teenage acne....help my daughter please

[kfeusse]

It's not horrible....at least not to the rest of the world...but to her it is.  My 15 year old daughter has pimples on the typical parts of her face...forehead, nose, chin....

 

we have been trying DoTerra brand oils and products and although I think they help some...they just dont' help enough.  

 

I would prefer to stay away from medicated products...unless it is a for sure thing...because I have a whole basket full of those bottles which didn't help either.  

 

I know the acne can be caused by so many things...and each person is different...

 

but if someone here has any suggestions for us to try, please share.

 

thanks.

 

 

[wendy not in HI]

We have used the plan from acne.org with success.  It may be more medicated than you want.  In my experience, getting ahead of the breakout is what works for me and my daughters.

 

http://www.acne.org/

[kfeusse]

when she wakes up I will have her take the quiz...just to see.  

 

How expensive are their products??  Our money tree died last year and we are short of funds currently. :)

[regentrude]

Not what you want to hear:

We tried for years to get DS' acne under control. I am very much in favor of natural remedies and lifestyle changes before medication and hesitant to use strong meds. 

So we tried everything. Washes and cleansers. Sunshine. Dietary changes - no dairy, no chocolate, limited grains. Medicated sulphur wash. Medicated creams -  benzyl peroxide, topical antibiotics. Oral antibiotics. Nothing. The only thing that finally helped was the most aggressive medication, isotretinoin, given under strict supervision of a dermatologist.

In hind sight I wish I had done this much sooner and had not messed around for years with ineffective treatments.

Edited June 22, 2016 by regentrude

[Spryte]

Are you opposed to taking her to the dermatologist?

 

I went at 12, and never dealt with much acne.

 

We tried a lot of options with our now adult son - and ended at the derm.

[kfeusse]

not opposed if it's necessary..but that's an added expense too.  Not that my daughter isn't worth it...but it's not like an sickness that needs to be dealt with.  I guess I am just wanting to explore other options too.

 

thanks.

[Spryte]

not opposed if it's necessary..but that's an added expense too. Not that my daughter isn't worth it...but it's not like an sickness that needs to be dealt with. I guess I am just wanting to explore other options too.

 

thanks.

It is pricey. :)

 

Our 12 year old hasn't gone yet, he's having good luck with Stridex pads and On The Spot - if he uses them morning and night. I'm trying to hold off as long as possible, so I get it.

 

I'm just keeping the derm in my back pocket as a last resort. I'm still grateful that my parents did it, and I never had to deal with acne issues. Of course, it probably helped that my derm was my best friend's dad. :)

Edited June 22, 2016 by Spryte

[wendy not in HI]

when she wakes up I will have her take the quiz...just to see.  

 

How expensive are their products??  Our money tree died last year and we are short of funds currently. :)

 

We didn't buy their products, we used what we could find from Walmart - mainly Neutrogena On the Spot (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide) treatment along with a variety of different types of mild face wash and oil free moisturizer.  Over the years we have used cleanser/moisturizer from Clearasil, Cetaphil, Mary Kay, etc.  It's the On the Spot (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide) that really does the work of clearing up the breakouts.  

 

It will bleach clothes, sheets and towels.  Not your junky towels, just your new favorites...

[J-rap]

If it is not bad and you want to start with something non-prescription, you could try a zinc supplement and an over-the-counter Benzoyl Peroxide.  We liked this one:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PO7GKLM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A28UFSKYB7UQEA

 

However, the dd who used that combination did need to have something stronger earlier.  She had batches of cystic acne which would suddenly pop up, and she did need to go on various strong prescription creams and an oral antibiotic.  A few years later, when it started to come back, she was able to get rid of it with just the oral antibiotic and the two items above.  Now, she uses just the items above right when she feels it first returning.

