13yr Son bad skin

[scarlett1987]

I'm hoping someone can help with skincare tips.

My son has recently turned 13 and puberty has hit. His skin is very oily with lots of black heads. He washes his face with a scrub every day but it doesn't seem to helping.

Does anyone has any tips on what to use? Recently tried the charcoal peel, took loads of blackheads out but seemed very harsh.

Thanks in advance

Anyone? He's currently in melt down mode

The only thing that keeps my daughters spots in check is freederm face wash. Her skins has improved massively since she started using it.

Both mine used freederm face wash too. I'm not sure using a scrub every day is advisable either, it can be too harsh. Sudacrem can be good for the odd big spot.

GP before it gets worse. My son was the same and prescription products were the only ones that had any effect. DH and I both had bad acne with scarring so I was passionate that he wasn't going to suffer if there was no need. Thankfully things have moved on since the 70s! Clear skin for him now. Good luck

I have acne and found that cleaning with micellar water using a cotton pad is the only thing that gets my skin really clean.

Makes a bit difference to my spots.

Agree with awishes, it's really worth getting medical advice before it gets out of control.
I do think Isotrex is one of the most effective topical gels available.

As a teenager I had horrendous spots, I found washing with regular soap 3+ times a day helped but didn't get rid of it altogether. 30 years later still doing it.

Good for you taking it seriously, it's hugely undermining.

Took my daughter to GP who prescribed Dulac. Worked like magic- clearer skin now. X

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply.
I really do appreciate it. I will pick up some freederm for him tomorrow while we wait for a doctors appointment, however long that will take.

I have always been incredibly lucky with my skin so this is all new to me.

I have some miscellar water but never even thought to give that a try.

Thanks again.

My son uses this, seems to help
www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face/Cleansing-Gels/B-Revealed-Glycolic-Cleanser-125ml/p/536403?gclid=CjwKCAjwxJnNBRAMEiwA8X_-QeLQtKH9Hjq6CGivIhT-HdN1SfNwU6XhIuq1eenvF8DxhQJrPxDMQRoCSUUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJOEoMGHgNYCFc-HUQod_eQKbg

My dd was prescribed an antibiotic lotion by the GP for her spots at 12yo. Worked really well. They are back now (she's nearly 14) but she admits to not using it regularly.

Thanks again everyone. I have made an appointment with our GP but have to wait 5 weeks.

I picked up a blackhead remover tool, face steamer and freederm face wash. Hopefully we will see an improvement.

As a beauty therapist some scrubs are too harsh for everyday use.

I'd recommend freedmerm or a dermalogica clear start kit aimed at teenagers.

Can I suggest using pure soap (Simple/own brand) and warm water.
Speak to your pharmacist, who might recommend benzoyl peroxide or topical lotion.

Other things I would consider would be Camomile cream or Sudocrem if dry, dab angry spots with calamine lotion or witch hazel.

Gentle is the way to go and please speak to a pharmacist.

This skin is very oily all over

His* not this

I think it'd be best to see a GP or a dermatologist. Plan B would be to use more appropriate products, e.g. la Roche Posay or Avene range (available in boots). They do specialist stuff, incl micelar water. Not the cheapest but really work.

if he's got clogged pores rather than acne he needs an acid exfoliator! i use cane and abel pads. expensive but WORTH IT. there are probably cheaper dupes these days. nip fan I think do some. glycolic acid is what you want and it needs to sit on the skin e.g a toner not a wash. promise! give it a go. he needs sunblock as well but it's worth it.

for acne - acnecide with benzoyl peroxide , 2.5% is plenty.

cane and abel? cane and austin! this stuff is gold I SWEAR.

A Clarisonic made a big difference to DS's skin (same age).

Using a facial wash for acne and the Clarisonic really improved his skin - blackheads, spots etc - it cleared up the old ones and seems to prevent new ones.

I think it's because it really cleans in depth and also exfoliates (gently) so it stops pores getting filled.

DH even went and bought one for himself (different brand) after seeing what a difference it made to DS and wouldn't be without it now - his oily skin has also improved with no breakouts and previously large pores are gone.

Clarisonic's are quite expensive - DH bought a hangsung (same thing half the price from Amazon and it works just as well).

I'd definitely give it a go before trying medication which can have some nasty side effects.

Can I just add, my DS had a massive improvement when he increased his water intake! Started drinking about 4-5 pints a day.

Picture inc the face wash

I'm not bothered about the price. As long as it stops the melt downs it will be worth it.

After just googling images of acne, I don't think he has that. Just oily skin with blocked pores and new spots

He does drink a reasonable amount of water, Im off work over the next few days so will keep an eye on his intake

I'd honestly give the Clarisonic/Hangsung a go.

Using face wash alone didn't do much for DS. However within a few days of getting the Clarisonic we saw his skin start to improve.

Now, instead of having multiple spots and loads of blackheads (chin and nose especially) he just seems to get the occasional spot.

We went on holiday and forgot it for a week and his skin started to "erupt" again.

I think regular cleansing just isn't as effective and this seems to work far better at deep cleaning pores and stopping problems before they start.

DSD also is a convert (I'm the only family member who doesn't have one but I have dry skin). None of them would go back to regular cleansing.

Good luck OP - it's bloody awful for them.