Acne 12 year old

[IRememberSoIDo]

Hi there,

Just wondering about how to tackle my twelve (almost thirteen) year olds increasingly poor skin. She has her period for just over a year now and her skin is breaking out progressively worse each month with less "good" time in between break outs. We've always just washed her skin with a cloth and water but have now tried a number of gentle/sensitive over the skin washes and creams. I didn't have good skin as a teenager and didn't know until well into adulthood that I could've gone to the doctor. When I would get upset over it my mum told me not to be silly over a few spots and how she was lucky she never got them ie) didn't know how it felt! She is becoming increasingly upset now and I'm wondering should I bring her to the doctor but because of her age I'm wondering if she's too young for any sort of treatment. Any advice or experience welcome.

My daughter was prescribed antibiotics for her acne which didn't help. She has since been taking the Jasmine pill and it has cleared up completely.
She was older than your dd so I guess it depends if you are comfortable with that.
My dd was losing her confidence and getting very down about it so this has been a really good outcome.

Yes, take her to the doctor !

My dd ended up on roaccutane which took an age to get and by that time she had very bad scarring poor girl

Acnecide from the pharmacist.
You get face wash and a gel. It's brilliant. Worked a treat on my daughter's face.

Roaccutane, my dd went on it at 14 after dealing with skin problems since 11..only answer at times, get referred to dermatologist and it will take about a month to start on it

Thank you so much for the replies. We've agreed we'll give it one more period cycle and if it's not clearing and a firm pattern getting worse we'll go to the GP at midterm. She's happy with that.

Hi - I feel for you.
My daughter started to get quite bad skin around 13 - 14. It really affected her. Think it’s definitely worth trying to “fix it” as soon as you are able as it can lead to poor mental health and school refusal in less resilient kids like my daughter.
Highly recommend the doctor route - they can prescribe antibacterial face washes too not just the stronger spot creams or even antibiotics in some instances. Latter help if they’re starting to develop cystic acne - may not help with simple spots - not sure. pill also helped. BUT there are simpler things you could maybe start until you go to doctors. Silk pillow slip washed every 3 days, light masks (search on amazon); simple but thorough and regular skin care routine every morning and evening. (This is where the doctor prescribing a medicated face wash helps); simple moisturiser is important other wise skin produces more oil to combat dry skin. My daughter used Ordinary range or Fresh Rose moisturiser.
I know there are many differing views on diet and skin but I genuinely think that Drinking lots of water and a wider range of healthier food to get gut bacteria working well or a good probiotic and added vitamin supplements helped.
My daughter now 16 has good skin and it cleared up but she did try all of the above at various times over past 2 - 3 years. She’s still on pill, swears by silk pillow and uses anti bac face wash. She eats very healthily now too.
I think being on her side, trying to help her and understanding the impact it can have is also important as she will turn to you when she’s feeling rubbish. Hope it clears up soon x

Yes get acne treated early.

Thank you so much for all the replies and suggestions. I've never heard of the silk pillow but will be out buying tomorrow. She's so good for washing her face morning and night and doing what I've suggested. I think that's what's frustrating and upsetting me coz she's so good at doing whatever to try to get it to clear. She's a very good eater but the last few months has definitely eaten more sugary stuff etc. We're going to go and visit the GP as soon as the next flare up breaks out so he sees it at its worst. He has two grown daughters himself so I'm hoping he'll be sympathetic, he usually is with these sort of things.