 

My other dd has severe cystic acne, and she definitely needs the prescriptions.  It was really, really bad in high school, and at first even the prescriptions didn't seem to help, but at about the 4 months point, she finally turned the corner and after about 6 months her face was cleared up.  After another 6 months, she went off of everything because her skin was so clear!  That was a mistake.  It returned with a vengeance about 6 months later, even worse, if that's possible.  That was about 3 years ago. She has remained on prescriptions ever since -- the creams, plus birth control pills.  (No longer the oral antibiotic.)  Her skin is gorgeous.  But she definitely needed/needs the prescriptions.

Edited June 22, 2016 by J-rap

[EKS]

Way back in the day, as a person in my very early twenties, I finally asked a dermatologist about it, and she prescribed erythromycin topical solution and a prescription benzoyl peroxide cream.  Within a month or two of using it morning and night, my skin was totally clear.  She also gave me this cortisone stuff to put on big ones that would make them disappear overnight (I only used that a few times, but it was like a miracle).

 

So my vote is for going to the doctor. 

 

 

[Greta]

I would start with this:  http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/aha-and-bha-exfoliants/_/Skin-Perfecting-Two-Percent-BHA-Gel-Exfoliant

 

And if that doesn't work, I'd take her to a dermatologist.  

 

I had severe acne as a teen, and I've tried just about every remedy known to mankind.  When I was a teen, nothing worked except prescriptions.  As an adult, the BHA keeps it away.  My daughter uses BHA and she's never had the problems with acne that I did.  It's good stuff.

[marbel]

Not what you want to hear:

We tried for years to get DS' acne under control. I am very much in favor of natural remedies and lifestyle changes before medication and hesitant to use strong meds. 

So we tried everything. Washes and cleansers. Sunshine. Dietary changes - no dairy, no chocolate, limited grains. Medicated sulphur wash. Medicated creams -  benzyl peroxide, topical antibiotics. Oral antibiotics. Nothing. The only thing that finally helped was the most aggressive medication, isotretinoin, given under strict supervision of a dermatologist.

In hind sight I wish I had done this much sooner and had not messed around for years with ineffective treatments.

 

This is what we had to do too.

 

Depending on insurance coverage, the cost of the dermatologist visit could be less than spending $$$ month after  month on ineffective products, some of which may even make the problem worse.  And all the while, the teen is suffering from the acne.

 

Isotretinoin isn't necessarily for all severe acne, just cystic acne which is the type that leaves scars. (That's how it was explained to me, anyway.)  But a dermatologist is the best person to determine that.

 

Edited June 22, 2016 by marbel

[JFSinIL]

One of my kids needed the dermatologist and prescription meds (she isn't home to ask) to clear up her face. Worth the co-pay.

[Anne in CA]

Another thing you may not want to hear if you are on a budget, but cutting out all dairy fixes all three of my kids. I learned that on the old boards and it works like a charm. My oldest gave up dairy completely and never had another breakout. My ds gave up most dairy except cheese and does much better. My youngest gives up dairy when it gets really bad, but she loves her cold cereal. When she gives up all milk, yogurt, cheese, her face is really good.

[kfeusse]

If it is not bad and you want to start with something non-prescription, you could try a zinc supplement and an over-the-counter Benzoyl Peroxide.  We liked this one:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PO7GKLM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A28UFSKYB7UQEA

 

However, the dd who used that combination did need to have something stronger earlier.  She had batches of cystic acne which would suddenly pop up, and she did need to go on various strong prescription creams and an oral antibiotic.  A few years later, when it started to come back, she was able to get rid of it with just the oral antibiotic and the two items above.  Now, she uses just the items above right when she feels it first returning.

 

My other dd has severe cystic acne, and she definitely needs the prescriptions.  It was really, really bad in high school, and at first even the prescriptions didn't seem to help, but at about the 4 months point, she finally turned the corner and after about 6 months her face was cleared up.  After another 6 months, she went off of everything because her skin was so clear!  That was a mistake.  It returned with a vengeance about 6 months later, even worse, if that's possible.  That was about 3 years ago. She hasnremained on prescriptions ever since -- the creams, plus birth control pills.  (No longer the oral antibiotic.)  Her skin is gorgeous.  But she definitely needed/needs the prescriptions.

 

is this the only thing used...besides the supplement? 

