Advice for teens with acne...

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Anyone have any recommendations for facial wash for an 11 year old?

My LOL has been going through puberty since 9 (had her first period) & over the last 6 months has developed very strong and persistent Acne.

She has very enlarged blackheads either side of her nose, but otherwise standard large, bruisy acne on the T-Zone.

She also has a fair amount of Acne at the top of her back and shoulders.

I would like to get a facial was she can use daily to help - any recommendations?

Have you considered asking your GP- if she had acne on her back and shoulders and has begun puberty early then maybe they can give some proper advice/prescribe some benzoyl peroxide washes or creams.

You probably don't want to use anything too harsh. Cerave foaming facial wash is available in amazon and doesn't strip the skin. They do lotions too, though. It specifically for acne.

I would recommend going to your GP. My son had terrible acne and it really affected him. It was hormonal and could only be treated by a dermatologist. A year later, it's virtually disappeared. And if you have private healthcare, you may be better off going to a private dermatologist. The NHS ones we saw were a bit hit and miss but the private one wrote a letter to the GP to write a prescription (private prescriptions are expensive!)

So sorry to hear your DD is suffering in this way. I had bad acne as a teenager, which was finally resolved with Dianette - a contraceptive pill that works to control the excess androgens that cause acne. I was prescribed it specifically to deal with my skin problems, some years before I became sexually active. I'm not sure if it is still available (this was getting on for 20 years ago) or if it would be considered appropriate for so young a child - but it was extremely effective.

In terms of a facial wash, I'd advise you to steer clear of foaming, medicated products. IMO they are too harsh and only serve to further inflame the skin. I had the most success with heavier, oil based cleansers - it takes oil to remove oil.

You may find this resource helpful: www.acne.org. Lots of acne sufferers talking about what's worked for them. Going dairy free seems to a big thing, might be worth considering....?

If you can afford it, please take her to see a proper dermatologist. Washes will not help in any major way, sorry to say. Acne can have a profound impact on young people during teen years. I speak from experience.

GP with prompt referral to a dermatologist if not responding to treatment in primary care. In terms of face washes just go for something simple (cetaphil is often quoted) that is not drying and won't cause irritation. Sore skin with acne is no fun either (also experience!)

Thank you everyone. I shall book an appointment with the Dr.

Definitely take her, my DD started with spots at a similar age and we tried every face wash/cream. When I did make a appointment for her the GP gave me a bollocking for leaving it so long as her face was bad . Unfortunately at age 18 she still has bad acne as nothing that is prescribed from the dermatologist is working. I fear she is going to have horrible skin her whole life