suitable face wash for 11 year old

[heygotanygrapes]

Hello all, my 11 year old has started getting small pimples and a few little blackheads in all the usual places. I am now banned from squeezing them (unfair) so I need some recommendations on a gentle but effective face wash that is right for his skin. The ones aimed at teenagers seem a bit harsh as he's not too oily yet but I want to get on top of it early.

Any ideas?

i think just keeping clean with soap is usually enough if hes not that oily

We use a hot flannel with dove soap at present, I hoped the flannel would be enough of an exfoliant but apparently not.

I have finally found a great product for blackheads - both mine and ds's (13) Nip and Fab Glycolic Scrub Fix. It was recommended on here. Ds had some right huge buggers - and a lot. This stuff actually works. Not tried the rest of the range. It's a physical scrub but it also has chemicals on it which helps get them too. I encourage ds to leave it on for a few minutes. After that I was once allowed to tackle a few of em. Popped out like darlings

I've used Clean and Clear deep action cream wash as a daily wash. Never dries - having tried most products on market I always come back to it. Must be pretty mild. It doesn't hurt/sting if I sweep I over my eyelids. (not recommended though!)

Do you use a clean flannel each time? We have a huge bag of cheap white ones in the bathroom. One to wash, one to rinse, one to dry.

We're using Simple cleanser for similar reasons. It seems to be helping. They do face wipes if it's easier.

He changes his flannel every couple of days, we've got loads so will start with a fresh one each time. I will try the scrub and maybe combine it with the simple stuff. I completely forgot about that range! I'm not allowed near his face to squish anymore after recent trauma involving a huge deep rooted zit. Apparently he didnt share my satisfaction......

I had just bought mine the Biore charcoal one after a recommendation on here. Seems to be doing a better job than then Simple one we had before.

I've bought my 11 yo ds a dermalogica teen skin care kit for breakouts to try.

Next it's the nip and fab if the dermalogica is no-good and then failing that it'll be La Roche Posay stuff.

I'm a massive Dermalogica fan so I'll check that out. Thanks for all your suggestions so far

I wouldn't go for anything harsh, messed my face up when I was a teenager. Often that type of skin does not actually need the strong anti-acne products, but rather sensitive skin products to calm the irritation.
For foamy washes,
how abotu this www.boots.com/en/La-Roche-Posay-Effaclar-Purifying-Cleansing-Gel-200ml_1102632/
Avene does a lovely gentle clensing foam www.boots.com/en/Avene-Cleansing-Foam-150ml_1774285/

Against spots, I haven't found anything better than this, it won't irritate your skin but if I ever get a bit of spotty, it sorts me right out www.amazon.co.uk/Dr-Hauschka-Cleansing-Cream-50ml/dp/B00HORRPXM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1481287963&sr=8-1&keywords=hauschka+cleansing

That's what concerns me about the main players like clearasil, the strength of the stuff in it. He's only 11 and his skin, while changing, is still very child like so I'm going very carefully with my choices. Thanks for those recommendations katherina

This stuffs great and very gentle

www.salcuraskincare.com/antiac/product/dailyfacewash/

Liz Earle or Simple range are natural

Another rec for dermalogica, either the clear start or the ultracalming cleanser. The ultracalming will be better if he's not planning on using a moisturiser afterwards as it's a lot more gentle and won't dry his skin out as much as the clear start (without moisturiser) just massage it in then remove with a clean warm flannel.

Oh and girlelephant those two brands are far from natural

OP I think it's a good idea to be careful with strong stuff. I always thought I had oily, spot-prone skin and used all respective skin care products. Until a beautician declared that my skin is actually sensitive. Changed to Dr Hauschka sensitive range and my skin is now so good I get compliments from random people. So I think as well that for many teenagers, it's a mistake to start using pain stripper strenght stuff, and they would be much better with products that calm irritation.

Dermol - you can get it over the counter at any pharmacy for about £10. It is anti-microbial so stops bacteria sitting on the skin but does not dry the skin out/irritate it further. Don't go down the route of acidic harsh chemical formulations. He might get temporary results but dehydration will cause the skin to produce more oil and more spots.

Some really great advice here, thanks everyone

There is a very gentle Boots face wash with tea tree oil. I was keen to avoid harsh products but still have the antiseptic and it seems to be doing the job for my DS

I have just started using this and have found it really gentle but effective

It's sulphate and paraben free too.

www.boots.com/en/Sukin-Oil-Balancing-plus-Charcoal-Purifying-Gel-Cleanser_1903877/

Spots and general teenagery skin- La Roche Posay Effaclar, the facial wash is good, but the gel treatment stuff is miraculous. Dd (now 13) has been using it for almost 2 years, she had started to get really spotty, her skin literally changed within 48 hours.

The Simple range has always been very harsh, same as Clinique. They are made effectively for "problem" skin and so have oil stripping tendencies.

Simple dried my face out like a cheap soapy soap.

I had bad skin as a teenager and almost ruined it by using harsh Clearasil style cosmetics. I went to see a dermatologist and had prescription cleanser and moisturiser, both gentle. Sam Farmer skincare was recommended by Sali Hughes yesterday in the article about teenage skincare. The ingredients list looks good and they do travel sizes if you want to try it before committing to full sizes. www.samfarmer.co/shop
For actual spots this Vichy spots cream is great www.international.boots.com/en/Vichy-Normaderm-Hyaluspot-15ml_1300023/

Check the ph and try to find stuff that doesn't go higher than say 6. It's really helped me to stick with low-ph cleansers so I don't damage my moisture barrier and thus get MORE spots.