[kfeusse]

I would start with this:  http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/aha-and-bha-exfoliants/_/Skin-Perfecting-Two-Percent-BHA-Gel-Exfoliant

 

And if that doesn't work, I'd take her to a dermatologist.  

 

I had severe acne as a teen, and I've tried just about every remedy known to mankind.  When I was a teen, nothing worked except prescriptions.  As an adult, the BHA keeps it away.  My daughter uses BHA and she's never had the problems with acne that I did.  It's good stuff.

 

 

We are leaving in a couple days for a 3 week vacation...so I looked on Amazon to see if this was there...and it appears that the liquid form (not gel) is prime.  Would they be the same thing, just in liquid vs gel?  Do you know??  Also would this be the only thing she would use?

 

thanks.

Edited June 22, 2016 by NEprairiemom

[kfeusse]

Another thing you may not want to hear if you are on a budget, but cutting out all dairy fixes all three of my kids. I learned that on the old boards and it works like a charm. My oldest gave up dairy completely and never had another breakout. My ds gave up most dairy except cheese and does much better. My youngest gives up dairy when it gets really bad, but she loves her cold cereal. When she gives up all milk, yogurt, cheese, her face is really good.

 

 

I thought about diet too.  this might be worth a try...although, it might kill her in the process....:)

[bibiche]

I would establish a relationship with a dermatologist. It might be a simple fix, or it could be something requiring antibiotics or other medication. A dermatologist will determine that and could even end up saving you money, time, and saving your daughter a lot of anguish. Acne can have a really negative psychological effect on teens and though you say it is not "a sickness that needs to be dealt with," for your daughter it probably kind of is, and how you respond to it is important. So again, I would definitely consult a dermatologist in your position.

[J-rap]

is this the only thing used...besides the supplement? 

 

Hmm, nothing specifically for acne.  I know she uses a little coconut oil as a moisturizer, and I'm not sure if she uses a deeper cleaning soap or gel.  But those are things she'd use whether she had acne or not.  She adds the benzoyl and zinc to her routine when she is having bouts of minor acne.

[kfeusse]

another question J-rap....would she use this morning and night? One of the amazon reviewers said they only used it once a day.  If that is the case, and since others complained of it bleaching sheets, could she use it only in the morning...(she doesn't wear make-up).  

 

What do you think?

 

thanks.

[Greta]

We are leaving in a couple days for a 3 week vacation...so I looked on Amazon to see if this was there...and it appears that the liquid form (not gel) is prime.  Would they be the same thing, just in liquid vs gel?  Do you know??  Also would this be the only thing she would use?

 

thanks.

 

 

Yes, it's the same thing.  I prefer the gel because it's easier to apply, and I don't feel like I'm wasting product that's left in the cotton pad that you'd use to apply the liquid (I'm cheap that way!).  But it's the same stuff.

 

It is recommended that you use a sunscreen whenever you're using any kind of exfoliant.  But if she doesn't get much sun, then a hat and protective clothing are probably enough.  She'll still need a gentle cleanser, of course, but really that's about it.

 

It will probably take about 5-7 days before she notices the effects of the BHA (at least, it did for me).

 

I'd also recommend dropping the essential oils.  EO's have aromatic hydrocarbons, which are irritating to the skin.  They're probably doing her more harm than good.  She should be on really gentle, fragrance-free products (even natural fragrances like EO's are still fragrance at the chemical level).

[sparrow]

The acne.org products worked here. We tried multiple OTC cleansers and creams, zinc, home remedies (acv, milk of magnesia, essential oils, etc.) and my kid was a trooper through all of it.  I wish we would have tried acne.org sooner.  

We've also found dairy to cause flare-ups, so he pretty much avoids it, except on pizza  :001_smile: .

[Pippen]

This is what we had to do too.

 

Depending on insurance coverage, the cost of the dermatologist visit could be less than spending $$$ month after  month on ineffective products, some of which may even make the problem worse.  And all the while, the teen is suffering from the acne.

