Acne

M.,
I would try the All Clear line from BeautiControl. I saw a couple other reccommendations for it in the responses. It is about the strongest thing you can buy over the counter. I used to use proactive and just recently learned that it is probably why many of my towels are now discolored. I liked it but hated the fact they sent it to you automatically. Even when signing up for the longest possible time between shipments I still had too much of some product and not enough of others.
Whatever you decided get her started on a good cleansing... regime. Even w/o acne this is so important for her skin. If she uses something with retinol she will definately need a sunblock or need to stay out of the sun (this is not something a teen appreciates).
I also know at that age when I suffered I had to stay away from dark pops or cola's. Sprite/7Up are okay but she should drink lots of water. Limit other foods such as chocolate and greasy/fried foods. Good Luck!
www.beautipage.com/spa_mouahidy

I had my daughter try Tea Tree Oil on hers. She kept having them on her forehead and it seemed like they just weren't going away. After a couple applications I could see a real difference.

D. in Dillonvale

You could try the proactive which can be ordered online. Also, another good product that is a lot cheaper and works well is clearasil daily blackhead control. That treats black heads as well as regular acne. I use it myself and it has worked better than anything else I have tried. I break out about a week before my period and since I have started using the clearasil I have not had any breakouts.
D.

I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7 and 4.

I just wanted to let you know that when you change your skin care regime it takes 28 days to see the difference really. I would recomend tea tree. It is a natural antibacterial oil. You can check out the tea tree line of products from The Body Shop at Home. We are a values based company that sells nature inspired products. I use the tea tree oil on my blemishes and it clears them up within a day or two. I would love to send you some samples. My website is www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/aoaks. Let me know if you are interested in the samples and I will get them to you.
Good Luck.

I have had acne (t-zone) since I was a pre-teen (I'm 38). I have tried lots of things. Proactiv worked, but it was expensive, and with the automatic shipments I always had too much of one thing and not enough of another. What works for me now is a mild acne wash with salicylic acid, followed by 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, and then a light moisturizer/emu oil. My skin isn't perfect, but it's much, much better. Please check out the Regimen on acne.org. It's essentially what I'm doing now and I've had good success. Any system needs time before you see results. Give it a good month or two. It might get worse before it gets better, but it will get better. Good luck!!

When I had acne, I used Proactive. It cleared my acne right up. It works great but is a little expensive. You can order it off the Internet.

Brfore trying an expensive treatment...do NOT wash your face with soap. It always gave me terrible acne. I cleaned my face twice a day with an alcohol swab or a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. My acne cleared up in a matter of days and I still do this now when I get a pimple.

M.,
Since you stated that your daughter is pre-teen I would suggest you start with the Netrogena acne wash. My 8 year old is having the same symptoms in the "T" zone and her pediatrician recommended Neutrogena. she's been using it for about 8 months now and it does great at controlling the acne when she uses it twice daily.

As one of the other ladies suggested a good routine will be key to her warding off acne. She needs to understand the importance of keeping her face clean. I'm still trying to convince my 8 yr old of the same principle.

Hey M.,
I am a Beauticontrol Rep and I would introduce her to our ALL CLEAR line. It is just as good as ProActive but less expensive.

Shop online or contact me with any questions!

Product can be delivered right to your door!

www.beautipage.com/michelewells

proactiv is the way to go. also try having her cut back on dairy products...it is what always breaks my skin out. good luck!

If it is really acne, nothing applied to her skin is going to help. Real acne comes from a hormone imbalance and needs to be treated internally with meds. I speak from experience, having suffered with acne for 10+ years. Fortunately, my mom took me to a dermatologist when we saw the first outbreak, and with their help, it never flared as bad as it could have. But it was bad enough to finally be treated with Accutane. That finally did the trick, thankfully!

I urge you to take her to see a dermatologist and get an expert's opinion. Acne can cause scarring to her skin and her self-esteem!

I found a great product at Walgreen's called Nature's Cure. I started using it after I developed an allergy to acne medication I was taking. It worked great for me! You can pretty much get it anywhere. I also noticed that I have to use an acne wash both in the morning or at night. I have very oily skin. I use the generic Clearisil foaming fase wash (From Walmart) Good luck!

http://www.naturescure.com/

I had acne when I was in my teens and it was embarrasing to talk about but I secretly wished to see a dermatologist that could give me real advice and not the million products that we see in magazines ("the best" product that changes each week). I have heard good things about Proactive, but I would gently ask her if she would like to go and encourage a good skincare routine whatever you choose. (Eeeek, some birth control pills make help with hormone changes too, pick yourself up off the floor now and think about if you want to tackle that one!)

I have read I think almost all the respones. I wouldn't suggest proactive! lol I know lots of teens that have issues with acne and proactive worked for a time then dried them out as it has benzoly proxide (spelling?). Which also can bleach out your towels. I never had trouble with acne but my mom did as an adult. She started on arbonne's basic skin care line when I was about 7-8 yrs old. It cleared her skin right up.. she had tried it all and had been to a dermotoligest too. I would suggest if it isn't bad maybe arbonnes Intelligence line. Most the times what we are using makes our skin worse so it could be causing her acne. If she has more sever acne I know Arbonnes Clear Advantage line has helped tons of teens and adults. It has a supplement too that helps clean from the inside out! All the products are botanically based. Since my mom started me on them young I have had great skin most my life as I took care of it.. When I moved out and tired other things I got all sort of problems. I came back and my skin is all better again!
Also if it is hormonal the DR might put her on birthcontrol to help.. I hate that! Lol Arbonne has a natural progestrone cream that would be great. I have a Drs article on it if you like I can email it to you. Just let me know. Here is my personal site with arbonne www.passion4more.myarbonne.com (I will give you a discount and arbonne has a 45 day guarentee.. for any reason you can return or exchange it) I have samples of the Intelligence line but not the acne as it has a supplement to take. I also have samples of other products if you want any let me know.. www.arbonne.com has more before and afters and info on the products. I have ingredient sheets on everything too! Please ask questions I would love to help you out! and good luck!!!

I didn't read all the responses but I have suffered with acne for a long time. It started when I was about 11 and I am 32 now! I use Proactiv and it works!! They usually run specials where it is $19.99 every month.
There is also other stuff that I have tried that works pretty well and you can buy it over the counter. I think it is called Acne Free and I believe I saw it at Target and also at CVS and Walgreens.
Also, like other people have wrote, avoid fried and greasy foods and cutting back on sugar and candy (it was hard for me because I love chocolate!!). Lots of fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated with water.
Hope this all helps!!

I see you like herbs. Me too. Have her wash with a mild soap, exfoliate with moist sugar, tone with a fusion of rosehips or chamomile and mint. Get 1C. water, simmer with the herbs for about 10-20 min. Pour into a container and keep in fridge. Afterward, have her moisturize with a dye and perfume free lotion. Usually they have great facial moisturizers at organic markets. My DD is going through the same thing.. Hers just exploded overnight. As long as she does this morning and night her face stays clear.
Just remember the routine. Wash, exfoliate, tone and moisturize.
Good luck,
A.

You love the farm........ALFALFA is your answer! I've recommended it over the years to NUMEROUS teenagers and adults. I helps the body's alkaline balances. It works! You can find it at health food stores or even Wal-Mart.

WATCH the balances of protein, GOOD carbs and fat in the diet, as well. Stay away from processed foods, items high in sugar, sodas and too much saturated fat. The body is TELLING you there are "too much of this or that" in its system. Pay attention to it!

I hate to hear about teens suffering with acne. I was one myself and know the difficulty in trying to GET RID of it. Here are some suggestions that my 25 years of trial and error on myself have worked for me and some friends willing to try. Moisturize daily with the smallest amount of emu oil (certified by the aea). This will really help if she has oily skin. As a nurse i'm sure you know that her sebacceous glands need to stop overproducing to not have oil clog her pores. Emu oil aslo is a natural anti-inflamitory so it will help with the really big swelling. As far as cleanser, Avalon Organics makes a vitamin C line that has a good cleanser, smells like real organges and is natural. Treatments that I've found to work are smelly tea tree oil mixed in your palm with calamine lotion (treat and dry up blemish) night time of course :-) cause it's pink. Also, there is an otc ointment that contains 1x sulfer which the sulfer really helps with blemishes and the amount I think shouldn't be too harsh for her pre-teen skin, it's called Prosacea (of course with every give there's a take and this one is that Prosacea contains parabens not sure if that's something you avoid). Make up is another thing worth mentioning when your dealing with acne. I've tried it seems like all of the mineral make-up out (supermarket to bare esscentuals and so on) i like Larenim the best their products last a really long time, cover well, natural, no BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE which is KEY it really did a number on my skin and I'm so greatful now to have narrowed down that fact (it's a mineral that they use as a filler, technially yes it's a mineral but not one an acne sufferer wants in their pores!) That is also found in many many of the mineral make-ups (so sad). Hope some of this helps!!

Good morning and welcome to my world!!!! As a mother who fought acne into my early 30's, the only thing I have found is the acne program by Arbonne. I purchased it for myself, now my 12 year old daughter and 16 year old son. It is fabulous, chemical free and all natural... You have to purchase through a distributor, so if you are interested, let me know and I will help you out. It is a beautiful way to treat your skin without harsh chemicals.

https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showCatalog.asp?categ...

I have used pro-active since I was 19ish(I'm 29 now). It cleared my skin right up, worth every penny!

