Daily Skin Care Routines & Healthy Skin Care Habits for kids and teens

Q&A with Dr. Lauren Provini on Daily Skin Care Routines

As the school year kicks off, busy mornings, after-school activities, and changing weather can all take a toll on your child’s skin. From managing breakouts and eczema flare-ups to protecting against sports-related irritation, parents often have questions about the best ways to keep skin healthy during the school year. We sat down with Dr. Lauren Provini, one of our board-certified pediatric dermatologists, to answer some of the most common back-to-school skincare questions.

1. What’s the best skincare routine for a busy school morning?

It really depends on the age of the child, but my general rule of thumb for daily skincare includes: (1) washing with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, (2) applying a moisturizer (preferably as a cream or ointment), and (3) applying sunscreen before leaving the house. School mornings can be busy, so at minimum, sunscreen application is the most important (see below), and the rest can be done later in the day. In fact, washing/bathing and moisturizing are best when done together, and it may be easier to accomplish as part of the evening routine.

2. Do kids and teens really need sunscreen every day, even in the fall?

Yes! Sunscreen is an essential component of the morning skincare routine for children and adolescents (and adults, too!), even on cloudy days and regardless of season. I recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to any areas that will be exposed to sunlight. Depending on your child’s needs, you can opt for a dedicated sunscreen or a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. To help with remembering, it can be useful to incorporate sunscreen into the non-negotiable parts of your child’s morning routine, such as brushing their teeth. For example, keep the sunscreen next to their toothbrush and toothpaste so that brushing their teeth reminds them to apply sunscreen afterward.

3. How often should kids shower or wash their face during the school year?

For younger children, washing the face during daily shower or bath time is sufficient. For adolescents, as the skin tends to become more oily under the influence of puberty hormones, it can be helpful to wash the face twice daily—before school and at bedtime. It is best to use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water (not too hot and not too cold).

Sports, Activities & Gear

4. What’s the best way to care for skin irritated by mask-wearing, helmets, or chin straps?

Taking measures to prevent irritation is often most helpful, and this can be accomplished by applying a moisturizer or emollient to areas of skin that will be subject to the most friction. That being said, if a child or adolescent develops acne or dermatitis at sites of friction from masks, helmets, or chin straps, it is best to make an appointment with a dermatologist so that an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be developed.

5. How often should backpacks, hats, and sports gear be cleaned to prevent skin issues?

Gear and apparel should always be cleaned when visibly soiled. In particular, if any gear is in direct contact with the skin or shared between children, cleaning after each use should be considered.

Common Skin Conditions & Concerns

6. How can teens prevent breakouts when starting a new school year?

Teens can prevent breakouts by following the skincare routine mentioned above, with the following unique considerations: (1) Consider an oil-free moisturizer, or one designed for oily skin; (2) When applying makeup, be sure to choose products labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning they are less likely to contribute to acne, and always wash off all makeup at the end of the day.

7. What should parents know about eczema flare-ups during the school year?

Eczema flares are bound to happen for a variety of reasons during the school year, especially with seasonal changes. In particular, I see children struggle with hand eczema throughout the year, often due in part to the harsh soaps provided at school. As a strategy, I often suggest that parents send a travel-size container of a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser for their child to use when washing their hands at school. In addition, regular application of moisturizer after baths or showers can help prevent eczema flares. If a child is having an eczema flare, it is important to stick to the treatment regimen established by their pediatrician or dermatologist (“flare plan”). If the skin is not improving despite this, know that you can always call us to schedule an appointment so that we can help!

When to See a Dermatologist

8. How can you tell if a rash is contagious and needs to be kept out of school?

Signs that a rash may be contagious include vesicles (tiny blisters), crusting of the skin, or when the rash is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, cough/runny nose, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, or fatigue. These are all reasons to consider keeping your child home while seeking care from a dermatologist for prompt diagnosis, testing if needed, and treatment.

9. When should a parent make an appointment with a dermatologist for their child’s skin?

If your child has a skin condition that is not improving as expected with treatments provided by other healthcare providers, we can help assess, troubleshoot, and optimize the treatment plan. Every child is different and requires special thought and a personally tailored plan. If you have questions about anything related to your child’s skin—best practices for skincare routines, changing moles, or anything else—please call us. We are always here to help! My primary goal is to help children and adolescents feel comfortable and confident in their skin.

👉 Request an Appointment Today at one of our convenient locations in Branford, Fairfield, Hamden, New London, Oxford, Stamford, Shelton, Norwalk, or New Haven  to get fast, effective relief from acne, eczema and other skin concerns.