 

Isotretinoin isn't necessarily for all severe acne, just cystic acne which is the type that leaves scars. (That's how it was explained to me, anyway.)  But a dermatologist is the best person to determine that.

 

 

Ditto.

 

In the end all of my kids wound up at the dermatologist. With my daughter's especially we tried to stick to a non-medicated route--many products plus a Clarisonic only seemed to help keep it from getting worse, but never cleared it up. In the end it pushed over to a point where it was worsening and I took her in. Two months of using small amounts of Epiduo and and an inexpensive cleanser (Vanicream Gentle Face Cleanser) her skin is clear again.

 

She feels so much better about the way she looks now--wish I'd taken her sooner. 

Edited June 22, 2016 by Pippen

[meena]

Paula's Choice has trial kits for acne treatment:

 

Regular: http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/collections/Clear-for-Blemishes/_/Clear-Regular-Strength-Two-Week-Trial-Kit

Extra Strength http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/collections/Clear-for-Blemishes/_/Clear-Two-Week-Extra-Strength-Trial-Kit

 

They are both on sale for $13 and free shipping (and their shipping has always been super fast for me).

[HeWillSoar]

When I was a teen, Pan Oxyl bar soap (found at Walmart) took care of my acne.  It also seemed to work well for my two teen boys. 

[ktgrok]

We tried a lot of stuff, but what worked the most was oral doxycycline. Which was cheap at Costco to get filled. (expensive everwhere else though..i guess there are two forms and some pharmacies only carry the more expensive form!) I want to say $22 for the month's worth? Other places it was more like $200!

[redsquirrel]

One of the biggest helps for my son's acne was switching to a low ph cleanser.  Fortunately all that means is using Cerave foaming facial cleanser, which I can find in my grocery store. He uses the one for oily skin. In fact, he uses it on his whole body b/c he also gets acne on his back and chest.  We tried a LOT of things, but keeping his skin at the proper ph made a huge difference.  Most soaps and cleansers are too basic to be healthy for our skin.  Our skin is slightly acid (about 5.5 I think). That is why the protective coating on our skin is called the acid mantle.  Stripping that off every time you wash your skin with a soap that is 8 or 9 ph can contribute to irritation and a reduced ability of the skin to fight off acne causing bacteria. 

 

The two most easily found low ph cleansers are:

CeraVe (both foaming and lotion cleanser is fine)

Neutrogena ultra gentle daily cleanser

 

The CeraVe costs about 12$ for a large bottle.

 

There are some other products that my son has found very helpful but I am a big asian skin care fan. I set him up with a little routine. None of it is super expensive, it's all available via Amazon, but it's not stuff that people are going to be that familiar with. His acne was pretty sever about a year ago, but things calmed right down once I finally got him to listen to me and try some of the products I thought would help. He was pretty desperate, so that helped, lol. It was going to take something like 8 months to get into a derm, so he was willing to try anything.

 

My younger son has terrible excema and he uses the CeraVe lotion cleanser as his soap/body wash.  It has really helped.

 

 

[Mothersweets]

Another vote for going to the dermatologist.

 

I had two teens that no matter what we tried their faces never would clear up. After spending a lot of money on products that didn't help, I bit the bullet and took them to the derm. They both needed isotretinoin- 5 months of treatment for my dd and 6 months for my son - but now their faces are clear! Insurance paid for a good chunk of it plus we enrolled in some pharmacy program so the medication only cost between $10-$15 dollars each month.

 

Looking back I wish I would have taken my son in earlier as well as an older son that could have benefited greatly from it as a teen. I remember feeling so embarrassed about my poor complexion when I was a teen (even now my skin isn't great). It was worth every penny AND the time and effort to go to the dermatologist every month for my teens to have clear skin.

 

Hope you find something that works for your daughter!

[ktgrok]

 

 

The two most easily found low ph cleansers are:

CeraVe (both foaming and lotion cleanser is fine)

Neutrogena ultra gentle daily cleanser

 

 

 

These are the only two cleansers that don't irritate my skin! 

 

Oh, and you might not need a Derm. My son's regular pediatrician prescribed his acne meds. 

