10yo early acne?

[martinguy25]

My 10yo daughter has a large persistent patch of spots on her forehead and it’s getting worse. She is being tormented at school already and we are looking at what off the shelf options there are to reduce the spots and readiness.

any tips or advice would be great.

Aww bless her. I had this when younger. The products now are a lot better than they used to be - I had to make do with oxy 10 which was really strong. hopefully someone will come along with up to date products to suggest. What did make a massive difference to my skin was drinking lots of water and nothing else and cutting down sugar. I know people say it’s hormonal and not diet related but it really helped me when I was a teen.
I have heard good things about the Australian acne sugar diet but didn’t do this myself.

I would advise getting a decent facewash to start off with. I would avoid the chemicals unless they don’t start to go on their own, but if that’s what you think is needed, a low percentage benzyl peroxide cream can work wonders. I use pimple patches which draw the pus etc out of my skin, when I get an occasional spot still. As a teenager I had terrible skin but it did get better in the end.

Something like this would work well https://www.boots.com/acnecide-face-5-percent-w-w-gel-15g-10289478?traffic=paid.shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21086067789&gbraid=0AAAAA-AdmwS5buvuoPSGZj3m4bxV4sDr1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgpzIBhCOARIsABZm7vFK7r_d0T75WwifovcdA0ZlPVlHDYinPbI7lZ6JpsDNyi6KF49Wja4aAtIFEALw_wcB

It does say over 12 only but I would use it on my 10 year old if they needed it.

My 10yo DD has spots, my older DD also did at this age. I’ve had acne all my life since age 12 or so so unfortunately I guess they get it from me.

DD10 uses Cerave face wash, Acnecide cream, sometimes Starpatch stickers. My older DD also uses Cerave and a combination of Epiduo (prescribed from the GP) and niacinamide serum (The Ordinary).

Just checked and Epiduo is suitable from age 9 so you could ask the GP to prescribe it? I have found it more effective than any other topical treatment personally. Need to get some for my own 10yo really…!

I will also use concealer on my 10yo if she wants to cover any particularly visible spots - it makes her feel more comfortable. Could help with your DD’s bullying - of course she shouldn’t have to wear makeup to avoid being bullied but whatever helps, right?

This breaks my heart, in my 50s and still have shit skin (just now spotty with wrinkles!) 🙄 I'd start on the easy stuff - changing pillow cases every week, washing hats regularly, making sure fringe (if has one) is free from grease or ideally clipped back when at home, and don't go to heavy on the astringent/acidic stuff as that can cause over production of oil. I wish acne was taken more seriously as it can have such a huge effect on confidence and self worth. I was just thrown contraceptives at an early age and they didn't really help. I do find my blue led light mask helps calm everything down but not sure if that's in your price remit to get one.