An Editorial by Heather Rohrer, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C -Las Vegas Best Back to School Skincare
As I write this, the thermometer outside my Las Vegas office reads 110 degrees, and I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the back-to-school seasons of my childhood. Remember when school started after Labor Day? When August was still considered summer, not the beginning of a new academic year? These days, it feels almost sacrilegious to send kids back to school in this sweltering heat, cutting their precious summer break shorter than a Vegas vacation.
But here we are, backpacks packed and schedules reset, whether we like it or not. And while I may grumble about the timing, there’s something undeniably refreshing about this annual ritual of new beginnings. It’s not just about fresh notebooks and pristine sneakers—it’s the perfect opportunity to establish healthy routines that will serve our families all year long. Most importantly, it’s time to have the talk about skincare and where one can find Las Vegas best back to school skincare.
Teaching the Next Generation
As a physician assistant specializing in aesthetic medicine, I see the consequences of poor skincare habits daily. The good news? It’s never too early to start teaching proper skin maintenance. Back-to-school season presents the ideal moment to sit down with your preteens and teens for a real conversation about skincare—one that goes far beyond the typical “wash your face” directive.
The foundation of any good skincare routine is elegantly simple: cleanse, moisturize, and protect. For young skin, this doesn’t require a 12-step Korean beauty routine or expensive serums. A gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and—this cannot be overstated—daily sunscreen are the holy trinity of healthy skin. In our desert climate, that SPF isn’t negotiable. It’s as essential as brushing teeth or eating breakfast.
At our practice, we often recommend starting teens with professional treatments like HydraFacial, which gently exfoliates and hydrates without the harshness that can irritate young, sensitive skin. Think of it as a reset button that clears away summer’s damage while teaching kids what their skin should feel like when properly cared for. Paired with medical-grade products like SkinCeuticals’ Gentle Cleanser and CE Ferulic antioxidant serum (for older teens), these treatments create a foundation for lifelong healthy habits.
For younger skin, we particularly love SkinCeuticals Simply Clean, a gentle gel cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin’s natural barrier. Their Physical Fusion UV Defense is perfect for our desert climate—it provides broad-spectrum protection without the heavy feel that makes kids want to skip sunscreen altogether.
The Las Vegas Challenge: Indoor-Outdoor Transitions
Living in Las Vegas presents unique skincare challenges that other climates don’t face. The constant transition from blazing 110-degree heat to arctic air conditioning can wreak havoc on skin. I tell my teen patients to think of their skin like a rubber band being stretched and contracted all day long. Teaching kids to apply a hydrating mist or lightweight moisturizer during these transitions—like when moving from the car to school or from outdoor sports to indoor classrooms—can prevent the tight, uncomfortable feeling that leads to over-washing and irritation.
Heather's Essential Back-to-School Skincare Checklist
Skincare For Teens & Preteens:
- Gentle cleanser (SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser or Simply Clean)
- Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer (SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture)
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense)
- Lip balm with SPF (individual use only!)
- Travel-size hydrating mist for school bag
Skincare For Parents:
- Antioxidant serum (SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF)
- Retinol treatment (SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.25 or 0.5)
- Advanced SPF (SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense)
Other Tips For Parents:
- Schedule family skincare consultation
- Stock up on clean towels (change every 2-3 days)
- Set phone reminders for sunscreen reapplication
- Plan your own skincare refresh appointment
The Sharing Isn’t Caring Conversation
While we’re having important conversations, there’s another crucial topic that often gets overlooked: the dangers of sharing beauty products. I’ve seen it countless times—groups of teenage girls passing around lip balm or lipstick like it’s candy. Just last month, I treated a 16-year-old who developed a painful cold sore outbreak after sharing lipstick at a sleepover. What seems like harmless sharing can actually pose serious health risks.
Meningitis, cold sores, and other bacterial or viral infections can easily spread through shared lip products. The mouth and lip area are particularly vulnerable entry points for bacteria and viruses. When you share lip products, you’re essentially sharing saliva and any pathogens that come with it. It’s a lesson that might feel awkward to deliver, but it could prevent serious illness.
The rule is simple: makeup and lip products are like toothbrushes—they should never be shared. Period. Help your teens understand that protecting their health isn’t about being antisocial; it’s about being smart.
The Silver Lining of Early School Starts
Despite my complaints about the increasingly early school calendar, there is one undeniable benefit: the return of routine for parents. Those six precious hours when kids are in school represent more than just quiet time—they’re an opportunity for adults to reclaim their schedules and, frankly, their lives.
This is when the real magic happens. After months of coordinating summer camps, managing pool days, and ensuring kids don’t spend every waking moment glued to screens, parents finally have the space to focus on themselves. It’s the perfect time to schedule that long-overdue appointment at the Center for Aesthetic Medicine, whether it’s for a refreshing HydraFacial, a consultation about those fine lines that seemed to appear overnight, or a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When parents take time to address their own needs, they model healthy behaviors for their children. Plus, there’s something poetic about using this transitional time to refresh and reset, just like our kids are doing with their new school year.
Making It a Family Affair
The beauty of back-to-school skincare routines is that they work best when the whole family participates. Imagine starting each morning with everyone applying sunscreen together, or ending the day with a family skincare routine that’s as regular as story time once was. These small rituals create lasting habits and show kids that taking care of themselves is a priority, not a chore.
Consider scheduling family skincare consultations where everyone learns about their specific skin needs. When kids see their parents investing in professional skincare treatments and following consistent routines, they’re more likely to embrace these habits themselves. At our practice, we love seeing families who make skincare a shared priority—it creates accountability and makes the whole process more enjoyable.
A Fresh Start for Everyone
As we navigate another school year that starts too early in heat that’s too intense, let’s focus on what we can control: establishing routines that will benefit our families long after the first day of school photos are forgotten. Because while I may never stop missing those post-Labor Day school starts, I can appreciate the fresh start that comes with any new beginning—even one that arrives in triple-digit temperatures.
After all, good skincare, like good education, is an investment in the future. And in Las Vegas, where the sun shines 310 days a year, that investment starts with SPF and never ends.
Dr. Heather Rohrer is a Doctor of physician assistant and skincare specialist practicing at the Center for Aesthetic Medicine in Las Vegas. She specializes in preventative skincare and non-invasive aesthetic treatments for patients of all ages.