[Greta]

 

 

My younger son has terrible excema and he uses the CeraVe lotion cleanser as his soap/body wash.  It has really helped.

 

 

I wanted to thank you for this.  My daughter has had eczema her whole life, and she's currently on two prescriptions to treat it.  :(  I never even thought about looking for a low pH soap, but it makes so much sense!  I'm going to buy her some of this today.

[Mom-ninja.]

Another vote for trying Paula's Choice products. Also, see if you can get her book from the library. Purchase it if you can't.

[redsquirrel]

I wanted to thank you for this.  My daughter has had eczema her whole life, and she's currently on two prescriptions to treat it.   :(  I never even thought about looking for a low pH soap, but it makes so much sense!  I'm going to buy her some of this today.

 

Oh, poor baby.  My son's eczema doesn't require scripts but I have a friend whose does. That is really hard, and painful.

 

I hope it helps, eczema is soooo tricky. But, at the very least it shouldn't hurt, kwim?

 

You can google the ph of a lot of soaps/cleansers. I know what you mean about it making sense. I read it and it was like a light bulb went off. Of course a basic ph isn't going to help when skin is already irritated!  I had been buying harsher and harsher soaps and cleansers for my son with acne, telling him to just get better at washing his face. No wonder he wasn't seeing any progress. When we switched to low ph things got much better. It wasn't perfect, but much better. The basic ph was definitely contributing to the problem. We all use it now. I even use the CeraVe foaming cleanser in our soap dispenser for hand washing. It's a bit more expensive, but I figure I save on gallons and gallons of lotion, lol.

 

I am going to switch to a low ph shampoo next.  They tend to be more expensive, so I want to use up what we have first, lol,  Joico is one brand. Ulta carries it.

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

What works for my two teens. They have moderate, not severe acne. One of them has sensitive skin and has a history of mild eczema.

 

1. Eating healthy, drinking lots of water.

2. At bedtime, using an acne wash with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (NOT the higher levels!! They can overly irritate!)

3. At bedtime, using an acne mask, with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (Also, not higher levels because they overly dry and irritate)

4. In the morning, using acne wipes with low level of salicylic acid

 

IF they regularly do this, their skin stays fairly clear. I know when they aren't, because they start to break out.

 

We have  light moisturizer if they need, but really it's only needed in winter.

 

 

 

*The key to medicated products, is to use the low level of medication versions so you don't have irritate and dry out the skin, which can make acne worse.  Sensitive skin products are often excellent for acne prone skin. 

[Ms Brooks]

Hi~

Coconut oil is considered comedogenic, meaning it clogs pores.  Jojoba oil is a better alternative as it mimics one's own skin oils and is relatively inexpensive. I bought mine at Trader Joe's for $8.00 for 4oz.

 

My DD-13 has teenage pimples. She's tried all kinds of things to calm her breakouts. She's been most successful with facial masks twice weekly using french green clay without fragrance and jojoba oil. She really thinks the jojoba oil makes a difference. My older DD-19 uses rosehip oil. Also keeping hair clean, which means washing hair every other day, help prevent breakouts. Over washing your face, over dries your skin and does not seem to prevent breakouts, it only makes your face feel extra dry and scaly. Less is better.

 

[wonderfilled]

I also recommend Paula's Choice.  Also, high doses of vitamin C and pantothenic acid could help. 

[Greta]

Oh, poor baby. My son's eczema doesn't require scripts but I have a friend whose does. That is really hard, and painful.

 

I hope it helps, eczema is soooo tricky. But, at the very least it shouldn't hurt, kwim?

 

You can google the ph of a lot of soaps/cleansers. I know what you mean about it making sense. I read it and it was like a light bulb went off. Of course a basic ph isn't going to help when skin is already irritated! I had been buying harsher and harsher soaps and cleansers for my son with acne, telling him to just get better at washing his face. No wonder he wasn't seeing any progress. When we switched to low ph things got much better. It wasn't perfect, but much better. The basic ph was definitely contributing to the problem. We all use it now. I even use the CeraVe foaming cleanser in our soap dispenser for hand washing. It's a bit more expensive, but I figure I save on gallons and gallons of lotion, lol.

