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Original poster

DD almost 11 with lots of spots - advice and tips pls

46 replies

sunshineNdaisies · 26/12/2018 19:53

DD has a lot of spots and although she's nearly 11, she is growing really fast and looks a lot older. She really has a lot of spots right now, lots of yellow heads and she's not happy about it. She is due to start high school next august (we're in Scotland) and we all know how self conscious high school girls can be and how mean other girls can be.

So far I've gotten her tea tree, dermalogica, nip and fab and origins products but her spots seem to be getting worse. She goes to a teen facial once a month and the beautician recommended the dermalogica teen range. I dont think any of these products or treatments are helping. Does anyone else have any recommendations?

DH and I had bad acne, DH much worse than me when he was a teen. I was really shocked when I saw his teen photos - he does not ever show them and I could see why. He is worried more than me that DD will inherit his skin.

Her hair is also looking very greasy despite her washing it regularly (I know she's doing it properly because I checked just in case). She uses the same shampoo as always but suddenly its looking v lank and greasy so any tips there would be welcomed too.

DD has been stealing my concealor and foundation on occassion but is obviously not putting it on properly as she's only 10. I am in two minds about her wearing make up - on the one hand, she's not 11 til February (and 11 is still young) but on the other hand, I know from experience how embarrassing spots can be and how mean kids can be, especially when at high school. WIBU to let DD wear a bit of make up and if so, what?

Any tips from mums who have had DDs with similar spot problems at this age.

OP posts:

chickenfeathers · 26/12/2018 22:41

I would try your GP - there is nothing to lose. My DD1 is 12. She doesn't really suffer with acne as such, although she did have 3 spots break out at the same time, and she was mortified. DD cleanses every day using an antibacterial / blackhead solution, and savlon on spots when they appear. DD does not wear make up at all, and her make up wearing counterparts all seem to have loads of spots - although this might just be coincidence.

I hope you manage to find a helpful solution soon.

Watchingthetelly · 26/12/2018 22:52

Another vote for the doctors and get a referral to a dermatologist. For persistent acne the only things which really work are benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and retinol of some form (topical or roaccutane). If you start on BP without seeing a doctor be aware it can cause burning, redness and flaking initially but you build tolerance. If there's a bad reaction, lay off it for a week or so and then start again. Also stick to the basics of cleansing face, clean towels, clean pillowcases, clean phone.

BillywigSting · 26/12/2018 22:53

11 is definitely not too young. As pp have said she is well into puberty now and the medication can prevent her from suffering from the pain and embarrassment of acne in the present, and the absolute confidence killer that is facial scarring in the future.

The first line medications are almost always topical and very very safe too.

frugalkitty · 26/12/2018 22:59

Also recommending taking her to the Dr, they may not start her on medication straight off anyway, but suggest a topical antibiotic cream first. My DS did this, although he is now on antibiotics, but he was very self conscious and asked if I'd take him. My DD has got bad skin but isn't as bothered by it as DS, so I've said I'll take her to the dr if and when she wants me too.

Lisa Eldridge has a great video about pinpoint concealing teenage spots, to avoid covering the whole face with make up. As long as she removes any make up at night I'd say let her use it. I agree with other posters who say the teenage years can be tough enough, if there's an issue you can be proactive about helping her with then I'd say do it.

KimchiLaLa · 26/12/2018 23:04

Take her to the GP but I would invest in some good cleansing balm for her in the meantime. Dermalogica strips the skin.

BillywigSting · 26/12/2018 23:07

Also agree with pp saying let her use concealer. Lisa eldridge has some good tutorials for using it effectively

The girls who have spots and wear make-up are probably wearing make-up because they have spots, not the other way round.

AnnaFiveTowns · 26/12/2018 23:10

I second GP and Duac cream. It transformed my son's skin.

ItsalmostSummer · 28/12/2018 06:30

Take her to GP. It takes a while to go through the NHS systemtk see specialists and then try different and most suitable anti biotic cream. Don’t let her suffer or get scars.

