When Does Healthy Skincare Begin?

It’s never too early to start taking good care of your skin. “It starts with childhood,” says Dr. Jeff Raval. “With infants, actually, because sunscreen minimizes both skin damage and risk of cancers over a lifetime.”

But when is the best age to consider additional measures to ensure your skin stays healthy or to correct skin imperfections? Should you start getting facial treatments or even Botox or fillers as a teenager or in your early 20s? Maybe, but not necessarily, says Dr. Raval. If you’re that young, you have plenty of time ahead of you to do the right thing for your skin and get the great results you want – skin that continues to look smooth and healthy as you age.

That said, as a teen you may well have acne. And everyone is different, so your skin may start to show signs of aging sooner than someone else’s. So here at Raval Facial Aesthetics, we never say “never,” even when we’re making recommendations for teens and young adults. Here are some things to consider about age and healthy skincare.

No Botox – At Least Not Just Yet

The biggest controversy regarding teen skincare, says Dr. Raval, is whether you should get Botox injections to prevent wrinkles from ever forming. His answer is simple:

“Don’t treat what you don’t have.”

Yes, we know that Botox injections help prevent dynamic wrinkles from forming, just as they help erase or diminish existing wrinkles. However, if you’re in your late teens or early 20s, there’s no need to be concerned about wrinkles yet. In fact, Dr. Raval says it is unethical to suggest that individuals this age should get Botox treatment because it is unnecessary. Besides, if you do start to develop fine lines in your late 20s, then you can get Botox injections to smooth them away.

Occasionally, young people who frown a lot may start to see wrinkles early. In this case, Dr. Raval says it is okay to get Botox treatment. He will walk you through all options available to you and what you can expect during your personal consultation. 

Dermal Fillers

If you want plump looking lips, you could start getting filler injections in your late teens. Otherwise, most people do not need filler until their late 20s or early 30s. Again, some individuals may develop wrinkles earlier, but this doesn’t typically happen often or without extenuating circumstances. 

Professional Skin Treatments

For most people, however, it’s best to wait until you’re in your mid-30s before considering laser peels and similar skincare treatments. That said, there are a couple of treatments that offer specific benefits for younger people:

• Microdermabrasion is a good skincare choice starting in your teens because it keeps pores open and clean. That helps with acne and promotes healthy skin turnover.
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can be another good choice to help clear acne. As you get older, it also helps reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes as well as sun and age spots. If you undergo surgery – a nose job, for example – IPL also helps reduce post-surgical bruising.

Skincare Products

Over time, exposure to the sun’s UV rays -- whether it’s sunny or cloudy, whether it’s winter or summer – causes damage such as wrinkles and age spots. We offer prescription-based skincare products (including sunscreen) as well as treatments for that. Raval Rx is a uniquely formulated line of skincare products that Dr. Raval himself has created. 

By the time you reach your mid-30s you’ll probably have more reasons to seek additional skincare support. And we have many options available to address your specific concerns. We’re here to help you look your best – realistically and safely -- no matter your age. Schedule your consultation today and consider a Visia Complexion Analysis to accurately identify your skin’s needs and create a skincare plan that is as unique as you are.