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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Spotty 11 yr old, any advice from parents with teenagers?

20 replies

imnot27 · 14/12/2006 14:30

My 11 year old dd is getting quite spotty. She is only just 11, and I haven't noticed any of her friends being spotty, but she is not tall or well developed, quite petite in fact. She washes with soap and water twice a day, is there any product anyone can reccommend that I can get for her? Also, any tips on how to broach the issue? Thanks!

OP posts:
busybusymum · 14/12/2006 14:40

I have the same thing with my DD. We tried using "Biactol(sp??)" but it made the spots worst. She also has a forehead full of little white spots (milia)poor thing!

All her pals where make up everyday, she doesnt and when she does its just on her eyes and lips but she gets the spots!

Original poster
imnot27 · 14/12/2006 19:48

Are the little white spots because of her fringe agrivating her forehead? I wonder if this may be a problem with my dd. Probably doesn't cause the ones on her chin, though!!

OP posts:
themoon66 · 14/12/2006 20:08

Clean and Clear oil free face wash.... the one with 'gritty' bits in. Cleared DS's 15 year old face up lovely.

Original poster
imnot27 · 14/12/2006 20:26

Oh thanks, I'll get some tomorrow!

OP posts:
busybusymum · 14/12/2006 22:08

My DD doesnt have a fringe so it isnt that. Someone told me it was caused by the heat or sun exposure! And that there is very little to help it!

Milliways · 14/12/2006 22:09

My DD didn't like the "gritty" one, but the clean & clear sensitive is gentle & did the trick. Is also on offer in Asda atm.

smartiepartie · 15/12/2006 00:00

Oxypads in our household (not the wipes or wash), plus drinking more water. And mantra 'dirty hands make spotty faces'. And daily hairwashing, fringe or no fringe. Biore peels are excellent for blackheady skin if you are into that kind of thing.

Keep an eye on the 'quality' of the spots. If they are red blobs that look hot and deeper under the skin go straight to the doctor as there are wonderful safe antibiotics nowadays - kids just don't need to get to the pizzaface stage any more. If they are more on the surface and with squeezable heads (sorry) then it is more likely to be something best attacked with fanatical hygiene. Don't hesitiate to go to the doctor for advice though, there is lots of good safe treatment around. In extremis (and it doesn't sound as if you are anything like here) Roactaine (sp?) can be fantastic

jampots · 15/12/2006 00:08

this has turned my dds skin around in less than 2 weeks. you apply 2-3 drops on your fingers and gently sweep over the problem areas. Expensive stuff but will last about 8 months. SHe uses it in conjunction with her regular cleanser

Original poster
imnot27 · 15/12/2006 12:59

Thanks everyone, loads of stuff here to try. I think the washing hair everyday idea is definitely worth trying, at the mo she only does it twice a week!

OP posts:
7swansaswimmingup · 15/12/2006 13:02

try toothpaste on big uns! works wonders,me and my ds aged 12 have always got toothpaste faces

Original poster
imnot27 · 15/12/2006 13:05

What, just dab it on? Do you wash it off again afterwards?

OP posts:
Rantaclaus · 15/12/2006 13:12

If she has sensitive skin some "spot and acne" cleansers might be a bit harsh and aggravate the problem - if you try them and they do, it may be worth getting a gentle cleanser and toner (Simple is good) and using that a couple of times a day instead of soap and water.

7swansaswimmingup · 15/12/2006 13:46

sorry late reply re toothpaste! yes,just dab it on, not the multi coloured toothpaste, its too runny. just the white one, it goes nice and hard, makes your face smell nice and minty and dries angry spots out overnight and leaves dry skin that you just pick off!!

cheaper than the expense of lotions and stuff, just dont answer the door to anyone with it on like i have

bigfatred · 15/12/2006 18:50

Freederm - recommend it. Nephew uses it and all his mates have asked him how he keeps his skin clear! NOa harsh product at all so maybe worth a try.

steffy1 · 15/12/2006 20:19

maybe tea tree products as well-superdrug have a good range.

NotAnOtter · 15/12/2006 20:29

oxy stuff is fab but i swear by clearasil ULTRA - works in days..

okeydokeygirl · 15/12/2006 20:45

I got spots at about this age (now 39). I tried all the products and nothing made any difference. In my 20s I gave up dairy and sugar (for other reasons) and my spots disappeared in 4 weeks. I still get the occassional one, after eating dairy or sugar. I really wish I had known this effect on me when I was a teenager - I would have been so much happier (and richer as my pocket money wouldn't have gone on useless products). If I want to keep my skin extra clean and toned I just use witchhazel with a few drops of lavender oil per bottle. Shake very well before use. This can dry the skin a bit so only use occassionally. I wouldn't recommend soap as it drys the skin too much.

liquidclocks · 15/12/2006 21:02

I used to have 'proper' acne - horrid! Nothing worked apart from washing my face in cold water and cidal (an antiseptic soap) and patting dry with a clean towel - cheap, simple and effective. If it hasn't cleared up by the time she's 13/14 it's worth going to the docs for advice (I got prescribed dianette evetually which was great until it started giving me migraines) to try and prevent scarring - I wish my mum had taken me sooner.

MerrilyTooBuzzi · 15/12/2006 21:09

Drinks lots of water

DizzyBinterWonderland · 15/12/2006 21:11

i don't think anything works cos it's hormonal. so yes keep her face clean but i'd stick to something very mild, not these face stripping products.

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