 

I am going to switch to a low ph shampoo next. They tend to be more expensive, so I want to use up what we have first, lol, Joico is one brand. Ulta carries it.

We have tried so many different things over the years! Eczema is tricky indeed. This gives me hope, though! My other errands today will take me right by an Ulta, so I'll get her the CeraVe and the Joico too while I'm there. Thanks so much!

[need2read]

Another Paula's Choice devotee here. The CLEAR acne kit works miracles. You can get a trial size kit that lasts a couple of weeks so you can give it a try before you get the full size.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FriedClams]

My kids have done very well with a good exfoliating cleanser and an occasional wipe down with half water, half apple cider vinegar. Washing daily, and scrubbing hair well (down to the root) helps a ton. I think my daughter is allergic to OTC stiff as she itches like mad when she tried them. I wouldn't hesitate to see a dermatologist if needed, but we've had good luck with consistent care and natural products. FWIW, DH had terrible skin as a teen so we may hit it later.

[nd293]

Dd15 sounds similar - it's not terrible acne like dh apparently had, but it's much worse than I had.

 

She find that products have to be changed after several months, as something reliable will stop working.

 

A simple medicated soap bar from the supermarket has been the product that was effective for longest.

 

She has to wash twice a day, and she swears that changing the times makes a difference (like washing later in the morning during holidays, although I'd imagine it has more to do with more relaxed eating habits etc).

 

At the moment she is using a product which apparently has charcoal in it and it seems to be working (the soap bar doesn't seem to be working as well any more).

 

It's also been interesting to note that specific acne products don't seem to work better than face products marketed more generally.

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

not opposed if it's necessary..but that's an added expense too.  Not that my daughter isn't worth it...but it's not like an sickness that needs to be dealt with.  I guess I am just wanting to explore other options too.

 

thanks.

Yes but acne can be devastating so I would want to treat if you can by at least seeing a doctor. Does she have cystic acne or regular acne? I would at least see your pediatrician. If cystic definitely see dermatologist. I would not waste your money on essential oils.

 

My kid had pretty bad regular acne on face and back. Doctor prescribed epiduo and tretinoin cream. If your dcotr prescribes adapalene gel and you mix it 50/50 each time on your hand you use it with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide that would be equivalent to epiduo which can be expensive. Adapalene is generic and so it tretinoin but tretinoin is more expensive. Check goodrx for discounts and if name brand check for coupons.

 

My kid uses tretinoin in am and adapalene/benzoyl peroxide in pm. You could try just 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in am and adapalene and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% at night. We apply this for my son since he does not apply thoroughly all over. We also use mild Stridex with aloe vera in the green box two to 3 times a day. Have your child also wash face 3 times and day and shower and wash hair without conditioner or 2 in 1 shampoo daily. 

 

Amazon carries the green Stridex in a 3 pack and the 2.5% benzoyl peroxide called Claror. You could also potentially buy prescriptions from Canada for less but check adapalene price if your doctor orders.

 

Expect that this regime will make acne worse in first several months and then to get better. You need to be religious about the regime and not let up even if acne seems to have cleared. The only time we let up a little was when his skin became overly dry which we did for a day or so but still washed face, etc and skipped adapalene.

 

 

[kbutton]

My pretty low level acne is kept in check with taking oral probiotics and washing with Trader Joe's tea tree oil bar soap (if I don't take the probiotic, it's no longer low-level acne). The tea tree oil soap has been working very well for my son's just starting to develop acne--I can tell almost daily whether he's washed with it or not.

[hornblower]

Yes, it's the same thing.  I prefer the gel because it's easier to apply, and I don't feel like I'm wasting product that's left in the cotton pad that you'd use to apply the liquid (I'm cheap that way!).  But it's the same stuff.

 

 

 

I use the liquid & don't use any cotton pad. Just pour a bit on my fingers or palm of my hand. You use way less this way. 

