Teenagers can be inundated with skin care tips and detailed routines if they spend time online or especially on social media.  The glossy images can easily lure teens to spend exorbitant amounts of money on trendy products that can cause more harm than good to their skin.  Many of the products target aging skin concerns such as wrinkles and dark spots which aren’t something teenagers experience and can cause skin redness, irritation, or long term sensitivity.  In general, teenagers are best served with simple skin care routines that include gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sun protection.  The best way for them to keep their skin looking its best long term is to always use SPF protection.  Rather than wasting money on things they hear about online that can make their skin worse, we are happy to treat them for skin problems including acne and rashes!  We know that many teenagers are shy to bring up their complexion, even if it’s a concern for them, but it is something we commonly see in the office and prescribe treatments for.  If your child is has been tempted to purchase skin care products vetted by a screen, we are happy to see them to discuss the risks and recommend safer regimens!