Recommendations for teenage acne skin care 11 May 2020 at 4:50PM in MoneySaving mums 28 replies 1.6K views

MoonChild91

As someone who suffers with cystic acne (and has for about 10 years), I second avoiding the harsh stuff unless really necessary - it strips your skin so much. I oil cleanse in an evening to remove make up, and then use a gentle cleanser - Cetaphil is nice if your skin feels fragile, and there's a couple of nice Garnier organics ones. The Body Shop tea tree oil range is gentle but pretty good too. Do NOT use a scrub, they make stuff so much worse, and even though it's tempting not to us it a good moisturiser really helps. Just look for a gel based one for oily or combination skin. 

I personally have also found that removing dairy from my diet has made my breakouts much less angry and cystic, and my skin also flares up when I've eaten a lot of sugar or processed carbs. I've seen a lot of improvement from taking omega 3 oils and a probiotic too. Might not work for your son, but could be worth a shot!

Also, as someone who is scarred pretty heavily and very self-conscious of their skin, please take him to see his gp. It's taken me years upon years to finally find something that seems to work for me (I use a retinoid gel now, but this is after 2 rounds of antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide which bleaches everything it touches) and find a doctor willing to refer me to a dermatologist. It's better to start the process early than let it get worse. 

Emmia

suki1964 said:

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 

I've always found that oils and the hot cloth cleansing method described here (and which some beauty editors in the media rave about), made my spots worse. My skin which was suffering from hormonal spots for several years prefers a micellar water (the simple one with a green lid is my favourite) followed by a gentle gel facial wash (usually a Nivea one) for cleansing. It is worth experimenting to see what you get on best with. 

The Neutrogena clear and defend moisturiser in the orange tube is a great moisturiser if you're looking for something inexpensive. https://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face-Skin-Care/Face-Cream/Neutrogena%C2%AE-Clear-&-Defend-Moisturiser-50ml/p/736945

Socajam

I agree with those that suggested looking at his diet also.
How much water does he drink.  Yes, some young people do not like to drink water, but the benefits of drinking water on the pores etc is enormous.  Sugary drinks, salt, too much grease etc should also come into this.
Along with this book an appointment with your GP and ask to see a dermatologist (as mentioned) to nip this in the bud early, instead of years down the road.

Emmia

Socajam said:

I agree with those that suggested looking at his diet also.
How much water does he drink.  Yes, some young people do not like to drink water, but the benefits of drinking water on the pores etc is enormous.  Sugary drinks, salt, too much grease etc should also come into this.
Along with this book an appointment with your GP and ask to see a dermatologist (as mentioned) to nip this in the bud early, instead of years down the road.

There are relatively few NHS dermatologists with the resulting long waiting times, so you might find (unless it is very serious) that realistically to get treatment beyond what your GP will offer, that you'll need to go private (if that is something you can afford). 

Savvy_Sue

Emmia said:

There are relatively few NHS dermatologists with the resulting long waiting times, so you might find (unless it is very serious) that realistically to get treatment beyond what your GP will offer, that you'll need to go private (if that is something you can afford). 

And the delights of waiting months for dermatology appointment to be met with "well, your skin is so much better at the moment that there's not really anything I can do to help". 

TomokoAdhami

We can only suggest some home remedies about diet and skin treatment. As we are not professional skin experts that's why we can't suggest anything about gel, cream etc. You can apply apple cider vinegar because it kills many kinds of bacteria and virus. Probably, you can take one portion of apple cider vinegar and three portions of water. Then mix it and apply on the face with the help of a cotton ball. Application of green tea, aloe vera gel and combo of cinnamon and honey could also give a soothing effect. I would also suggest you don't try to press this acne.
If we talk about diet, then he should drink more and more water. He also needs to avoid junk and fried food. Yes, to overcome the glycemic index from the diet, it is better to avoid white flour, cakes, candies, sugary breakfast, soft drinks and processed food. Better to increase intake of veggies and fruits. 
It's common in teenage that's why you shouldn't worry a lot but yes, you can consult to the skin specialist. 

Splatfoot

Lots of water definitely, and meticulous cleaning, not necessarily with harsh cleaners. I got a gentle cleanser for my son and some Silver Serum. Also, out in the sun when it comes out. I had bad skin so I'm desperately trying to help him without nagging too much.

isualive

My teenage son tried everything & his acne just continued. After two years of misery we visited the GP. He gave us a prescription. It was for a face wash etc. Goodness within months his face was back to normal I just wish he would have gone sooner. It was an awful time for him. 

Sea_Shell

Be careful with Benzoyl peroxide, some people can have a nasty allergic reaction.

tizerbelle

As he's a teenage boy I wouldn't go for a complicated cleanser.  I would try him on Elemis Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil.  You take 1-2 pumps of the cleaner, massage into face and neck and then rinse off - quick and simple whether using at a sink or in the shower. 

Its not the cheapest product out there but get it from QVC rather than Elemis and he can try it for 60 days to see if it suits and if not, return it for a refund (less postage).  https://www.qvcuk.com/Elemis-Nourishing-Omega-Rich-Cleansing-Oil-195ml.product.215586.html?sc=SRCH