Hi M.,

I have a great suggestions for a safe but effective, botanical acne skin care line. I see you are interested in medicinal herbs so this might be right up your alley!

I am an independent consultant for Arbonne, Int. Our products are botanically based, free of dyes and chemical fragrances, no animal products.

The acne line has salicylic acid, along with peppermint and some other botanical to help soothe and reduce inflammation. it also comes with a supplement of minerals and herbs to help fight acne.

I am 26 now and use the acne line myself, but have had my cousins as young as 12 use it with success.

Let me know if it is something you are interested in and I will make sure you get it at discount. It its very reasonably priced and you have 45 days to return it if you aren't satisfied.

Have a good day!

T.

I sell Beauti Control they have a awsome product for that give me your address i will send you a sample to try
____@____.com

Take your daughter to a dermetologist and soon before her poor little face gets scared .I had systic nodular acne and my Mom never took me to the Dr. about it. When I was 24 I went to the Dermotologist and he gave me a wonderful cream and antibiotics for my skin. Worked wonders

M.,

I recommend trying proactiv for your daughter. It is more costly than other acne products, but it gives great results.

My kids did really well with pro-active, which you can order online. B vitamins and zinc are helpful. But if it doesn't respond to this, get her to a dermatologist before it gets really bad. It's terrible for the self esteem and can leave disfiguring scars. D. G.

I agree with Amy C--I fought acne for years and it is really damaging to your self-esteem, especially for a teenage girl!! I also eventually got Accutane (which is covered by most insurance after you've tried some other remedies), but defintely go to a dermatologist. I hate to see teens with bad acne because I think parents think it's a cosmetic issue they will just grow out of, but it's not--it's a treatable condition--get it fixed! I got Accutane in my late 20s after dealing with acne half my life and I seriously wish my mom would have gotten it for me as a teen. Accutane is a SERIOUS medication, but it is also a MIRACLE, in my opinion.

Also, consider toothpaste--sounds funny but I'm not kidding. Rub some toothpaste on an erupted area and it will be much improved the next morning. Finally, I think Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion is another minor miracle. Now when I get a spot here or there--it clears it right up! You can order it on Amazon or they might have it at Sephora, but you can't get it at the grocery or drug store.

proactive works great but, I think you have to order it from t.v

Cut down on the fried foods, and oily or greasy stuff, cut back on chocolate (I know this is a silly thing), sodas, and dairy products, etc., and get a good astringent for her to clean her face with as well as a facial scrub, if she is currently using soap on her face have her stop. I used Clearskin from Avon for all of my previous children and am starting the 10 year old boy I am currently raising on it now.
I know (as a cosmetologist) there are a lot of good products on the market, I have used alcohol and peroxide in the past as well and believe me they will work, I just found the Clearskin line does as well and has a bigger variety to select from, like blemish sticks for just certain areas, masks, etc.

There are many acne meds out there now days. When I was that age and going through it, all there was was Clearisil. Now there are many to choose from. They have some that cover and clear, some that hide and clear. Since you are in nursing, maybe they could help with something, too.

Hi M.,

Mary Kay has a nice teen product called Velocity. The moisurizer is oil-obsorbing. It is important to moisurize skin even on oily skin. Deep cleansing w/o moisurizer leads to skin producing more oil and more acne. They also have an acne gel treatment($7) that is much nicer, less harsh than Oxy. The cleanser & moistuize are around $10 or so each.
Good Luck-
A.

I read lots of suggestions for proactive. I never tried it so I can't say. My only recommendation is to find a cleansing, toning, moisturizing line and stick with it. Don't keep switching (stick with one for at least a month) and I wouldn't use different products that are different brands. I use Merle Norman make up and cleanser (my mom took me when I first started to wear makeup so I would know how to take care of my skin) At the time they didn't have the cleansing selection they do now so I used Noxema for many years, in college I used a lot of Neutrogena and had good luck with that, then I sold Mary Kay for a couple of years and I like their cleansers as well. Now I'm back with Merle Norman. Good Luck! I have three daughters and now I'll be dealing with the same issues.

Proactiv is a good place to start, because it will probably clear her skin up (it doesn't prevent everything though) but it is definitely worth trying. You should try something for her T-Zone (like get her the clearasil pads) Burts Bees Blemish Stick works pretty good, but I would use Proactiv first, get the skin clear and then see if other methods will work to keep it that way.

MonaVie juice is helping a lot of people with skin issues. It tastes really good & gives you the recommended fruit in your diet. When your body has what it needs, it will function properly & be healthy. With all the junk that is being put into our food, we could use a little extra help eating healthy in order to stay disease free...I hope you find something that works!=)

Hi M.,
My name is also M.. I would like to suggest products made by Melaleuca Wellness Company. Their products are eco-friendly and 100% guaranteed. Check them out at melaleuca.com and feel free to contact me for more info if you like.