DS and acne/pimples

[Magicmumma]

Hi all,

I am hoping to find some solutions here on behalf of my DS.

He is 18 and has suffered from acne since he was 13 which is obviously not abnormal at that age.

When I say acne, he doesn’t have extreme acne like some people do, he only gets about 2 pimples at a time, usually on his forehead, not very often on his face or any other areas. When one disappears, another comes up - his words not mine!

Anyway, he says he washes his face daily with bull dog face wash, clearasil wash and he exfoliates with a bath lily a few times a week plus he uses moisturiser cream and uses tea tree stuff, he also uses a charcoal face mask a few times a week.

He has said there are times when he falls asleep at night and forgets to wash his face before bed, could this be the reason why? He keeps saying he is tired of having blemishes despite keeping his face clean daily.

He has said he’s tempted to go to the GP but I’ve said I don’t think it’s necessary as it’s only minor acne and he’s not covered in it like some people actually are.

Are there any other alternatives others can suggest?

Thanks

...this seems very normal and pretty much just a fact of life, surely? Don't most people get the odd spot? Perfectly clear skin only really exists on TV. I'd be advising him to relax about it, a spot here or there on his forehead is really no big deal. If it's really bothering him, perhaps he could change his hairstyle? I got bangs cut in when i was 17 for this reason.

Acnecide cream (benzyl peroxide 5%) from Boots (behind the counter) is amazing and totally cleared up dds spots after 4 days.

My son has acne (worse than your son). I would suggest that he is overdoing the products - Bull Dog, Clearasil, face masks, will all aggravate his skin. Cut out all the products and replace with a gentle cleanser and moisturiser (Neutrogena is good). Also try Acnecide on the individual spots (careful it is strong and it will stain your pillows).

Tea tree can make it worse in a lot of people. I would suggest a more gentle moisturiser and a daily exfoliating toner (like glycolic toner for example).

I think he’s over cleansing.
Yes, go to the GP. They can prescribe a daily cream like Duac that will clear his skin. GP is fine for normal teen acne. It’s not like he’s needing a dermatologist.

Another vote for Duac here- the only cream that ever helped my adult acne.

Limit products used on skin and stick to plain cleansers.

Buy a whole load of cheap pillow cases and change every day to minimise laying on dirt/grease from hair.