Facial Products for an 11-Year Old

I would recommend using the Dove bar soap for sensitive skin. When I worked at the allergists, this is what they recommended.

I would suggest using the Cetaphil face wash. I used that a lot when I was younger and really liked it. Especially if you already know that the Cetaphil line of products is compatible with her skin.

Part of this is simply hormonal and a normal part of growing up, but it can also be genetic; there are environmental factors too.

I suffered from breakouts at that age,went through years of antibiotics in my teens, eventually a low dose of accutane treatment in my twenties, and occasionally had breakouts in my 30's. Over time and with much research, there are some things that can help control breakouts that I wish I had known when I was younger. I stil have super sensitive skin that breaks out with almost anything but it's clear with no wrinkles.

First, a gentle cleaner is very important because the wrong type can actually cause breakouts or allergic reactions. Regular soap is one of the worst products because the fatty film clogs pores, especially anything that is antibacterial which can make skin red and dry. With dry skin, bar soap will make the situation worse. If she wants to stick with facial soap, regular Dove is a good option (look at the ingredient list if there is a nut allergy - there is almond oil in the sensive skin one) there are better alternatives. Stay away from Noxema or anything with mint or alcohol which would be very drying.

Have her try Johnson & Johnson's Baby Wash for cleaning her face and in the shower as a body wash, which is hypoallergenic and won't clog pores. It is an excellent (and very affordable) facial cleanser for grown ups too.

The towels you have in the bathroom are also very important. You could consider having paper towels which she can tear use to gently pat (not rub or scrub) her face dry. Or have white towels washed in Tide Free or any other gentle soap.

Have her wash her hands frequently and not touch her face, or pick at any pimples. I wish I had listened to my mom on this - the scars eventually fade but doing this simply makes a breakout worse.

she might want to dable in makeup later too. Have her stay away from foundation and powder that often make breakouts worse. Blotting papers are good though for controling oil.

Shampoos are also important. Stay away from anything that can cause buildup. Suave Daily clarifying shampoo is a good option. Down the road, as she starts getting into styling products, the residues too can cause breakouts.

She probably does not need a moisturizer at this age but a good one if her skin is very dry is Clinique Moisture Surge. Dove used to have a light face lotion with SPF 15 as well but it's hard to find. Sometimes I use Olay Complete All day lotion SPF 15. Good sunblocks are very important though - good ones include Coppertone Faces (oil free) and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer.

Lastly, much ado has been made about there being no link between diet and skin but drinking soda can be a huge trigger. Start your child early on the habit of drinking lots of water.

I'm on the fence about going to see a dermatologist this young - I found they are very quick to prescribe pills and topical lotions that your child will use for years and do very little. Accutane is only used as a last resort, is extremely effective, but also has very dangerous side effects, particularly for women of childbearing age.

In any case, make the changes in the routine gently without making a big deal out of it. Mild soap, clean towels, drinking water, using sun block, call it being eco-friendly or whatever, just start laying the groundwork for good skin care for life. Focusing too much on looks or on a few pimples that are a normal part of growing up can add unecessary angst during these tweenage years.

We use honey in my household for faces. Smear it onto a wet face and then rinse. It is anti-bacterial and works wonders. For moisturizer, we use organic extra virgin coconut oil. A tub will last a loooong time because you only need a dab.

Also, since coconut is also anti-bacterial, you can use it as a deoderant. Mix with a little baking soda and you have the best deoderant money can buy, and it's aluminum and toxin- free, so doesn't contribute to breast cancer!

I would avoid using anything with chemicals, lavender, soy, or vitamin A as they can be hormone disrupters and cause issues with thyroid and/or early puberty.

-Amanda

My daughter uses Clinique. They have soap made for dry, sensitive skin and they also have products specifically for acne that have a moisturizer in them. It is more expensive but works really well and there are times online when they are having deals (gift sets, free shipping, etc.) and also the department stores sometimes have coupons that they will let you use on Clinique products. Good Luck!

Cetaphil facial wash is great esp for people with sensitive skin. I use it daily. Since she has dry skin have her use the regular to dry version.

k

I would consider having her try the Velocity Skin care from Mary Kay. It's formulated just for tween and teens. It's very affordable, $10 cleanser and $12 moisturizer. All the products come with a 100% guarantee. If you don't like them you can choose to get your $ back or trade for something else.

Dove soap was what my dermatologist has always reccommended. I also like Basis Soap (you can find it at Walmart). Cetaphil facial wash is good too if you don't want a bar soap. I have very sensitive skin myself, and any one of these has been helpful. Best of luck to you and your daughter :)

Hi S. I would suggest that you take your daughter to see her doctor so he/she can decide what's best for her skin. They can tell you better than anyone else.

our dermatologist recommends using dove soap. my son is 15 and has received a prescription ointment. it is really working. you might want to visit a dermatologist and get a real diagnosis and find out what is best. the last thing you want is your daughter to end up with facial scars from the pimples.

Have you considered calling into the pediatrician to see what they recommend?

Acne can take many different forms, and her eczema may make it more difficult to treat. Personally, I'd probably take my child to a dermatologist only because I have had issues with acne since around that age. In my case, it's mostly hormonal, and average products from the store haven't really been able to control it.

I personally use Kiehl's non-detergent foaming cleanser. It seems to work the best for me. I use Oil of Olay sensitive skin lotion with SPF 15 - with her eczema, I'd tend to believe the lotion choice is going to be critical as well.

Good luck.

Does she have any allergies? Eczema can clear up better if a chemical or food is eliminated. Try letting her use the Dove Sensitive Skin facial wipes. All she has to do is moisten them and lather her face up (in or out of shower). Give your ped a call. Mine allowed me to send an email with the photo link of my child's cheeks...emailing me back with suggestions. It saved me time driving there, in the waiting room, and co-pay.

I am such an animated person...this is going to be hard! Ok...after you DO find whatever you'd like to use, application is key. Maybe you can find a Clarins counter..they can hael tons (and a free facial, with purchase!) I would suggest getting her the toner, if nothing else. This alone would probably help her.
The skin cells lay like shingles on a roof. If she is scrubbing up and down her face, she is probably just cramming more gunk into the pores. If you can demonstrate to her how to use her fingertips and a side to side motion, when she's washing.
Clarins is a wonderful line of facial products...you can read about it on the internet. Good luck!

If she already has sensitive skin, I would go see a dermatologist as a pro active approach for her to learn good skin care routines.

I did this with my daughter and she has beautiful skin. Purpose and Cetaphil are both dermatologist recommended, as well as Clinique products.

I started on Clinique when I was around 11 and I am very faithful with my routine skin care. I do not look my age at all, I pass for much younger. My daughter uses the Clinique line as well along with a creme from the dermatologist and she has great skin. She uses the acne wash and the gel moisturizer. I use the mild liquid soap and Repairwear Series of moissturizers.

Clinique products are guaranteed and you can get your money back if you are not pleased with the product.

Another thing to point out is good eating habits and routine facial care that you are diligent about.... no sleeping with make up on, etc.

Good luck

Can she use Dove? That's always what dermatologists recommend for eczema.

She may be a person like me that have chemical sensitivity. I am almost 25 and my face still breaks out if i use anything with chemicals. I started buying all of my stuff from an online whole-sale club. I dont know if you are much of an online buyer, but it has helped me a lot. My skin looks all the way around healthier and they have a great acne line that doesnt have harsh rubbing alcohol or anything on it. message me if you want! i can refer you and i know how to set up an account too!