skin. So in short, more is not better, and “clean beauty” doesn’t always mean “safe.” WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST Parents often spend months or even years trying to treat their child’s skin issues with over-the-counter solutions. But there comes a point when professional guidance is essential. If a child’s skin is painful, itchy, or showing signs of eczema, discoloration, or persistent acne, it’s time to book an appointment. And if acne is leaving behind dark marks or scars, don’t wait. Scarring can be difficult and costly to treat later on, but it's often preventable with early inter- vention. It’s also important to remember the emotional toll that skin issues can have, especially in today’s selfie-heavy, social media-driven world. “Parents often underestimate the psy- chological impact of acne, especially in this age of Snapchat and constant photo- graphs,” says Dr. Hooper. “Acne is such a treatable disease. No one should feel like they have to live with it.” WHAT TO BUY (AND WHAT TO SKIP) You don’t need a huge Sephora haul to build a smart skincare routine. Dr. Hooper rec- ommends starting at the drugstore, where brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, Vanicream, and La Roche-Posay offer effective, der- matologist-tested options for young skin. These products are affordable, accessible, and designed with sensitive skin in mind. For families dealing with particularly reactive skin, brands like Vanicream and La Roche-Posay are often recommended by dermatologists for their gentle, mini- mal-ingredient formulas. La Roche-Posay, for example, includes thermal spring water known for its soothing and antioxidant properties, and some products feature prebiotics to help support the skin’s mi- crobiome. On the flip side, avoid products with strong fragrances, harsh exfoliants, or buzzy ingredients like retinol unless spe- cifically recommended by a dermatologist. Skincare doesn’t have to be overwhelm- ing, expensive, or trendy to be effective. For most children and teens, healthy skin begins with a gentle cleanser, a daily sun- screen, and a watchful eye for any issues that arise. And when those issues do show up, don’t waste time guessing—reach out to a board-certified dermatologist. The goal here isn’t perfect skin; It’s healthy, comfortable skin that supports your child’s confidence, no matter their age.
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