 

 

OP - I ditto Paula's Choice acne kits. Try it for 8 weeks. If no improvement, see a dermatologist. 

[Greta]

 

 

I use the liquid & don't use any cotton pad. Just pour a bit on my fingers or palm of my hand. You use way less this way. 

 

 

OP - I ditto Paula's Choice acne kits. Try it for 8 weeks. If no improvement, see a dermatologist. 

 

Oh, that's a good idea!

[zarabellesmom]

If it is not bad and you want to start with something non-prescription, you could try a zinc supplement and an over-the-counter Benzoyl Peroxide. We liked this one:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PO7GKLM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A28UFSKYB7UQEA

 

However, the dd who used that combination did need to have something stronger earlier. She had batches of cystic acne which would suddenly pop up, and she did need to go on various strong prescription creams and an oral antibiotic. A few years later, when it started to come back, she was able to get rid of it with just the oral antibiotic and the two items above. Now, she uses just the items above right when she feels it first returning.

 

My other dd has severe cystic acne, and she definitely needs the prescriptions. It was really, really bad in high school, and at first even the prescriptions didn't seem to help, but at about the 4 months point, she finally turned the corner and after about 6 months her face was cleared up. After another 6 months, she went off of everything because her skin was so clear! That was a mistake. It returned with a vengeance about 6 months later, even worse, if that's possible. That was about 3 years ago. She has remained on prescriptions ever since -- the creams, plus birth control pills. (No longer the oral antibiotic.) Her skin is gorgeous. But she definitely needed/needs the prescriptions.

My parents spent a lot of money at the dermatologist and it did help, but birth control pills are what finally helped. I know that's not what most people want to hear.

[redsquirrel]

My parents spent a lot of money at the dermatologist and it did help, but birth control pills are what finally helped. I know that's not what most people want to hear.

 

Why wouldn't people want to hear that? Hormones can wreak havoc on skin, there is even one brand of BCP that is specifically formulated to help with acne.

 

I have a son with acne, I am a little bit jealous that there isn't a way to control his hormones to help him. If there were, I would get it for him in a heartbeat.

[Shellydon]

Curology has worked wonders here https://curology.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=acq_labs

[solascriptura]

I agree with the Paula's Choice. It's not as cheap as OTC stuff, but you can take advantage of frequent sales. I disliked the waste of using the product with cotton balls too, so I tried the cotton pads. I'm careful to just put a bit on one small side of the pad.

[meena]

I agree with the Paula's Choice. It's not as cheap as OTC stuff, but you can take advantage of frequent sales. I disliked the waste of using the product with cotton balls too, so I tried the cotton pads. I'm careful to just put a bit on one small side of the pad.

I also use cotton pads and put just a few drops of product on at a time. Initially I was hesitant to spend so much on trying something new, so I started with the sample/ trial sizes. I was pleasantly surprised at how little I need to use and how effective the products are.

[1GirlTwinBoys]

Is she wearing any products that could be causing the breakouts?  Such as, makeup, sunscreen or moisturizers?  Because no matter what treatment she does it won't help if she continues to apply things that are causing it.

 

I highly recommend the following things:

Clear pure glycerin soap (can be purchased at a natural mkt for a around $2)

Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water.  1/2 & 1/2 applied morning and night 

 

Keeping her hands away from her face is important because of the dirt and oils.

 

 

 

[Reefgazer]

Yes, this.  Same experience; we should have seen a dermatologist earlier.

Not what you want to hear:

We tried for years to get DS' acne under control. I am very much in favor of natural remedies and lifestyle changes before medication and hesitant to use strong meds. 

So we tried everything. Washes and cleansers. Sunshine. Dietary changes - no dairy, no chocolate, limited grains. Medicated sulphur wash. Medicated creams -  benzyl peroxide, topical antibiotics. Oral antibiotics. Nothing. The only thing that finally helped was the most aggressive medication, isotretinoin, given under strict supervision of a dermatologist.

In hind sight I wish I had done this much sooner and had not messed around for years with ineffective treatments.