So upset about my DD’s skin

[Canshopwillshop]

I wasn’t sure where to post this but I really need some advice as I am beating myself up so much and blaming myself for my DD’s acne.

Basically a couple of years ago aged 11 she started getting lots of little bumps on her forehead and a few on her cheeks. They didn’t worry her but I was concerned in case they got worse so after trying a few different products, I took her to the Dr. Since then she has tried lots of different creams but none seemed to make much difference and her skin stayed more or less the same.

We went back a couple of months ago (again, me leading the decision, not her) and she was prescribed Differin - a mild retinoid. Things were ok at first but then suddenly, over the last week or so, her skin has exploded! She now has quite a lot of spots all over her cheeks (which were reasonably clear). Her bumpy forehead does look slightly better but obviously the spots are her main worry now! We went back to GP (who does specialise in skin issues) and he’s switched her to Epiduo which is like Differin but with benzoyl peroxide in it. He’s also given her some antibiotics.

I just feel like I should never have gone down the Dr route - her skin wasn’t that bad but I thought I could stop it from getting worse. I now think that the prescribed creams have caused the spots and that it’s all my fault. Or could it just be that the cream is bringing everything to the surface before it gets better?

Has anyone got any advice or experience please?

You dont know for sure though if what they gave her previously caused her skin to break out badly, Mine used to do it as a teenager.
I was going to suggest antibiotics, As I wish I had them as a youngster as an adult I still had acne and was prescribed antibiotics and they were amazing!! But you have to have a long course of them usually.
I hope her skin gets better asap.

we have similar issues with ds2 who is now 18 the only thing we gave found work was dermalogica teenage skin range. she also got a few sessions at the beauty shop to learn how to use the products. 4 years in and her spots are under control if she keeps the skincare routine up. however the moment she slips they come back.

not a cheap solution I will say as the products are expensive however her skin has little damage and we just hope it will stop soon. we have gone down the doctor routine too but never found it helped.

Adding having read the other reply. She has had anti biotics and gone on the pill to see if this would slow it down but didn't help.

I tried differin for mild acne and it created a much worse problem. Huge spots and flaky dry skin. I don't understand how they can prescribe it!
Get off the differin and just use benzoyl peroxide 2.5% and maybe salycilic acid both once a day

OP I think it is just puberty, I don't think the things your Dr gave your DD made it worse it was probably just going to happen anyway.

My poor DD had spots all over her forehead, nose and chin for 3 years from 9 until 12. We tried creams, antibiotics everything the Dr was suggesting consultant appointments for Roaccutane at 12! When she was 12 she started her periods and the spots then came all over her cheeks as well and they weren't just spots they were massive acne lumps. Eventually the only thing that has cleared her skin is the pill.

I hear you. I suffered spots as a teen and young adult and it was just awful. My dd is only 9 and is starting to 'develop '. Has had a few tiny pimples on her chin. I got her simple products as soon as they started. I was just so worried for her. She doesnt even notice them. I really was up to 90 over them but now thats all she is getting. Maybe my stress levels had an impact 🙄. I know your Dd is older but i just wanted to say i understand the worry. Cant believe Dr. Is so bad. Its like they have no memory or clue the psychological impact they have. You are a fab non neglectful parent. I use that word as met a young lad lately who had the most terrible skin. Like seriously his mum is a nurse too. I think its dreadful to just leave it. Best of luck op. I really hope they get better for her

Hi there, have suffered with spots on and off since I was 11 (I'm now 30). I used Dianette (the pill) and then Marvelon for yearssss to keep it clear BUT it did make me put on weight and increased my breast size massively, eventually I had to come off oral contraceptives as I was suffering terrible night sweats and migraines. My face EXPLODED, was awful, was prescribed Differin and Lymecycline antibiotics and told that it could take up to 6 months to see a vast improvement- and they were right. Now my skin is clear. Differin causes all the crap under the skin to come to a head first, it's really disheartening but it DOES work you have to persevere with it. I didn't notice a change till 3 months after starting treatment.

Thanks everyone. I am just so stressed by it all! All her friends seem to have nice clear skin which makes it harder.
@notanotman - how long did you try Differin for and did your spots go after you stopped using it? Thanks.

poor kid. The drugs did not cause it and the experience of others is of no relevance as everyone reacts differently to drugs.

I hope medical help can find something that works for her.

I had to cut out sugar, dairy, caffeine and obvious junk foods to somewhat control my skin. Eat clean. Try that? Start with dairy, it's the most common contributing dietary factor for acne breakouts.

I also use Quinoderm face wash. Used to get it on prescription but think it's discontinued so have to buy it on eBay.

Try Head and Shoulders shampoo too. The classic clean shampoo-only version, nothing else. The only thing apart from Roaccutane that cleared up my body acne 90%! Use it as a hair and face wash but don't leave it on your face for more than a few minutes as it can irritate your skin and burn.

Up her water intake greatly. Without drowning her! And buy loads of spare pillow cases and change them every other night. Use sensitive skin / fragrance free washing powder.

