Acne

[outnumbered4]

My dd is 12 and has been suffering from extremely bad acne for over a year. She started her periods around 6 months ago and had so many problems with them that she was put on the pill dianette 3 months ago in a effort to control them and hopefully help with her skin.

This has so far not made any difference with the acne. Other children at school have been being nasty about her skin and she is getting very low. Does anyone have any suggestions on things that have helped them or their children?

We use the proactiv stuff with rotating face brush which seems to help. Also cleanse with white spirit and cover with sudocrem. My DH had acne and is paranoid about her skin/ scarring so he really keeps on top of her with it. We had to keep on at her but now she's seeing it does help, she's keeping up the routine better. Friends DD went on roaccutane which did work but we see It as a last resort. It has to be one of the cruelest things for teens - I cringe when they make jokes about pizza face teens on tv if she's around. Hope it gets better.

My first thought is to go back to your GP. Otherwise be very cautious about what you put on her skin. 'Simple' products are good - cleanser and oil free moisturiser. Get her into a gentle cleansing routine morning and night. Also a clean pillow everyday. My son suffered from teenage spots rather than full blown acne. He found 'Acnecide' wash and gel from the pharmacy very helpful. It is 5% benzoyl peroxide which is very strong. Her skin will need to adjust to the gel - so a little on the spots (starting every second day). It will bleach your towels/pillows. However it worked for him and got him through a very spotty phase. However 'acne' rather than 'spotty' - back to the doctors.

Thank you, we have tried the simple range and also some expensive products recommended by a beautician friend I forget the name now.

Might try the pharmacy as suggested then I think going back to the gp might be the next step, I don't want her taking anything too strong though especially as she is already taking the pill poor girl.

Some good ideas to try in the meantime thank you