Make-up for a spotty 12 year old

[SauvignonGrower]

My DD is 12 and is going through puberty earlier than I did. Her face is very spotty and we are stuck on what to do about it. I think we are going to try those monthly subscription skin services.

Does anyone have advice about make up approaches that really do cover up without wrecking the skin? What did your teenagers find worked?

I don’t know about makeup but my sister has had issues with acne and uses Cerave products which she says are good and antibiotic skin cream from the GP

Has she said she wants to do something about it? If not I wouldn't create insecurities that aren't there

Solidarity as my 12 year old daughter is the same. Did you have acne by any chance? I just took my daughter to a dermatologist and she was put straight on a low dose of Roaccutane. (well that’s what it was called when I was FINALLY put on it at 20 years old after suffering my entire teen years). I say this with nothing but kindness: DO SOMETHING NOW. If you get it early she won’t scar. I’m scarred and it’s really not nice :( do not waste your time or money faffing around with whatever miracle product a company is flogging this week. Go to a DERMATOLOGIST 💐♥️

My husband and I both had acne unfortunately so it's no surprise she does.

Strange question but how do I find a dermatologist? I always assumed I'd go through a GP and get a referral but maybe not?

Thanks. I've looked up that brand it and it looks good. Our issue is her skin sensitivity to these products that deal with acne.

There's an excellent dermatologist
On YouTube called 'dr dray' who recommends good drugstore brands and the steps for clearing skin. Consider supporting daughter to GP for a topical cream and/or antibiotics. They will likely provide an 'adapalene' based gel AKA epiduo or differin (brand names). Be careful as these bleach pillow.

In terms of makeup - look for 'non comdegenic /non pore blocking' makeup.
Ideally - just use concealer and blend rather than foundation. Again, loads of 'cover acne naturally' videos on YouTube with cheapish products.

Even if you go private for a dermatologist (to avoid 6-18months waiting list) - you will
Still need a GP referral. GP unlikely to refer unless acne is severe and already scaring and/or other treatments have been tried.

I'd recommend

• Cerave Salicyclic cleanser in morning
• Paula's choice 2% AHA swept over skin in morning
• Cerave oil cleanser at night
• adapalne gel at

Night

Also - neutrogena gel moisturiser day and night after cleansing pre any other lotions.

It’s interesting that you say both you & your husband did. My husband & I both did as well & upon hearing this the dermatologist said ‘your daughter has a 200% chance of having acne then’ :(
I trust his opinion so much, our family all see him as we are Australian and skin cancer is a massive issue & silent killer.
I got a referral from a gp AFTER I’d made her an appointment. (Basically said I’m going to a specialist on this day i need a referral) I had tried speaking to the GP twice about it and tried creams from the chemist (the ones mentioned above that bleach your towels bedding pjs!!😩) within a few months of being fobbed off I took matters into my own hands. It’s been 3-4 weeks now & although it was worse initially the last few days in particular it’s like they are drying up and disappearing before our very eyes. Her back as well. I can’t tell you the relief I feel knowing that it’s sorted!

& yes I had to pay to go private for dermatologist but well worth it

Thanks @Jellyx and @EatDiamondsForBreakfast . This is all such excellent advice. I now have a plan of attack to help her feel more confident about herself.

All the best with your daughter, she’s so lucky to have you 💐

I’ve had acne since I was 12, here are my choices

Make up: Tinted moisturiser (not foundation) and a good concealer. A liquid/creamy concealer on a wand is easiest to blend. Good choice of colours and good blending is super important as badly matched concealer makes spots more obvious.

Budget: I rate the Nivea tinted moisturiser and Revolution concealers (the liquid ones with a wand applicator) for their price
Pricey: I like the La Roche Posay Effaclar tinted moisturiser or the NARS one. NARS radiant creamy concealer is the best I’ve tried - really good shade range and lots of pigment

None of these make me break out more altho it varies from person to person. Bare Minerals is supposed to be excellent for those who react easily, but I’ve never tried it

Not what you asked but my acne treatment recommendations after 30 years of trying everything:

Start with Cerave face wash (the normal/oily one)
and Acnecide cream (weak benzoyl peroxide) over the counter. Be careful as this cream bleaches coloured clothes/bedlinen.

Next step is get Epiduo from the GP (stronger benzoyl peroxide plus adapelene, a retinoid)

If it seems hormonal (comes and goes with cycles) she could try Spironolactone or Dianette - Dianette is contraceptive pill so may not want that so young. But v effective. Spiro is not a contraceptive pill

Next try antibiotics but also have probiotics as they can really mess with gut

Finally and only as a last resort via a dermatologist there is Roaccutane but can have truly awful side effects (depression, suicide, possible effect on sexual development - as well as v dry lips/nosebleeds). I would avoid personally, not least as it didn’t work for me anyway

All great suggestions upthread- I would also try and steer her away from full foundation and more towards spot conceal + powder, as that will look more natural on such young skin and more breathable in general. Worth looking into green concealer to lightly layer under her skin tone coloured concealer to help. YouTube is your friend!
NYX do a load of concealers in various finishes, great colour range and staying power. Nars concealer mentioned above and Cerave are great.
Two BIG points that I wish someone had told me:
Products take a few weeks to really settle in, chopping and changing can really damage your skin and make things worse - I think they say it takes a month to settle in - try to avoid starting 2 new things at once or new things every week. (Plus, it's cheaper not to as you will be able to understand what product is actually having an effect)

Less is more - yes, you might end up needing a 4 step routine but build up to that gradually.

Oh and weird tip I read on here - try not to wash your face first thing in the morning, just stick to before bed and make sure no pillowcase is sticking around for longer than a few days.

@minipie

Spironolactone- this would be off label use if using for acne - only effective for hormonal acne and GP may want to try other things first. GP may or may not prescribe it - my GP could only give me a referal to dermatologist and even then dermatologist recommended trying antibotics first.

My brother and I both had accutane in our late teens. No mental health side effects at all for us - other than feeling better about skin clearing up!! It makes skin more sensitive during use and for a few months after so sunscreen is a must and avoid using things like 'hair removal cream' (I learnt that the hard way )

Again- GP is likely to recommend some sort of minimum intervention (topical cream / antibiotic tic) before considering to accutane etc HOWEVER if the acne is severe and /or there is scarring they are more likely to go directly to the 'big gums'

My brother and I both had accutane in our late teens. No mental health side effects at all for us

None for me either. But I read a post the other day by an MNer whose daughter took her own life while on it - and there had been no signs this was likely. It is a recognised side effect, and it’s not predictable who will be affected this way.