Preventing acne - dd 13

[ringingroundtheroses]

I’m looking for advice on preventing acne for my DD (13). She’s started getting pimples mainly on her t-zone but her skin is generally on the dry side. I used to suffer from terrible acne myself, which only cleared when I went on the pill. DD is quite shy and would really struggle if her skin gets much worse.

Any tips or product recommendations that have worked for your teens would be really appreciated.

So she doesn't have acne yet just a few pimples but there is a change in her skin and a gentle cleanser and lotion might help.

Thanks!

control the hormones, put her on the pill. And invest in good facial care products for teens.

In my experience you can’t ’prevent’ acne. She’s either disposed to it or not. You can try things to help lessen it. My girls use cereve. Diet can help.

Gentle skincare - Cerave/Roche-Posay always get dermatologist recommendations. If it worsens, switch to the NICE guidelines (you can download them) and march her to the GP. There are prescribed, approved pathways for treatment of acne, which is a medical condition, and you should get your daughter onto these early, rather than spending lots of time and money on dubious off-the -shelf remedies.

i have been trying to get my teen to double cleanse morning and night. But have struggled with achieving it.

but Here we use
Morning:

• cerave salicylic acid face wash

— benzyl peroxide spot cream

• I’d like our teen to also use the Roche Posay toner / liquid cleanser on a cotton pad but I know my teen is not doing this!!! My plea for double cleansing falls on deaf ears!!
• moisturiser (cerave)
• spf sunscreen (Roche posay)

Evening

• cerave Benzyl peroxide face wash
• benzyle peroxide spot cream
• moisturiser

Anytime - shower body

• salicylic acid body wash (nip n fab - but others are available!!)

and. Most importantly.
change bedding and pillow case regularly - once or even twice a week. To reduce exposure to the bacteria which causes acne.

and, for the same reason, Use a clean face flannel to wash face gently and a fresh clean dry flannel to dry the face.

yes you need loads of face flannels or have to do laundry every other day!

our next step would be to swap the BP cream at night for tretinoin cream. But we haven’t got there yet.

then, if that failed, we would follow NICE guidelines and request support from GP.

Deleted double post

Products we use

Morning face wash without BP
https://www.boots.com/cerave-blemish-control-face-cleanser-with-2-salicylic-acid-niacinamide-for-blemish-prone-skin-236ml-10297027

Moisturiser
https://www.my-origines.com/gb/effaclar-duo-m-P0901033.html

SPF https://www.superdrug.com/skin/face-skin-care/expert-skin/expert-sensitive-skin/la-roche-posay-anthelios-oil-control-spf50-50ml/p/829824

Body wash with the salicylic acid
https://www.nipandfab.com/products/teen-skin-body-wash

Night time cleanser https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/316040645341?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2gvtabz9rsq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lLt-4OJVS2S&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=WHATS_APP

This is the cream to dab on the spots. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315984872416?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=nwhrlet1rqm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lLt-4OJVS2S&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=WHATS_APP

Products we use

Morning face wash without BP
https://www.boots.com/cerave-blemish-control-face-cleanser-with-2-salicylic-acid-niacinamide-for-blemish-prone-skin-236ml-10297027

Moisturiser
https://www.my-origines.com/gb/effaclar-duo-m-P0901033.html

SPF https://www.superdrug.com/skin/face-skin-care/expert-skin/expert-sensitive-skin/la-roche-posay-anthelios-oil-control-spf50-50ml/p/829824

Body wash with the salicylic acid
https://www.nipandfab.com/products/teen-skin-body-wash

Night time cleanser https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/316040645341?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2gvtabz9rsq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lLt-4OJVS2S&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=WHATS_APP

This is the cream to dab on the spots. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315984872416?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=nwhrlet1rqm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lLt-4OJVS2S&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=WHATS_APP

I have also done some extensive research on using tret to treat acne. It helped my mate’s teens immensely. And so I would consider it if my teen wanted to go there

https://www.healthline.com/health/tretinoin-for-acne

I purchase tret (for my wrinkles!) from an online pharmacy. I usually look on the skin pages on Reddit for recommendations of where to purchase!!

