How to Get Your Skin Back to School Ready With The Right Ingredients

August 2, 2022

Whether you’re acne prone or not, the stress of a new school year could trigger a break out, for students and teachers alike. Everyone wants to look their best and feel confident on the first day. 

In addition to maintaining a simple skincare routine and possibly a prescription medication, we have ten great tips to help you start your school year on the right track:


  1. Wash face twice a day and after sweating. This is especially important for those that actively work out or are participating in school sports.
  2. Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Using a washcloth can irritate skin.
  3. Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse. Too frequent exfoliation is not good for your skin.
  4. Rinse with lukewarm water.
  5. Clean your makeup brushes once a month. Wash them with your shampoo and rinse well with water.
  6. Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.
  7. Don’t pick at your acne and let your skin heal naturally.
  8. Keep your hands off your face. Regardless of how much you wash your hands, they can still carry bacteria. Two other items to keep clean, as they frequently touch your face, are your pillowcase and your phone.  
  9. Clean up your diet. Eat low glycemic food – less carbohydrates and refined sugars and plenty of water.
  10. Treat yourself to a peel. Speak with your dermatologist to discuss the appropriate treatment for you, whether a chemical peel or silk peel. These treatments can be personalized to your skins needs.


Top Ingredients for Acne

Paying attention to what ingredients you apply to your skin can be very helpful. There are key ingredients to look for when purchasing skincare products for acne. Some can help calm the inflammation while others can be pro-active and prevent breakouts. Here are some crucial ingredients to look for:


·      Tocopheral

  • Primary fat-soluble antioxidant in our skin
  • Significant photoprotection against UVB rays
  • Vit C + Vit E work in synergy and provide great photoprotection
  • Has emollient properties


·      Glycerin – skin-identical ingredient and moisturizer

  • A multi-functional skincare superstar with several proven benefits for the skin
  • Great anti-aging, wrinkle smoothing ingredient used at 4-5% concentration
  • Fades brown spots alone or in combination with amino sugar, acetyl glucosamine
  • Increases ceramide synthesis that results in a stronger, healthier skin barrier and better skin hydration
  • Can help to improve several skin conditions including acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis


·      Salicylic Acid – exfolient, anti-acne and soothing

  • It's one of the gold standard ingredients for treating problem skin
  • It can exfoliate skin both on the surface and in the pores
  • It's a potent anti-inflammatory agent
  • It's good for blackheads as well as inflammatory acne


·      Hyaluronic Acid

  • Hyaluronic acid is a humectant; therefore, it helps in retaining moisture in the skin. 
  • It promotes proper moisture balance in the skin, thus preventing the over-production of oil that clogs pores and causes breakouts.
  • Moisture content acts similarly to fillers and can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Regular application of this can minimize the pores on the face.
  • By keeping the skin hydrated, it helps to keep the skin toned and firm, ensuring that it does not sag.
  • It acts as a barrier for your skin against external factors such as the environment, weather, etc.
  • It can promote skin regeneration. 
  • Hyaluronic acid also helps reduce and prevent age spots, pigmentation and skin tone issues. 


·      Niacinamide – cell-communicating ingredient, anti-acne, skin brightening and moisturizer

  • A multi-functional skincare superstar with several proven benefits for the skin
  • Great anti-aging, wrinkle smoothing ingredient used at 4-5% concentration
  • Fades brown spots alone or in combination with amino sugar, acetyl glucosamine
  • Increases ceramide synthesis that results in a stronger, healthier skin barrier and better skin hydration
  • Can help to improve several skin conditions including acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis


Heading back to school means rebooting your daily routine. Make sure you include some new skincare habits into that regimen and you’ll be sure to see improvements. In some instances it takes more and a visit to your local dermatologist is needed. Our team at Desjarlais Dermatology and Aesthetic Center have been able to help many people struggling with teen and adult acne. 

Share this article with friends!

