talk to me about teenage spots please

[mimsum]

well, not even teenage, pre-teen really ....

ds is just 11 and has started getting little spots around his nose and chin

I haven't said anything to him about it as he's hyper-sensitive to criticism and any mention would have sent him off into a tail-spin of self-doubt and loathing but he's now asked if there's anything he can do about it

I only had the usual sprinkle of teenage spots but my sister had proper acne and it ruined her self-confidence for years so really don't want that to happen to ds especially as his self-esteem is quite fragile anyway

all I can remember from my teenage years is clearasil and my sister's heavy-duty antibiotics, but I'm hoping things have changed and there's something more effective out there

what have you tried that works and is acceptable to a young boy?

any ideas gratefully received

What's worked on me has changed over the years.

As a teen I started picking and squeezing, which was such a bad idea. If you haven't already, make sure he knows that it's not the best option.

If the problem seems to be localised spots, then there are gels and Tea tree oil that you can dab on to spots to dry them up, which is really effective.

If it's more of a blackhead problem, any of the over the counter face washes (clearasil, nivea young etc)are ok, but tell him to wash his face with a flannel. First with hot water, hold the flannel to the face to let the pores open, then wash with the face wash, then flannel with cold water to close the pores. It really will get rid of old dead skin cells.

I would say that the GP can prescribe more potent things, and they really do take acne seriously, so don't hesitate to go along if you think it's more than just a few spots.
HTH

I suffered bad acne as a teen, do not use clearasil, it dries out the skin which encourages more acne, same goes for soap, freederm is good for face washing and try to get a good localised spot cream (it was panoxyl for me but there are other things nowadays).
If it gets worse then take him to the GPs, yes it's painfully embarassing but he will thank you in the long run.

PLEASE do not let him use clearasil or any of those things - they are very high in alcohol which strips the skin and over time makes it hypersensitive.
First thing to do is check his diet - the skin is a reflection of the inside:

Lots of water - to flush out toxins
Lots of fruit/veg - for Vit C and zinc - very important for skin and hormone development
Essential fatty acids - avocados, nuts (not peanuts) oily fish - or a supplement - essential for nerve function, hormones, skin and joint mobility

Topical wise a good skin care routine:

Facial wash 2 x daily - tea tree oil is good but you need to make sure the porduct does actually contain the pure oil and not a synthetic version, as mentioned use a flannel as this will stimulate the area and remove dead cells - he is too young for an exfoliator.

Face mask for oily skin 1 x weekly - over the chin, nose and forehead.

Really important that he washes his hands often - at school all those desks, door handles etc - you pick up bacteria and touch the chin, nose face etc and encouarge spots. Tell him not to touch too much as if you overstimulate the area it will produce more oil.

His hormones will be kicking in just now so they will have a huge impact.

If it gets worse as he gets older I would recommend you take him to see an aromatherpaist who will be able to mix up oil to treat his skin tupe and help prevent any acne scarring.

He needs to get topical lotion with salicylic acid. 2% concentration. Lots of different types, many available online. Great for acne.

CARLEYS - this is from America so you have to order it on the inters - facial scrub for the shower, then a natural soap - see here

It works and it's all natural - I've got lovely skin now and used to be zit city

thanks everyone

his diet is actually remarkably healthy for an 11 year old boy, but he probably doesn't drink enough water and I will encourage really healthy snacks

I'll have a look at facial washes and scrutinise the ingredients

re salicylic acid - I'm horribly allergic to this - if he's allergic also is there anything else which has a similar effect?

Aloe vera gel worked for my DS, either squeeze it from the leaf, or buy the gel from Holland and Barrett - it comes in a big tube (I think it's about 99% aloe vera).Smooth it on at night rinse off in the morning. Worked for pretty bad acne.
Also keep hands away from face as much as possible.

Hi mimsum

My ds is also 11 and had first few spots so have been alert to any info. There was an article in The Times at the weekend taliking about low-gi diet having greater effect than any prescription drugs for acne (think reduced spots by 51%). Only one view I know and as you say your son has a good diet. My son eats pretty well but it just made me think about the GI side.

I have found just using a very gentle face wash (the Simple one seems good) has helped. Using a plain moisturiser now and again seems to have helped as I suspect his skin was actually getting a bit dry in the bad weather and overcompensating with oil.

You could try an papaya enzyme treatment - it works by gently digesting the dead skin cells as salicylic acid would be a bit too aggressive IMO for his age. Aloe vera is great as it encourages the growth of new tissue and is anti-inflammatory. The low GI diet works as it reduces testosterone fluctuations - hormones again!

BTW - tip for single pimples; run an ice cube under the tap then hold on the spot for as long as you can, rest for a bit then do it again a couple of times, go to bed and in the morning the spot will have receeded considerably.

I have at the grand age of 40 had to go to doc with acne. I get it on my neck and is obviously hormonal. I initially had an antibiotic cream but then doc progressed to antibiotics which I am yet to take as soemtimes they go away for months (am hoping)

With milder outbreaks I have found tea tree neat on spots good.

Still suffering from my teenage spots at the grand age of 31. Spots AND wrinkles - joy!

L'oreal Pure Zone is the latest thing I've tried and i'm quite impressed so far.

I use the foaming face wash - def reduces blackheads, or at least makes them less noticable

Then the pore tightening and clarifying lotion is good. It dries up spots quickly but doesn't dry out the rest of the skin though it does sting when applied

I have to add, be very careful discussing diet with an acne sufferer. There is nothing, NOTHING more mortifying than being an hormonal teen and having someone wave watercress in your face whilst telling you that eating it will 'get rid of your spots'. And I know this to be true.