ItsalmostSummer · 28/12/2018 06:30

Yes to duac cream too.

Thesnobbymiddleclassone · 28/12/2018 06:36

Go to the GP about the acne and avoid make up and too many treatments as they can clog up the skin more.

As for the hair, I've always suffered from greasy hair and this shampoo is brilliant!

www.boots.com/beauty/hair/shampoo/neutrogena-t-gel-shampoo-greasy-hair-250ml-10003236

TinyMarie · 28/12/2018 06:39

Another vote for the GP or a proper dermatologist. I didn't see a GP until I was 14 and didn't see a dermatologist until I was 25 by which point the only thing that worked for good was Roaccutane.
The antibiotics I was on as a teenager kept my spots at bay for a while but I wish I had started things sooner as I wouldn't be so scarred now.
At her age, the GP would likely try a topical cream first before tablets. I wasted so much time and money on over the counter stuff that didn't work or made things worse and found out from a dermatologist that I actually had Acne Rosacea and was using all the wrong things. If you can prevent scarring at an early age then I strongly encourage it as my skin has caused me endless days/nights of tears.

festivetootsie · 28/12/2018 06:41

I had very bad acne all over my torso and head from the age of 8 to 19, I visited doctors and was prescribed drugs and was even put on the pill at 14 to see if that helped no lotion or potion worked.

I was eventually referred to a dermatologist who immediately told me to stop drinking orange juice or eating oranges and immediately my skin cleared up, literally in days! My 9 year old recently started showing small pimples we stopped consumption of oranges and she is now clear skinned. So it might be worth just seeing if there might be a dietary cause.

Fingers crossed for youz

Catalicious · 28/12/2018 06:41

Doctors. They will advise if she’s too young for medication. Living with acne has a huge impact on mental health and taking her will show you’re taking it seriously. I don’t think I’ll ever quite move on from mine not being dealt with.

starsinyourpies · 28/12/2018 06:43

Go to the doctor. I wish my parents had taken it seriously for me earlier. If you and your DH have been through this you know what a big deal it feels.

ChristmasFan2018 · 28/12/2018 07:11

Yes to GP. This is a medical condition that W

ChristmasFan2018 · 28/12/2018 07:12

Sorry accidentally posted too soon

This is a medical condition that is likely to get worse. Leaving permanent physical damage and also could effect her confidence

Go to GP

ChishandFips33 · 28/12/2018 09:19

La Roche Posay three step system may help if you don't want to go to GP

It's a French skincare system - lots of info on their website

Available in Boots

BiscuitDrama · 28/12/2018 09:23

What are the spots like? If it’s more than a few small whiteheads around nose and chin I would definitely go to the dr.

BiscuitDrama · 28/12/2018 09:24

(I did see you say she has lots, but that could be four or 14.)
If the facial isn’t working I would just stop it and save your money.

Sigh81 · 28/12/2018 09:39

Another vote for a GP visit here. It's not too early to take her and I wish my parents had done the same. Bad cystic acne (but they always insisted I was beautiful nonetheless - bless them) which has left me with permanent scarring. As an adult, I have spent several thousand pounds on a Harley St dermatologist and procedures to sort out the after effects.

It's a fine balance between taking it seriously and not making your daughter feel more self-conscious than she already is. I would do whatever you can to nip it in the bud now - and I think that probably means seeing what a GP (and possibly a dermatologist) can do.

BooHasAPressieForYou · 28/12/2018 09:43

DD is the same age and almost over night she came out in spots and her previously lovely hair is now constantly greasy.
We have found Lush do some great products for spotty skin, we went in to have a look and the staff are really helpful at finding and suggesting helpful products. We also found normal soap too drying so now use a charcoal soap.
Hair wise we tried all sorts, head and shoulders worked for a while but then we tried L'oreal with clay in it (light blue bottle) and it's marvellous. We also stopped using conditioner as that made matters worse.

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