My 12 year old son is starting to get acne here and there. Nothing bad but would like to get him starting to use something to keep his face clean before it really hits bad. Any recommendations on what brand/kind to get him?
Thanks!
There are so many different causes for acne. Some simply can't be treated with over-the-counter preparations and need either anti-biotics or a prescription grade medication.
As someone who's had a lifelong battle with acne, I'd wait to do anything until it bothers him. If you bring it to his attention, you could be making him self-conscious of something that really doesn't bother him.
Hormones can wreak all kinds of havoc on our bodies - if you believe it's bad enough to intervene, I'd recommend seeking the advice of a Dermatologist. Ask what they recommend over-the-counter and prescription. Just because they write you a prescription doesn't mean you have to fill it.
I hope, for his sake, it's mild acne and not the painful cystic kind I still have.
Something simple like a glycerin soap. I recommend www.soapourri.com for the best I have found. They are listed on Mamapedia as well. The most important thing at this age is to make sure he gets in the habit of washing his face every night (most important), and morning.
I think most important is to keep the face clean in the A.M. and P.M. For the most part it is his hormones changing and they have to change. I would say, whatever you use, should be good for him. If it gets too bad, you will just have to find a dermatologist to assist, or perhaps a facial will help with extractions.
My 11 year old has had mild acne since he was 8. We've used a gentle soap both morning and night and a couple times a week he uses a blackhead scrub. The scrub has kept it from getting out of control, but the chemicals are too harsh to use daily. I've seen a wonderful set from Arbonne for kids/teens. Their stuff is all natural. I just can't afford it right now.
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I'm a Mary Kay consultant and have had lots of success with our Velocity Skin Care Line for teens. It's not too pricy and is 100% guaranteed. Send me a MSG if I can help you out-I'm in Parker.
Before you go the acne med or treatment routes, try a regular routine first. One of the best soaps out there right now is good ol' Neutragena Original Bar. Tell your son to wash his face two times with it every morning and every night. If his skin is somewhat dry then use the light Neutragena moisturizer. These products are so great because they are clean and quite pure so they wash off completely. I started this regime when I was 13 (27 years ago) and did not stop until my early 30's when I started getting older skin. At 13 I had a really bad problem with my forehead and acne and once I did this I never had a problem again - ever! I also used the same system on my son and he got rid of the acne and never had a problem.
Now I did try the ProActive and other products out there for my son before using the Neutragena, and it worked like a charm for about 2 months, shortly thereafter it came back worse, almost like his skin built up a resistance to it. Come to find out this happened to a lot of his friends too. So these products I think might be more for short term use.
In short, I think the best success you will find is routine and no variance. Also be sure to remind him that what you put in your mouth will affect your complexion too.
Good luck and remember acne is short-lived so a little bit won't kill ya. = )
I would say use facial cleansing PADS when he takes his daily shower. Dove makes a great one, although I haven't found it lately at the store, that gives a good scrub. Also, Clean and Clear has a spot acne cream that works really well - it can sting if there is an open pimple though.
I have a sophomore in college who has had acne problems for quite some time - probably around the the 12 year old age when their hormones really start kicking in. Our daughter just turned 13. I have tried things from the shelves at the grocery store to proactive at the mall. The best and gentlest I have found is the Zap It by Melaleuca. I like their body wash too which is gentle and helped keep their skin from drying out.
Zap it works like proactive without the harsh chemicals and you can save money. The same company makes other facial products like moisturizers, cleansers, toners, cosmetics, etc. Let me know if you're interested and I can help you get everything at a discounted price.
Intrestingly enough my children (all teens) and I use aloe vera. Use it consistently a couple of times a day and it clears things right up. Sometimes if they are really red to start out with we use a little antibiotic cream as well.
Tea tree oil works great as an overnight treatment. And it's natural - no chemicals. I still use it as an adult when I get a pimple here and there. It really calms the redness and keeps the skin soft.
Hi Stacy - My sis is going through this with her son right now. I know I'm going to have to go through it with my boys as well. The best thing your son can do is to keep his face and skin really clean and maintain a balanced pH. Proactive products actually work very well and are any easy regimen.
