stress of a skin condition on top of it all. Whether your child is struggling with acne or other skin issues, you might be wondering at what age they should see a dermatologist. With the guidance of board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger, you can feel at ease making decisions about your child’s skin. Follow along as we answer questions such as:

• At what age should you see a dermatologist?

• When should you see a dermatologist for acne?

• What can my teen use at home for acne?

• What can my teen use at home for eczema?

• What can my teen use at home for keratosis pilaris, aka KP?

At what age should you see a dermatologist?

The right time to make an appointment with your dermatologist is when you have a concern about your child’s skin that requires more expertise and specialization than your family doctor or pediatrician can provide. Dermatologists care for all ages, from infants to elderly individuals, and they have the sensitivity and experience to know how to improve their skin issues. Whether you have an elementary school student with red patchy skin that you suspect could be eczema or a teen with a recurring rash they can’t seem to kick, these kinds of skin concerns can warrant a trip to a board-certified dermatologist for an examination.

When to see a dermatologist for acne

If your child is suffering with breakouts, you might also be wondering if it is time for them to see a dermatologist for acne. “When it comes to seeing a dermatologist for acne, the earlier the better is my opinion,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “At my practice, I often see patients who have sadly waited too long to receive treatment for teenage acne and have been left with extensive scarring. Once acne scarring occurs, it can be difficult to improve it, so I recommend taking your child to the dermatologist as soon as you start to notice acne that can’t be addressed by over-the-counter remedies. It could make the difference between scarring and no scarring.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 85% of teens have acne at some point, making it one of the most common skin issues of the teenage years. Acne breakouts occur when the pores in your teen’s skin become clogged with excess sebum, dirt and/or and dead skin cells. This could result in whiteheads, blackheads or red inflamed pimples.

A bacteria called P. acnes also plays a part in acne by causing inflamed pimples, which range from small, red bumps to large, pus-filled cysts or swollen lesions. Most teens who struggle with acne suffer from multiple types. For example, it’s common for pimples to occur on the chin, cheeks and forehead while blackheads form on and around the nose and mouth. You can read more about the different kinds and causes of acne in our blog post, “Everything you need to know about acne.”

What can my teen use at home for acne?

Depending on the type and severity of your child’s acne, your dermatologist may recommend prescription treatment or over-the-counter topical products you can use at home. “Consistency is definitely key when it comes to acne treatments, as many need to be used for weeks to see results,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Your child might need some gentle reminders to use their products daily, but that’s a great way for you to support them in their treatment for the best results.” Here are a few trusted products for teen acne that Dr. Schlessinger recommends:

LovelySkin LUXE Pore Refining & Exfoliating Set

Dr. Schlessinger’s own skin care brand, LovelySkin LUXE, offers some effective and easy-to-use acne care solutions suitable for teens. This two-piece set includes a daily cleanser and acne treatment both powered by afaLUXE, a dermatologist-developed molecule of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals to gently but effectively exfoliate the skin.

In the LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser, afaLUXE is paired with salicylic acid and glycolic acid to help sweep away dead skin cells and excess oil that can lead to acne. The second step, LovelySkin LUXE Acne Care Gel 9%, provides an additional dose of afaLUXE to clear existing acne and prevent future breakouts from forming.

Obagi CLENZIderm MD System

This three-step kit combines two effective acne-fighting ingredients, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, in one straightforward skin care regimen for mild to moderate acne. In the morning and evening, your teen’s routine begins with the CLENZIderm MD Daily Care Foaming Cleanser followed by the CLENZIderm MD Pore Therapy, a toner that they can apply with a cotton ball or pad. Both of these products contain 2% salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores and improve inflammation. The third step of the routine, CLENZIderm MD Therapeutic Lotion, is just for your teen to apply in the morning after cleansing and toning. It contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to help decrease P. acnes bacteria on the skin and act as an exfoliant to clear clogged pores.

If your teen is struggling with breakouts on their face and body, this acne care kit could be a good place to start. It features starter sizes of three acne care products, including the Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash. Your teen can use this cleanser on both the face and the body with salicylic acid to help exfoliate skin and unclog pores. The next step is the Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster, which also contains salicylic acid in addition to niacinamide, a vitamin B3 compound that helps improve acne by regulating your skin’s oil production. Last but not least is the Clear Start Cooling Aqua Jelly, a hydrating gel specifically formulated to help balance the moisture levels of oily skin.

Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation

“This is a great option for teens who struggle with acne but also need to wear makeup for activities, such as theater, dance or marching band,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Sweating in makeup can often aggravate acne, but this foundation has a hydrating aloe base and 2% salicylic acid to prevent future flare ups.” It provides light to medium buildable coverage to help camouflage existing acne or acne scarring as well.

What can my teen use at home for eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition that can result in itching, redness and irritation. Dr. Schlessinger and his son, Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, created an easy-to-use medicated balm that helps relieve symptoms of eczema as well as other skin ailments, such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and even bug bites or poison ivy.

Called FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Body Balm, it contains hydrocortisone, a proven anti-inflammatory, paired with shea butter and cocoa butter to calm and soothe irritated skin. Thanks to the melt-proof formula and twist-up tube packaging, it’s easy for kids and teens to use on their own and tuck into a pocket or backpack.

What can my teen use at home for keratosis pilaris, aka KP?

If your child or teen has patches of tiny bumps on their cheeks, backs of arms or legs that don’t seem to go away, it might be keratosis pilaris, aka KP. This harmless skin condition is common in childhood and the teen years, but adults can also experience it as well.

“Because KP occurs from a buildup of keratin in the hair follicles, exfoliating lotions can sometimes help improve the appearance of bumps and make them less noticeable,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Your teen can use NeoStrata Restore Bionic Lotion on their face or body to help encourage cellular turnover and soften bumpy skin with a combination of lactic acid and gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid that effectively exfoliates skin with minimal irritation.

You can learn more about keratosis pilaris and other products you can use to treat it at home on the LovelySkin Blog.