Childhood Acne

Updated on July 13, 2017
R.H. asks from Oxnard, CA
25 answers

I have a small concern with our 7 1/2 year old daughter. She seems to acne! This concerns me because I didn't think breakouts/acne came about until puberty hit. She is only 7 1/2 and won't be 8 till October. She is too young for puberty but she is having black heads and I have even found 2 or 3 white heads on her face. Most of the acne is on her forehead but I see small bumps on her nose and 1 white head was on her cheek. Has anyone had any experience with their child doing this and what did you do, if anything? Also, I figured getting her skin care was an answer but what kind. I want something very gentle for her young skin. I am at a loss here.

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you everyone for all your great advice! I wrote down all the tips, ideas, and advice in a book. I am going to also use this book to keep track of my daughter's progress and response to the different things I am going to try. (This was how we found out what foods she was allergic to, by keeping a food/activity diary.)

I am going to start by trying to focus on her diet and when she is out of school, no corn for her! It's hard to stop that then they are out of your control. Also, I am going have her drink more water and use a gentle, safe cleanser and mloisturizer, write down the results and take it from there. She swims a lot in the summer so I have a feeling that will clear her up.

Thanks again for everyones help!
R.

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

My son is 8 and sometim es has the same thing-I don't think he washes his face. I get a wash cloth and put soap on it my self, and ask him if he wants to scrub, or should I? after a couple days, it's fine. i hope it's that easy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

In my family, acne has been a sign of a chocolate allergy...in my 3 girls (before puberty). We cut out the chocolate and the acne went away.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

drastically reduce amount of processed food, watch what she eats - even on all organic diet there is a possibility for too much sugar. add lots of fresh uncooked greens (baby green leaves are good) to her diet. if you allow red meat poultry and fish make sure it is not farmed and full on hormones. let her be on the early morning sun w/o sun block for 5-10 min intervals every day.
Good Luck
V.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi R.,

My name is C. and I have a friend who has a 10 year old with acne as well. I just so heppen to sell Avon and she has been using a very inexpensive product that has helped alot. They are called Avon Clearskin Cleansing pads and they are only $3.49 and also there is the Clearskin Astrigent blackhead clearing formula for only $3.49. GO to my website at www.youravon.com/cfox9194 to check it out. If you live in the Lake Forest, CA area you can have it shipped to me and I will deliver it ot you personally. Otherwise using free shipping code FSANY. I hope that helps.

C. Fox
Avon Rep
###-###-####
____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

i have had acne since i was a young girl and it got worse as i became an adult. i used medication and proactive religiously with some success but as a 35 year old woman i was frustrated to still have breakouts while i was still taking medication and using proactive. i decided to give up artificial sweeteners a year ago and i have not had a break out since. (i am off acne medication and don't have to use proactive anymore). the only other time in my life that i didn't break out was when i was pregnant. i thought it was hormones but realized that it is also the only other time in my life that i gave up artificial sweeteners. acne was how my body processed the artificial sweeteners. i don't know if your daughter drinks diet soda, uses splenda or anything like that but i thought i would still let you know. get the book natural cures by Kevin trudeau, it has lots of naturalistic advice.

good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello R..

My 10 year old son started getting acne a little while ago. I have been using BLACK SOAP. It is a totally natural product that has she butter and other healing properties for the skin. It clears up outbreaks quickely and it's not strong like other acne products. Just type in BLACK SOAP and do a search online and you will see many options come up. My favorite brand is NUBIAN HERITAGE.

Check it out. It is also great for your skin.

Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

R.: Might sound strange but, make a paste out of cinnamon and honey and apply it on your daughters acne at night. Takes about 1 week or so, but you will start seeing the difference. I tried it on my son because he is 15 and really broke out and it worked wonders.

Let me know it if works for her. If you give me your personal Email, I can send you the medical conditions that honey and cinnamon are good for.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.Z.

answers from Reno on

I have 4 kids, and they started getting acne long before puberty. Two of them were about your daughter's age when they started getting blemishes. So far, only one has had severe teenage acne (my "baby" is only 10). we just try to be vigilant about cleanliness and keeping your hands off your facve, that sort of thing. Don't panic, it's common.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.I.

answers from Los Angeles on

Go to http://www.phmiracleliving.com/ to see why this is happening... Things like acne and obesity, heart disease, diabetes, every disorder/disease (from small to big) you can think of - these are all symptoms of one underlying issue that is explained on this website. Our kids are especially in need of this info as they will be facing many illnesses and even embarassing bodily responses that are avoidable if we parents just take the time to learn this. I'm reading the book and it is very exciting, I've quit sweets and coffee (I have a horrible headache) and feel much more energetic already. I plan to follow this plan to the tee and look forward to a much longer and healthier life. It's not a program you have to buy, it's giving your body what it needs to heal itself through food.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi,

NAET.com, have an allergist eliminate your child's allergies and skin problem will clear up.

