17yo DS has spots, what’s best skincare or treatment?

[BaconAndAvocado]

He doesn’t have full blown acne but DH seems to think the spots he has will leave scarring and wants to pursue a more medication type route.

To me, that sounds too full on with possible side effects..

Which face washes or other skincare would anyone recommend for teenage spots?

With respect it doesn't really matter what your DH wants. Your DS is 17 and it's up to him (or indeed any person) what route he wants to pursue when it comes to treatment for this and whether or not he would want to take an oral medication, which as you say, have side effects.

Ultimately if it is the case that the spots are causing scarring then he'd be best to go first to his GP, who can assess and decide what is appropriate. I imagine they would start with a prescribed topical treatment or discuss with DS whether he would want to try antibiotics, if it is deemed to be mild acne and isn't responding to topical treatments.

Things such as Acnecide and salycyclic acid face washes can be helpful and are available over the counter or in most shops (boots/superdrug etc). Spot patches or stickers too, that he can wear overnight help to heal them and prevent scarring. Regular changing of pillowcases and making sure anything that touches his face (eg mobile phone) is getting sanitised. Really I'd just book him to see his GP so he can discuss it with them and go from there.

dontgobacononmyheart
Thanks.

If you wanted to start with a skincare routine before anything medical, my DS has had great success with Cerave.

He uses the Blemish Control cleanser morning and night, the Cerave blemish control gel at night and then an SPF moisturiser in the morning. His skin was less inflamed within 48 hours. Once he had the spots under control he started using the Cerave retinol to reduce the redness.

You have to really keep at it though - if he misses a morning or night, you can tell quite quickly.

My DD tried all over counter skin preparations for acne, including washes, treatment gels etc
then went down the prescription topical treatments
no good !
a few months of Lymecycline and it was cleared and hasn’t returned - fingers crossed 🤞

Wash with simple soap and water. Don't touch the face. Keep pillows clean.
Get a topical medication from GP. Zineryt is excellent.

Benzoyl peroxide and a non oily moisturiser.