Recommendations for teenage acne skin care 11 May 2020 at 3:50PM in MoneySaving mums 28 replies 1.6K views

roosterpotatoes

Good Afternoon fellow Money Savers,

My almost 14 year old son has terrible acne at the moment and as a child I suffered terribly (even now I still have breakouts depending on the time of the month and I'm 35).  I used Clearasil face pads as a teenager myself but after looking around they are not cheap.  

I am wondering if anyone can recommend any own brand spot treatments/pads/wipes/gels? I am not fussy with regards to brands, I just want something that works as his spots look so painful. Are they as good as the brands?  

Thank you very much.  I look forward to hearing your recommendations  

Savvy_Sue

it is worth talking to your pharmacist and GP - while this isn't life threatening I'd say it does warrant a conversation, and there are some prescription remedies. 

bigjohnlister

Hi roosterpotatoes! Is there anything you could to change his diet? I know it's hard with teenagers (i have 3!!)

I had terrible skin as a kid, I also ate really badly. I now have scars and didn't want that for my lads. I didn't A LOT of research I found it was a lack vitamin C! Hopefully, that helps 

roosterpotatoes

bigjohnlister said:

Hi roosterpotatoes! Is there anything you could to change his diet? I know it's hard with teenagers (i have 3!!)

I had terrible skin as a kid, I also ate really badly. I now have scars and didn't want that for my lads. I didn't A LOT of research I found it was a lack vitamin C! Hopefully, that helps 

Wow!! Never thought of vitamins. I keep telling him to get outside and get some sun on his face but I shall try vitamin c, thank you.  He has an okay diet, I am thinking it is more hormone related but will give it a whirl

Emmia

I'd also give the vitamins a go - a decent A-Z multivitamin is a good idea. 

When the spots are healed, you can also fade the left over red marks faster with a vitamin c serum. Superdrug do an own brand one which is £3.99 or £4.99 (and on buy one get one half price usually if you like it) Orange bottle with a black dropper lid

https://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face-Skin-Care/Cleansers/Cleansing-Gels/Superdrug-Vitamin-C-Facial-Booster-30ml/p/734847

adea

I have a 16 year old daughter who is acne prone on her face. I bought her some Clean and Clear Deep Action Facial Cleansing wipes for £2 from Asda. After the first wipe she used, she said her face felt nice and clean and her spots felt like they were already going down.
You could ask at your local pharmacy for Acnecide or alternatively, look for any products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. like Clean and Clear or Clearasil.
P.S. I work in a pharmacy, not a pharmacist,but have some knowledge.

AntoMac

I can’t offer much more than sympathy I’m afraid. I suffered terribly in my youth. I used Clearasil but nothing really worked for me. I also had spots on my back and chest which was awful, particularly when someone would unknowingly pat me on the back - ouch! Eventually Doctor put me on some sort of steroids (can’t remember what they were called) which worked, although they dried my lips big time. As Savvy-Sue says, worth a chat with a GP/pharmacist. What unpleasant memories that brings back - I do sympathise.

roosterpotatoes

Thank you everyone.  I will be sure to get him some Vitamin C and the Clean and Clear wipes and hope they work.  Thank you

Fireflyaway

I'd recommend tea tree oil facial wash. Not a really cheap one, it has to contain tea tree oil and not just smell like it. It's not too expensive because you just stop buying your usual facial wash / soap. I've found some spot treatments just dry your skin. There is one available ( I forget it's name) from pharmacies. It's not just on the shelf, you have to ask because it's got a medicine of some sort inside but that might be worth investigating if on the shelf stuff doesn't work. 

Dog_Lady_No_4

Roaccutane from the GP. My son went on them at 15, and cleared up completely within 6 months 

suki1964

Im going to go against the grain here and advise not to use the harsh cleansers mentioned

If it is true acne, then a chat to the GP as Roaccutane can only be prescribed by a GP

If it is just a case of teenage spots dues to the changes in hormones. then use the mildest skin cleanser you can find. Oily skin, which clogs pores causing spots and blackheads will only increase oil production if you use oil stripping cleansers

For cheapness, and for some, a very good method is the Oil cleansing Method. Its oil - castor and another of your choice, massaged into the skin and wiped of with a hotter than warm face cloth. Google the method

Any of the hot cloth cleansers that are oil based are good ( imho ) I prefer Liz Earle  but the Superdrug own brand is very good as well. Try to avoid those that have alcohol or its derivatives