Be well.

N.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

Just a thought, I recently read some information about the importance of an alkaline balanced diet. Apparently a diet high in acidics is a cause of skin problems. I had never heard about this before and again, this wasn't talking specifically about children or adults. But maybe it's worth googling and looking carefully about what your daughter is eating.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

My 13 year old daughter is "blessed" with my husband's skin. For most of his life he had been on meds for his acne. She started to show signs about age 9. We washed her face 3 X a day, we put her in the sun, we fed her as well as we knew possible and still, pimples.

It wasn't until 3 years ago when we went our current nutritional cleansing progam that she and my husband have had little to no signs of acne. Every morning we all have a nutrition shake, 1 -2 oz of a cleansing herbal drink and voila, no more challenges. This is what I order for my daughter every month: http://liveitdontdiet.isagenix.com/us/en/shakecleansepak.... The $150 I spend on NUTRITION for her every month is WAY better than the $100+ my husband used to spend on his meds every month. I'd rather feed my kid then medicate her any day.

We can talk about it if you would like.

B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I had adult acne and took a supplement that contained mostly milk thistle (an antioxidant) and vit-B complex. Problem was I had to drive quite a bit to the Asian pharmacy in Orange County to get the product so when I got tired I just took the vit-B complex and milk thistle together bought from Trader Joe's. Since your daughter is seven you'd have to ask a doctor to find out if it's too much for her. For me it worked wonders as both a preventive and corrective "medicine". My liver cleansed out to the point where the stubborn, reoccurring acne around my mouth DISAPPEARED and I haven't had that problem in 7-8 years!

Best, A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

try something mild like nuetrogena or clean and clear facial wash. i wouldnt use an astergent (spelling?) and i would also have her use something oil free. then have her use a lite moisterizer in the morning or before bed after she washes her face. i agree with the other mom have her wash her face after school (atleast with warm water to get the dirt off). i would only use the facial cleanser once a day then the other times use warm water. its probably from the weather its been crazy humid and hot. good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

R.,
This was happening to my son when he turned 8. I started watching his face washing habits after school and sports, when he sweated the most. I am a Mary Kay consultant so I had him wash with our skin care called Velocity (which is made just for our teens). I only have him use the mosturizer after his morning wash but have him wash his face after his sports or after a long hot sweaty play time. This has really help to put his face back in balance. I found in talking with the medical group with Mary Kay there is no set standard to get started on a cleansing routine.

Good luck - I am sure you will find the right thing for your daughter.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi R.,
well puberty starts about 2-3 years before she gets her period. I got that at 11 so I start puberty about 8 or 9. I know it seems way too young. Anyway I have always used the clinique skin care. They type it to your skin based on how gentle, etc. you need. Clinique is a but pricey. I feel it is worth it because it works so well. I believe nutrogena is operated by the same company and they now have a similar program. For an inexpensive and gentle solution try the dove beauty bar. its just $2 and has moisturizer in the "soap." One of my friends swears by it. Or you can also check with your ped to see what they reccommend.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi R.,

I know you were concerned about early puberty with your daughter. I wanted to let you know that I started my period at nine. I had absolutely no idea what had happened to me and was not happy. My mom had not yet talked to me about the changes a girl's body goest through. I would advise you to talk to your daughter now if indeed this is what is happening to her. You can discuss it in a matter that is not scary and just in basic terms.

I just turned thirty-nine a couple of days ago. My early puberty including developing breasts in fifth grade was not due to lack of organic diet or any other factor besides it being my time. I just wanted to let you know that sometimes some of us girls start young. I hope this isn't what is happening to your daughter. I want you to be prepared ahead of time if it is.

Good luck.

C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi R.,
My suggestion would be to take an approach of cleaning from the inside out. The body is the largest cleansing organ of the body. It is the place where things show up that the body is trying to get rid of - toxins, allergens, chemicals, etc.