Skinorac an alldaychemist come up on there a lot. Much cheaper than Skin+me or Dermatica

but definitely worth researching

Just to add(if you get to the point of consulting the GP and following the NICE guidelines), that different people have different responses to treatments (unsurprisingly). My DS found Tretclin gel, a mix of tretinoin and topical antibiotic, much more effective than Differin and oral antibiotics.

Hey her to the doctor. You can spend hundreds on potions and lotions but they can prescribe creams and tablets that are much better. I’m not talking about putting her on the contraceptive pill either, there are lots of things that can be done before that.

Keep the face clean - simple soap and water.
Topical ointment prescribed by the GP.
Non-comedogenic moisturiser.

Why on earth would you want to unnecessarily put your child on the pill? It comes with risks and isn’t something to be taken lightly.

My 12 year old son has started getting breakouts.

I swear by Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. It not only helps clear up sore, red spots really quickly but helps control the breakouts.

He spends 3 days a week with his Dad so he doesn’t use it everyday. If he did i’m sure the breakouts would be completely non existent.

The list above, from @TheNameisNOTZiggy is a great list (or seems it to a novice like me). I've had a look and can't find the Cerave Acne Foam Cleanser anywhere in the UK.

We're doing the Cerave blemish control wash am and pm but wondered if we should add this in the evening routine.

I’m a lifelong acne sufferer and have done a lot of research over the years.

Hysterical replies here. A GP won’t look at her if she doesn’t have actual acne yet. Neither should she be put on the pill - that’s a last resort.

Correct that you can’t prevent it. Incorrect that diet will make much difference.

If it’s currently mild I would start with Acnecide gel - it’s very effective on mild pimples in the t-zone. My daughter had great success with it.

I would also avoid foaming cleansers - they’re far too harsh and will only cause the skin to produce more oil. Magic cloths remove everything and avoid unnecessary chemical washes. You can get them on Amazon.

Thanks so much for all the product suggestions- I’ve ordered some for my DD.

Absolutely no need to ‘put’ her on the pill. The risks do not outweigh the benefits, and she will grow up without and understanding of her hormonal cycle and what her ‘normal’ is, so that when she does experience her first full hormonal cycle in a while (e.g., mood swings, PMS), it will completely knock her. That’s aside from the physical health risks.

The rest of this is quite long so I have separated into two posts. I am sharing my years of experience of being a spotty soul, from my early teens to now in my 30s.

General advice:
Avoid anything foaming as it will likely contain sodium laureth sulfate which can be very drying - causing more oil production as a response, possibly causing more spots.

Always take off makeup. If there are days when you can’t be bothered to do the rest, at least take off your makeup.
https://www.boots.com/garnier-skinactive-oil-infused-micellar-cleansing-water-10209715
Clean makeup brushes at least once a month and ‘spot’ clean them after daily use. I actually just use baby shampoo to clean my brushes, but you can buy ‘proper’ cleanser.
https://www.boots.com/boots-brush-cleaning-gel-200ml-10347436
https://www.boots.com/boots-brush-cleaning-spray-200ml-10347437

I can’t say this loudly enough: DO NOT PICK/POP SPOTS OR BLACKHEADS. I say this as someone who bloody loves a spot pop, but I massively damaged my skin in my teens/early twenties and it became a horrible anxiety-based behaviour where I would pick things that weren’t there. It’s also terrible for your skin. Spot dots work not only to reduce the spots but also to provide a barrier for those of us who like to pick. NO POPPING OR PICKING!

Lastly, and most importantly: spots are not indicative of a moral or hygienic failure and you are not ugly if you have them. They are just part of life and all we can do is be kind to ourselves.

A scrupulously clean skin care regime, using a gentle cleanser and warm water. Daily change of face cloth if she uses one. Clean pillow cases.

Good hydration, and exercise like running will get her pores open and allow her skin to breathe naturally.

Skincare:
Generally speaking, I do the following. Each point is a step. Note that Cerave is excellent for cleansers. Worth noting that for Boots’ own stuff, some of it they make in a men’s range which is inexplicably cheaper! I realise that some things I’ve linked to may be on the higher end of a budget for a 13yo, but Boots are great for having their own alternatives, and where I’ve linked to those they are ones that I’ve tried and found little difference in. Also - they work!

Double-cleansing:
One oily cleanser to shift any grime, oil, or leftover makeup, and one to help cleanse any impurities.

I start with an oil-based cleanser. Although this is contradicting what I said about foaming, this cleanser is very gentle.
https://www.boots.com/cerave-hydrating-oil-cleanser-236ml-10306571
A lovely, softening alternative is a squalane cleanser.
https://www.boots.com/the-ordinary-squalane-cleanser-150ml-10369162
https://www.boots.com/boots-squalane-face-wash-75ml-10320910

Follow up with a cleanser that targets spots/the cause of spots.
https://www.boots.com/cerave-blemish-control-face-cleanser-with-2-salicylic-acid-niacinamide-for-blemish-prone-skin-236ml-10297027
https://www.boots.com/cerave-sa-smoothing-cleanser-236ml-10272454

Spot prevention
Once skin is double-cleansed and dry, apply spot dots as needed. Apply before any other product as products will stop them sticking and drawing out what needs to be drawn out!
https://www.boots.com/dots-for-spots-blemish-treatment-stickers-60pk-10346549
These are the best spot dots I’ve used. If you can’t get this, those are a close second:
https://www.boots.com/hero-mighty-patches-original-24-10334405

Spot prevention gel for those that are coming but not quite ready for a spot dot.
https://www.boots.com/boots-skin-clear-2-hour-spot-gel-with-salicylic-acid-25ml-10293871

Skin barrier care/moisturising
Hydrating toner.
https://www.boots.com/byoma-hydrating-milky-toner-150ml-10340139 this is so hydrating and makes my skin feel baby soft.

Serum option 1
If my skin is particularly spotty, I use this:
https://www.boots.com/the-ordinary-niacinamide-10-zinc-1-10267783
I love The Ordinary but Boots also make their own version.
https://www.boots.com/boots-ingredients-niacinamide-and-zinc-serum-30ml-10359364

Serum option 2
If my skin is playing ball I focus on hydration.
https://www.boots.com/the-ordinary-hyaluronic-acid-2-and-b5-30ml-10339794
https://www.boots.com/boots-ingredients-hyaluronic-acid-serum-30ml-10359361

Eye cream
Probably not needed for a 13yo but not a bad idea to get into the habit, especially as all this cleansing/touching of the face can be hard on delicate eye skin. Apply with ring finger; it’s the weakest finger and therefore gentler on delicate skin.
https://www.boots.com/boots-glow-eye-cream-15ml-10276537
https://www.boots.com/boots-vitamin-c-brightening-eye-gel-15ml-10304719

Moisturiser
My favourite is currently this:
https://www.boots.com/the-ordinary-natural-moisturizing-factors-and-phytoceramides-30ml-10342572
However, anything from Cerave or The Ordinary will be nice and importantly will be non-comedegenic (doesn’t fill pores).
https://www.boots.com/the-ordinary-natural-moisturizing-factors-ha-10267782
https://www.boots.com/cerave-am-facial-moisturising-lotion-spf-50-for-normal-to-dry-skin-52ml-10311334
https://www.boots.com/cerave-facial-moisturising-lotion-52ml-10258275

My routine is the same during the morning and night, apart from applying SPF in the morning. I’ve been using Byoma which is lovely and lightweight. I use the factor 50 because I’m terrified of the sun…! 😂
https://www.boots.com/byoma-ultralight-face-fluid-spf50-50ml-10355009