If you had cystic acne as a teen and now have teenagers - what are they using on their faces and is it stopping cystic acne from developing?

[Ifonlyus]

My eldest DD appears to have inherited DH's skin. Prone to dryness but not prone to spots. DD2 has skin more like mine. She started her periods recently and straight away, has her first spots appearing.

I'd like to draw on the experience and wisdom of those who have been in the same position and get recommendations for tried and tested products. I realise skincare knowledge has moved on massively in 30 years. What does the science say? Are there over the counter products that can stop spots developing into acne?

Please, only recommendations from those who experienced or had children experience cystic acne or have some particular knowledge on this subject.

Mercison, not quite true. They will prescribe at age 12.

so totally true that they won't prescribe to an 11 year old

Am jealous of people who can still get Dianette on prescription - I haven't seen a doctor who was willing to prescribe it for 15 years! Yasmin is a very inferior alternative IME

I took dianette it was brilliant. Yasmin definitely working for dd though.

I suffer from acne and have done for years. I’ve started using The Ordinary’s Niacinamide plus zinc and the difference in my skin is immense. I rarely get spots now.

The only treatment that will put acne into remission is Roaccutane.

This is just wrong, if your acne is hormonal then roaccutane is not the right treatment as it will keep coming back, roaccutane is hardcore stuff and is linked to bowel cancer, IBD, depression, suicide and many other serious side effects. If your acne is hormonal you need to take spironolactone or the pill if it can’t be managed topically.

There is a reason why doctors don’t want to prescribe roaccutane straight away, lots of people would rather have some acne scarring and be in good health than have clear skin and chance of bad side effects. It’s a very individual choice.

@OlennasWimple, my DD and I actually take Co-cyprindiol which is as far as I am aware, a cheaper version of the original Dianette.

My Dr kept trying to persuade me to come off Dianette when I hit 40 saying that it is better to go on the mini pill etc, when you are over 40.

Then suddenly my prescription for Dianette changed to Co-cyprindiol and it hasn't been mentioned since, I think Co-cyprindiol is a much cheaper version of the same pill as Dianette, has virtually the same ingredients and most importantly does the the exact same thing as Dianette, keeps the spots clear and makes periods much lighter.

Maybe you can ask your Doctor for Co-cyprindiol rather than Yasmin.

Interesting, Tinty. I don't take Yasmin (it makes me really light headed, and DH has had the snip so no need for contraception), but spironolactone has been a wonder for me. Good to know an alternative if I have problems with spiro for any reason

A topical retinoid
Less sugar and dairy
Facial scrub and charcoal mask twice a week
Cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and night (with basic products, no crazy shit that has 173973 ingredients - skin with acne is so sensitive and easily irritated)
Change pillowcases daily
Carry cotton pads soaked in toner and wipe mouth with them after eating
Clean his phone with anti bacterial wipes

Co-cyprindiol is exactly the same drug as Dianette , just the generic version. This means the company that developed the original drug had lost the patent ( exclusivity). Other manufacturers can then make it and it becomes a lot cheaper.Gps have been prescribing genetically because of cost for many years now.
Dianette is considered more risky than Yasmin. My gp refused to prescribe it for more than 18months-2 years. Dianette has many more risky side effect than the modern pills.
Spironolactone is not recommended for Acne treatment in the Uk according to my dds dermatologist. But is very popular in America .

Yes, my prescription for spiro is from the US, teta

My 11 year old uses La Roche Posay Effeclar face wash, toner and duo cream and it is helping her skin but as someone in her 40’s who has had acne since the age of 11 and it has returned despite two lots of Roaccutane, then I will spend any amount of money to ensure my daughters don’t go through what I did.

Me too Mrs Pnut.
My mother made me use Clearasil cream and harsh soaps for my spots ( which really weren’t bad). Consequently I’ve been left with very red sensitive skin. And have now developed Rosacea in my 50s.

My mum had terrible cystic acne and constantly warned me since I was a kid that I’d have awful skin when i grew up. I got a few spots when I started my periods, but nothing at all like acne. I haven’t had a proper spot since I was about 15 (27 now). So there is hope!

Thanks everyone. I guess I'm trying to establish more what not to put on her skin. It is very sensitive and she already is careful and heeds my advice so if I can get her onto products other acne sufferers recommend before she's a fully fledged teen and drawn to unsuitable products tgen that will be a bonus.

I don't know if my acne was hormonal or not. It spread to my chest and back. Dianette did not clear it but I had a lot of other things against me. I was probably using oily products, had a terrible diet of 80s processed food with barely a vegetable in sight. Plus I was a very stressed, anxious teen who touched my face a lot and covered it with my greasy hair!