Teach him to shower after PE or sports and to wash his face before bed. If he gets too dry, tell him he can wash his face at night and then just wash his face with water in the shower in the morning.
You might also consider a consultation with your dermatologist or an aesthetician to teach him how to care for his skin. If he gives you a hard time or acts embarrassed just tell him that you taught him how to brush his teeth and bathe himself and use sunscreen - this isnt any different.
I love proactive, or the generic brand sold at walmart and costco.. even if he just uses the facewash. Generic is Acne Free. I'm 29 and if I don't use that, I break out. I tried Mary Kay facewash and got the worst acne. I use acne free facewash and it goes away.
The ideas so far seem like good things to try. If you find that protactive and other off the shelf products aren't working, I can help you. I am a licensed esthetician & RN and own a skin care & acne clinic in the Denver Tech Center. You can read about some acne tips to get clear on my website, customskinsolutions.com. I am also a mom with a member perk here too.
Consider checking out the "Battle Plan for Acne" on the Paula's Choice Web site. It's www.paulaschoice.com. She does science-based reviews of cosmetics and then came out with her own line of evidence-based products a few years ago and I LOVE them. They are no-frills, not heavily advertised, but they are so excellent I can honestly say I am not even tempted when I walk by the department store cosmestic counter anymore. Her products are all fragrance-free and appropriate for very sensitive skin--I use the moisturizers on my babies. The face wash rinses perfectly clean without being drying. You can also get samples to try before you buy full size bottles of the Paula's Choice products. It's also very gender-neutral packaging in case girly stuff is a turn-off to your son.
Just the info on that Web site is worth a look--she really breaks down fact from fiction and can help you decide on a good plan of action, whether or not it is with her products. Highly recommended! Best wishes!
Hi, I'm the owner of Soapourri.com - thanks Pam for the plug! My soap is great, but I also highly recommend my African Black Soap for acne. It is not as moisturizing as the glycerin soap which may be better for teenage skin.
First of all, make sure he drinks plenty of water! When we are well-hydrated, our complexion is better!
The first step for preventing acne is good skin care. He needs to regularly wash his face with something made for the face (hand soap and body wash aren't made for the skin on our face!). Look for something fragrance-free, non-comodogenic, and without any oils. Also something that will not dry him out a lot! Unless his skin is quite oily, don't get a cleanser for "oily skin" (and be careful of "acne products" too - they can be too drying). He (we all) should be washing morning and night. (If he questions this, have him look at the top of the fridge - that comes from somewhere and it's landing on your skin too).
A toner is helpful, too. A lot of the acne treatment products are actually toners/astringents. Be aware, a toner does NOT replace cleaning. It can help restore the natrual pH balance and keep pores tight, but it does not remove the dirt and grime of the day. Avoid salysilic acid unless he is having a major breakout, it is great for treating acne but can again be too drying.
Moisturizer is also very important, but it must be oil-free. A good facial moisturizer will lock in the moisture in his skin without adding to the greasiness. Again, body lotion or hand lotion isn't the right kind. When skin gets over-dry, it tends to start producing oil, which is what we don't want!
Benzyl peroxide is a good spot-treater for breakouts. Just put a tiny dot on the zit and leave it alone.
Mary Kay makes some great products for teens (called Velocity). It fits all of the above and is high quality at a reasonable price. To find a consultant in your area, go to www.marykay.com
Wow! I am glad I read through the responses. I wasn't going to respond, because I was SURE someone would have recommended WITCH HAZEL already! If your son's acne is not that bad yet, try the following.....
- Wash 2-3 times daily (a.m., after school, and p.m.)
- Shower daily
- Use skin care products (including soap, lotion, etc) without artificial colors and fragrances - they can worsen things
- After face/back/etc is washed with soap and water, cleanse with cotton ball/pad soaked in witch hazel. (it is a natural, gentle, effective astringent)
- Eat well - lots of fruits and veggies - (there's nothing like a kid that complains of bad acne while eating candy bars and drinking soda!)
- Drink plenty of water!
Really bad acne may require products with chemicals, products requiring an Rx, etc.... I would stick to the natural, non-chemical option whenever possible though!