Back-to-school Skin Care Advice from Connolly Dermatology

By Lauren Cincotta PA-C, Connolly Dermatology 
As the first day of school approaches and we make plans to ensure a successful school year, it is important to remember an integral part of preparation: proper childhood skin care. Skin care may come natural to some. However, for those in which proper skin care techniques are not intuitive, I have a few words of advice. First and foremost, it is important for your child to have a routine. Ensure the face is washed twice daily, preferably with a non-soap cleanser. If your child has difficulty remembering to do so, make it easy for them. Get two bottles, one for the shower and one for next to the toothbrush. Most likely, brushing and bathing are part of your child’s normal routine, so facial cleansing will be an addition to things that are already done. Next, use a moisturizer with sunscreen. Although your child will be inside most of the day, he or she will still go outside for recess and after school. If your child plays a sport after school, make sure sunscreen is packed with sports equipment and used before practice. This is crucial, as most of the sun damage we must deal with as an adult is accrued as a child.
If you have an adolescent child, it is important to be on the lookout for the start of acne. Acne affects most adolescents, but can be treated easily. In addition to proper skin care, add an over-the-counter acne wash (such as benzoyl peroxide) to your child’s routine. If there is no improvement, consider seeing a dermatologist. Numerous medications, both topical and oral, are available. Most likely, the dermatologist will prescribe a topical retinoid and/or antibiotic. If the acne does not respond, an oral antibiotic or isotretinoin can also be used. The dermatologist may suggest adjuvant therapies, such as chemical peels applied in the office. At our practice, a complimentary consultation by our aesthetician is available to create a well-rounded acne treatment.
It is important to remember that although your adolescent will most likely outgrow his or her acne, medical intervention is essential. Acne can cause scarring, both physically and psychologically. Physical scarring may be irreversible, but can sometimes improve with the use of chemical peels, micro dermabrasions and a laser. Psychological scarring is not so easy to repair. I can’t count how many patients I have seen with acne that walk into the initial visit with their heads down, long hair to cover their faces and perpetual frowns. They have often been ridiculed by classmates incessantly, ruining their self-esteems and causing social isolation. After medical intervention, dedication to the use of medication, and the appropriate amount of time needed for the acne medication to be effective, these same patients have walked in with smiles, their chins up and shorter haircuts to show more of their faces. I feel as if helping these adolescents and giving them back the confidence they deserve is just as rewarding as helping a patient with skin cancer. I am honored to be able to assist so many of those who need medical intervention for acne.
Lauren Cincotta PA-C has been a certified physician assistant at Connolly Dermatology for eight years. During that time, she has practiced with Dr. Connolly to provide excellent patient care in both the Linwood and Cape May Court House offices. Connolly Dermatology is now accepting new patients. For more information and to make your appointment, visit www.connollyskincare.com.