You might consider going to an allergist, or an NAET practitioner (they use muscle testing, for example, to check for sensitivities).
Really take a look at diet and nutrition, to try to get the diet to being the heathiest you can, and to include lots of cleansing foods.
Have her drink lots of water (half of body weight in ounces).
I have done a lot of body cleansing work over the years. I can't tell you how many times I have met people who thought they just had life long acne, but then realized it was diet, and got rid of it through body cleansing and good nutrition.
Take care,
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from San Diego on

Hi R.,

I have a 9 yr. old and 10 1/2 yr. old step-daughters. They get blemishes now and then. Their mom just ordered a couple of the products (face & body wash, clarifying lotion) from this site: http://www.gloryforgirls.com/

They're all natural and made specifically for younger girls, tweens/teens. We haven't received them yet, so not sure how they work, but it was recommended by a friend.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

There are three excretory systems to our body: the liver, the kidneys and the skin. By the time we see signs, such as acne, at the skin level our body is in great distress. Something that she is eating or drinking isn't good for her. She needs about 1/2 her body weight in ounces of WATER, not juice, not sodas, etc. WATER. Also, get her on a good multivitamin with emphasis on the B complex. B vitamins help the skin as does Vitamin A. She is NOT too young for puberty, considering all of the hormones that are pumped in to our meats and dairy. Get the organic meats and dairy products and emphasize VEGETABLES. Keep fats to a limit and eat nothing fried.
If you want more assistance please check out my website and contact me. I'd be happy to help

www.HolisticWellnessAndNutrition.webs.com

J.
Nutritional Consultant

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Reno on

Hi...
My daughter is 9 1/2 and for about a year, she's been having a bit of a problem with black/white heads as well. I agree with the person who said try Nutragena (sp). Have her use a very hot wet wash cloth draped over her face. Do that a couple of times, as that will open the pores. Then, use your mild cleanser, paying extra attention to the problem areas. Rinse, use the cloth again, this time soaked in very cold water on the face. This will close the pores. Pat dry the face and follow with a gentle moisturizer. I also agree with the person who said to watch the fatty food intake. And no, it's not too early for puberty. My daughter began in Kindergarten to sweat and smell. Now, my other daughter who just turned 6 needs deodorant periodically. Girls are intering puberty earlier now than their mothers did. Good luck, and try not to make her feel like a freak or ugly or whatever. Girls this age are very sensitive and it can shape their self image for life.

Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

you may want to check into signs of early puberty.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I found a product that has been great for my girls, it's gentle and affective. It's paraben free, sulfate free and it does not have benzoyl peroxide. www.kidskin.com has a acne kit that has been great for my girls.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

dear R.;i had the same since i was eleven! im now 54 and seldom i have it.
Back then, My grandma made me put lemon juice that had ben sitting under the moon for the night. on the affected, but not too close to the eyes, or the eyelids. Besides that she also had me wash my face three times a day with a warm infusion of water and lettuce leaves. But trough the years i found out that acne is mainly caused by stress factors, it could appear overnight just before prom night, or on the eve of a test. my daughter had the same but with a revenge. mainly because she never studied and never(underlined) did her homework. on the other hand my daughter never ate chocolates, sweets or junk foods. still she had acne. I never faltered to my study duties or my obligations, but i did all kinds of sweets and greasy foods. (there was plenty) later onwe both tries an ancient creme now sold in the supermarkets that carry mexican products. It is called crema de concha nacar made by PERLOP laboratories and they have the number 1, 2 and three, these seemed to help. I hope they are still around. Also i used to swipe my face with a napkin wet in any tea of your choice it also helps greatly. I truly hope your daughter to be better. check what worries her. pay attention to detail over what goes on in her life. has she had her first crush over a boy yet? that may be a good cause for acne, in any case, I wish you the best of every thing good!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.M.

answers from San Diego on

You don't mention the type of diet your daughter has, but if she's not on a primarily organic diet, it is possible that she will enter puberty earlier due to all the hormones that are pumped into many meats/dairy. I've heard many stories where girls are entering puberty before the age of 10! It can be very expensive to go all organic, but to make it more economically reasonable, try to use organic products for the main items consumed in your family (e.g. milk, eggs, meat). If you are a Costco member, my local one has organic eggs, 1% milk, instant oatmeal, micro greens, and ground beef. Other suggestions include eating less processed food, soda, etc and eating more fresh fruit and veggies.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches