Suggestions for a facial wash for an 11yr old getting spots needed!

[Chocamochalatte]

Please can anyone suggest a gentle facial wash for nearly 12yr old DS who has just started getting spots...?

Pref something natural/gentle but that doesn't cost the earth!

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit face wash is excellent. I have fairly spotty skin (even at age of 32!) and I really like it. I think the range is aimed at teenagers. Non-drying too - lots of face washes for spotty skin that I have tried have made my skin as a whole very dry and at times uncomfortable. This one doesn't.

just dove and a flannel will do.

Oh and it costs about a fiver from Boots!

Dermol 500 (on prescription) worked really well for me, it takes the redness away.

Or, Dove/Simple very plain. Consider changing shampoo, too. I still get it as an adult (20 fucking years I've had bastard spots!) and using baby shampoo is the only way for me! Also worked for the eczema on my dad's hands.

Also take care when washing hair (oooh that rhymes) and don't let hair rinse water wash over face as there is lots of bacteria/dirt in your hair. Hold head back so hair rinses away from face. My dd has managed this since she was little, ds at 11 is still wrestling with the concept (dh hasn't mastered it so...not quite sure what to make of it).

Ooh some great suggestions! Thank you Re shampoo, they use a tea tree oil shampoo so hopefully should help...

Will prob give them all a try and see which suits best

According to my 17 and 15 year old dds, Freederm is the best of the ones they've tried.

The Clinique anti-blemish wash or bar soap is good (and lasts ages) - also, I used to sleep with my hair tied back in a plait to keep it off my face when asleep, plus I used pure cotton pillowcases and changed them every day when my skin was at its worst.

I've also heard great things about a special acne soap you can get from the Chinese herbalists, although not tried it myself.

Liz Earle cleanser that you polish of with a cloth has done the trick with my 10yr old who was getting a bit clogged up about the T zone. Agree with Freederm for treating actual pimples.

witch hazel and cotton wool is good

If she has acne (rather than just the odd spot) the definitely something with benzoyl peroxide - I think freederm has this in so would second that suggestion.

Nothing too drying - as a spotty teen I over washed my face with soap to try to remove all the oils, with bad results. Look for soap free products, and a light moisturiser maybe.

Another vote for the neutrogena range

Not sure if it's classed as acne, at the moment a few spots... It is like his hormones suddenly kicked in overnight and he woke with about a dozen spots, mostly under the skin but a couple of whiteheads too... Will add Freederm to my list! Do you think Witch Hazel is too drying?

yes take it easy with the witch hazel but it's very good for oily teenage skin.
there's also a cucumber face wash I got from savers, but cannot remember the make.
the scrubs and so on seem too vicious.

Oops sorry should have said he not she! I never tried witch hazel - if it's an essential oil like tea tree then he should just use it on the spot itself not all over.

Definitely steer clear of any scrubs or face washes with granules or microbeads in.