Hopefully this helps. Dermatologists still can't get rid of mine after 13 years and my next long-awaited dermatologist appointment is still yet to come... 11 months after referral. Will probably be going on Roaccutane for a 3rd time.

Thanks Hugobearsmummy. DD is on week 10 so I might just get her to persevere for another couple of weeks and keep fingers crossed.

I don’t have any practical advice about treatment but wanted to say please don’t beat yourself up about Seeking help in the first place. , Even mild acne causes teens a lot of distress and as a parent you took her to the GP which was the best thing to do. The treatment might or might not have caused this flare up but that’s nobody’s fault, least of all yours, so be kind to yourself here.

I used it for about 6 weeks. I just used salycilic acid after that and it improved very quickly. After a while they went completely

Some products can cause 'purging' initially to get all the old gunk out before it can start to regulate afterwards.

I have awful skin and have done since about 10 when I started getting black/whiteheads, products by 'The Ordinary' have been a godsend because I've been able to try various active ingredients individually and see which ones work and which don't, so I know what to look for and avoid with future skincare products. I now have a solid routine and have been spot free for months and the scars are starting to fade.

Thanks for all your replies. I am sat here in tears endlessly searching the internet for ‘miracle’ cures 🙁 I do get very anxious about things too so I know I am over-reacting a bit.

Thanks Notanotman - I am terrified that Differin would cause permanent damage so it’s good to hear that your skin recovered. I will give her another couple of weeks and then switch if no improvements.

Canshopwillshop I know it's hard but you do need to cultivate a more nonchalant attitude, or at least not be treating this as a crisis. It's so upsetting for the parent when a cosmetic problem emerges which is likely to make them feel bad, and be pointed out by others, but with the best will in the world, their mum also thinking it's a disaster won't help. Ultimately she may have to face the world with some spots whilst the potions are working, or even have to cope long-term with these issues. Of course you want the best for her, but don't be sitting in tears about this, you are catastrophising somewhat.

There's no such thing as a miracle cure. It's not your fault. She's a teenager, anyone who gets through that without a breakout of acne is lucky.

OP - you are only trying to do your best! Your dd is lucky to have someone who cares.

In my experience, Differin is ok but you need something antibacterial that is going to stop the spots in their track - which is what the benzoyl peroxide in the Epiduo should do. You have to give it a bit of time to work - several weeks at least. Use a gentle face wash and moisturiser (Cetaphil is good) and nothing else that will clog her skin. I'd give it 4-6 weeks and if it's not looking any better go back to the gp. Avoid googling miracle cures - it's a rabbit hole and you will end up going round in circles. Stick to medical advice. If it gets worse your gp may refer you to a dermatologist.

@orchiddingme - you are right and I know I am over-reacting. However I certainly don’t let her see this side of me I promise! I am being v blasé about it in front of her. I have other issues going on which have heightened my anxiety levels and I think I’m just projecting it all on to this problem. I need telling though and will try and get a grip!

Canshopwillshop My face was very cracked, peeling etc for first few weeks using Differin. The only time I have not used it daily since becoming clear skinned is when pregnant (can't use it whilst carrying), it got a bit rubbish again so have used Skinoren instead, this took 9 weeks to clear me up again. I think I will always need 'something' to not be spotty.
As for diet, I over the years in a bid to ditch OTT Meds have tried everything there is to try, no chocolate/sweets, no dairy, no caffeine etc etc etc, gave each different change at least 3 months & it didn't change anything apart from losing a lot of weight, not great as very slim to begin with. Doctor told me acne is nothing to do with diet it is hormone related or genetic. I'm very oily skinned and tanned, acne runs In my Dad's side of the family.

Don’t look for the cure, look for the cause. Having had adult acne, for me it was dairy which caused it.

Just wanted to say that you should be proud of having taken her to the GP. I had acne (still so although it’s ok now and mainly out of sight on my back) and I wish my DM had taken me to the GP as it hit my self confidence enormously as a teen.

The up side is that if, like me, it goes with genetically oily skin then you do seem to get fewer wrinkles!

Thanks Delurking

I had awful acne as a teen, probably worse stage was as an older teen 15-18, then very gradually got milder and more manageable. No lotions or potions, antibiotics worked for me. Worst was that awful peroxide cream that makes you not only have acne but dry flaky skin that is not normally a problem in a person with acne! Dianette completely cleared my skin but the potential side effects look a bit scary. Cilest is also good. I think theres a link between low fat dairy and acne, certainly my dm always gave us skimmed milk and low fat yogurts when we lived at home. Never had a problem with spots since leaving home at 23, and coincidentally always have full fat dairy.

Please try Azelaic acid. Trading brand is Skinoren or anything else with 20%. It's not very popular but so effective. It doesn't dry the skin but fights bacteria.
The problem with retinoid is that the skin can become worse for a while

• it's peeling faster so all the 'future' spots are appearing at once. Definitely try antibiotics but it should be a long time. Some types of acne need 6 months.