By Kari Brogan • October 29, 2026
Why a simpler skin care routine may be exactly what your skin needs this fall. Have you noticed that your skin suddenly feels tight, looks red, or stings when you apply products you have used for months? You may assume your skin needs more hydration, a stronger moisturizer, or another treatment. But sometimes, the best thing you can do for your skin is take a step back. Your skin has a natural protective barrier that helps retain moisture and defend against environmental irritants. When that barrier becomes irritated or disrupted, your skin may become dry, sensitive, flaky, and uncomfortable. One common contributor? Doing too much in the name of better skin. As we move into November, colder temperatures, lower humidity, and indoor heating can make skin more prone to dryness and irritation. Here's how to recognize when your routine may be working against you—and how to help your skin get back on track.
By Kari Brogan • September 28, 2026
Your skin changes throughout the year—and your skincare plan should change with it. Whether your goal is maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin, correcting pigmentation, improving skin texture, or addressing laxity and crepey skin, achieving meaningful results is rarely about a single treatment. The most effective approach is often a thoughtful, year-round plan that combines the right treatments, skincare products, and maintenance at the right time. At Desjarlais Dermatology & Aesthetic Center, we believe your skin deserves more than a collection of individual appointments. It deserves a plan.
By Kari Brogan • August 24, 2026
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects more than reproductive health—it can also have a significant impact on your skin and hair. Because many PCOS symptoms are driven by elevated androgen levels or insulin resistance, dermatologists can play an important role in helping manage the visible effects of the condition.
By Kari Brogan • August 12, 2026
If you’re noticing sun spots, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, or skin laxity , you may be wondering which aesthetic treatment is right for your skin. At Desjarlais Dermatology & Aesthetic Center in Adrian, Michigan , we offer a wide range of advanced laser, light, and radiofrequency technologies designed to address pigmentation, skin texture, collagen production, and skin tightening. Because every patient’s skin is different, the best treatment depends on your specific concerns, skin type, treatment goals, and desired downtime.
By Kari Brogan • August 12, 2026
Your skin is your body's largest organ, and changes in your skin can sometimes be more than a cosmetic concern. Persistent rashes, changing moles, acne, eczema, psoriasis, warts, rosacea, hair loss, and suspicious skin growths are all reasons to consider seeing a dermatologist. At Desjarlais Dermatology in Adrian, Michigan , our dermatology team provides evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions for adults and children.
By Kari Brogan • August 3, 2026
Every tattoo tells a story—but sometimes that story changes. Whether your tattoo no longer reflects who you are, reminds you of a chapter you've outgrown, or you're simply making room for new artwork, National Tattoo Removal Day is the perfect opportunity to learn more about your options. Thanks to advances in laser technology, tattoo removal is safer and more effective than ever. If you've been considering removing or fading a tattoo, here's what you should know before getting started.
By Kari Brogan • July 1, 2026
If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen influencers praising beef tallow as the ultimate natural skincare ingredient. From homemade moisturizers to claims that it can replace an entire skincare routine, beef tallow has become one of the latest viral beauty trends. But is it really the miracle ingredient it's made out to be? Let's separate fact from fiction. 
By Kari Brogan • June 2, 2026
There’s something about summer that makes everyone want the same thing: clear, event glowing skin – without makeup. Less coverage. Less layering. Less time getting ready. But for many people, foundation has become a daily necessity to cover redness, breakouts, pigmentation, or uneven texture. Here’s the truth: you shouldn’t have to rely on makeup to feel confident in your skin.  The goal isn’t better foundation – its’ better skin.
By Kari Brogan • April 30, 2026
One of the most common things we hear this time of year is: “I thought I had to wait until fall for laser treatments.” The truth? You don’t have to put your skin goals on hold just because the sun is out. While summer does require a more strategic approach, many cosmetic laser treatments can still be performed safely—and effectively—when done correctly and with the right guidance.
By Kari Brogan • April 2, 2026
If there’s one category redefining modern aesthetics, it’s energy-based devices—specifically laser and radiofrequency (RF) treatments. Once considered advanced or niche, these technologies have quickly become some of the most in-demand services in dermatology and medspa settings. Why? Because today’s patients want results that are noticeable, natural, and require little to no downtime—especially as they head into summer events, weddings, vacations, and time in the sun. The new standard isn’t surgery. It’s strategic, non-invasive skin transformation.