Teenage boy face washing

[sanfranny]

Is this normal and if so, what would anybody recommend? I have an absolute nightmare getting my 16 year old son to wash his face and use any spot cream.

He has bad acne which has caused some scarring. I am convinced that a good skincare routine would really help, but I literally have to stand next to him to ensure that he washes his face each morning and night. Will very rarely use a spot cream (which he has from the doctor and other stuff that I am purchased which is gentler).

I have no idea why he is like this. He says he doesn't care about the state of his skin. My concern is that he is now getting scarring.

Any suggestions to help this situation?

I think you need to back off, it's his face.

I don't know, of course, but one possibility is you making so much fuss is making it seem a bigger deal, which is stressful, so he is avoiding it.

Lots of people avoid problems, too.

It is also possible he genuinely doesn't care.

@rrhuth

I think you need to back off, it's his face.

I don't know, of course, but one possibility is you making so much fuss is making it seem a bigger deal, which is stressful, so he is avoiding it.

Lots of people avoid problems, too.

It is also possible he genuinely doesn't care.

This is what my husband tells me. It's his face etc. But he is now getting scarring and I don't think he realises that he will be stuck with it. Don't think it is me pushing it that is causing a problem. If I do nothing he just doesn't wash at all for days... ☹️

What is his mood like generally?

Loads of teens don't wash etc.

I understand the worry about scarring, but your husband is right, it's his face.

My sons been using the nip and fab teen skin face wash and cleansing pads for a week and his skin has visibly improved. But I do need to remind him, it doesn't come naturally

As a side note, my ds has antibiotics from the Gp for acne which has made a big difference to his skin.

Isn't it our job as mothers to guide our teens through this stuff? I send my nearly 16 yr old back to the bathroom to wash his face with a nice hot flannel sometimes, what's the issue with that?

@SpeedRunParent

Isn't it our job as mothers to guide our teens through this stuff? I send my nearly 16 yr old back to the bathroom to wash his face with a nice hot flannel sometimes, what's the issue with that?

I think I agree with this actually. It is our job to guide which is why when people say, well, it's his face, I still continue with my attempts to help him. As a side note, my husband and I have been working together in the last two weeks to monitor his face washing and there is an improvement, so washing does really help (who knew 🙄), but it is a constant battle.

He does also have antibiotics from the doctor but I will see if I can get a different prescription as they don't seem to work well.

The doctor has put in a hospital referral to see the dermatologist who can offer stronger stuff. However, having read about what they offer, not sure I want him taking it. Plus, the doctor wasn't aware that he is a reluctant face washer!