Moxie Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 We've tried everything at CVS, Paula's Choice and Persa Gel. Before I spend the big money at the derm, what else can I try for DS's acne? He won't give up giant glasses of milk so don't suggest that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Does he eat a lot of sugar? I know this is not true for everyone, but boy-acne was/is like a barometer for how much sugar my son was/is eating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Sun? It always seemed to me that my son's acne got better when he was outdoors a lot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EndOfOrdinary Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 We had a family member begin tanning to stop her psoriasis and acne. Apparently it worked well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 :iagree: with they said. I keep beatin' this drum. One of my kids has been using vinegar, Bragg's, the kind with the "mother" in it. This kid quit using soap on the face, uses it after shower and in the morning. Rinses with water. Uses a cotton flat round applicator. Change pillow cases at least once a week. Seriously, at least cut back on the milk a bit. It may take a month, which may be how long it would take prescriptions or other topical applications. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) You said not to suggest, but milk definitely exacerbated my DS' acne very much. He liked milk and drank a lot,but stopped drinking any because his acne was so severe and he really wanted to get it under control. (Even now after it is mainly gone, milk causes flares.) So I would have that conversation again with your son to avoid more serious medications. Of all dietary aspects, this was the most severe contributor. Sunlight helped some. As did avoiding sugar. But nothing ever controlled acne enough to avoid the doctor. We tried: 1. topical erythromycin and benzylperoxide. Prescription. 2. oral antibiotic 3. If that does not help: isotretinoin. ETA: We tried zinc. No effect. 2nd ETA: If I have one regret it is to have waited so long before bringing out the big guns. I wanted to use natural remedies and life style changes. Then I wanted to avoid the oral antibiotics and try topical first, Then we did several courses or oral antibiotics to avoid isotretinoin. In hindsight, I wish I had chosen a different course two years earlier. Edited February 27, 2017 by regentrude 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandamom Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I give Zinc to my teen girls. Not daily but hopefully enough to minimize any issues. They've been taking it for a while (several times per week) for several years so I don't know if they just have good skin (I don't have a big problem with acne but my husband did as a teen) or we were able to head off problems by adding zinc. I also have my 11 year old son taking zinc. Also, tumeric is supposed to help. I take it, but due to the taste (even in the capsule) I can't get them to take it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 In the long run its less expensive to just start with the dermatologist. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 In the long run its less expensive to just start with the dermatologist. And you have a chance of avoiding scarring. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickerplum Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 B12 supplements cause my acne to flare big time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Make sure he's washing his hair really well. I try to get my kids to scrub like at the salon. It seems to help with all the hairline stuff and forehead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I agree with seeing a dermatologist — but I wouldn't pay for it until he at least tried to go dairy free for a while. He shouldn't expect you to shell out hundreds of dollars when he's not willing to first try something that costs nothing. That said, there is a retinoid called adapalene that is excellent for acne, which has just recently become available OTC. It was previously available by prescription in a combo with benzoyl peroxide called Epiduo, which cost a fortune (I think the MSRP was something like $400, and with a special discount card from the derm it was "only" $75/tube). The OTC product is called Differin and you can get it at Target, Amazon, and various other places for $12-15. In addition to the usual retinoid action, it also helps unclog pores, it can be combined with benzoyl peroxide, and it's not as severely drying as some other retinoids. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoorsy Type Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 If you go no-milk how strict are you with cheese? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammyw Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Zinc supplements REALLY helped my daughter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Yep Dh did tanning for his acne (an psoriasis) as a teen, helped a lot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Giving up dairy is the really only helpful thing my dd has done including expensive acne meds from the dermatologist. Honestly, the big glasses of milk may very well be the problem. I know it's not what he wants to hear, but it may be true. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vintage81 Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Proactiv? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceseeker Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) I suffered from terrible acne throughout my teens and early twenties. Nothing I got from a dermatologist helped. I tried a lot of things and was left with the Accutane option as a last result but I was too afraid of the side effects to try it. I used ProActive for about 10 years. It really did help but it was extremely drying to my skin. It helped more than anything the dermatologist gave me. But it didn't help as much as cutting back milk. Seriously, I wish someone had just told me that was the problem when I was a teen. But the doctors just said that diet has nothing to do with acne. I probably drank half a gallon of milk a day when I was a teen. Other than no milk and proactive, the only other thing that works for me is the beach. Between the sun and the salt water my skin always clears up on vacation! Edited February 27, 2017 by CaliforniaDreaming 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EndOfOrdinary Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Is this an instance where switching to organic could help? I am lactose intolerant and get cystic acne from dairy of any kind. It was suggested to switch to organic first to make sure my body was not responding to the various chemicals instead of the actual dairy. However, I get horrible stomach pains, intestinal issues, and in general complete systemic problems not just acne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 When I finally took a kid to the dermatologist she explained the kind of acne happening needed more than store products. Prescription has been very affordable. Wish I hadn't waited so long to go in. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdj2027 Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 We too tried everything before giving Accutane a shot. It was the only thing that worked. He still needs to be careful with milk as it causes flare-ups. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 We've tried everything at CVS, Paula's Choice and Persa Gel. Before I spend the big money at the derm, what else can I try for DS's acne? He won't give up giant glasses of milk so don't suggest that.Is he at least not drinking skim milk? Have you tried Fairlife or any of the lower sugar higher protein milk products? I was worried that my son would inherit my acne problems, and I think he did inherit my skin, but he is very into healthy eating and doesn't like sweets, and I think that combined with avoiding skim milk has really made the difference. He's got great skin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Another Lynn Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 You said not to suggest, but milk definitely exacerbated my DS' acne very much. He liked milk and drank a lot,but stopped drinking any because his acne was so severe and he really wanted to get it under control. (Even now after it is mainly gone, milk causes flares.) So I would have that conversation again with your son to avoid more serious medications. Of all dietary aspects, this was the most severe contributor. Sunlight helped some. As did avoiding sugar. But nothing ever controlled acne enough to avoid the doctor. We tried: 1. topical erythromycin and benzylperoxide. Prescription. 2. oral antibiotic 3. If that does not help: isotretinoin. ETA: We tried zinc. No effect. 2nd ETA: If I have one regret it is to have waited so long before bringing out the big guns. I wanted to use natural remedies and life style changes. Then I wanted to avoid the oral antibiotics and try topical first, Then we did several courses or oral antibiotics to avoid isotretinoin. In hindsight, I wish I had chosen a different course two years earlier. I agree with this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 You can start with your family physician who may be cheaper. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I agree with seeing a dermatologist — but I wouldn't pay for it until he at least tried to go dairy free for a while. He shouldn't expect you to shell out hundreds of dollars when he's not willing to first try something that costs nothing. That said, there is a retinoid called adapalene that is excellent for acne, which has just recently become available OTC. It was previously available by prescription in a combo with benzoyl peroxide called Epiduo, which cost a fortune (I think the MSRP was something like $400, and with a special discount card from the derm it was "only" $75/tube). The OTC product is called Differin and you can get it at Target, Amazon, and various other places for $12-15. In addition to the usual retinoid action, it also helps unclog pores, it can be combined with benzoyl peroxide, and it's not as severely drying as some other retinoids. You just made my day! I am going to get some of this today. My son has struggled mightily with acne for years. It seems to come and go. One summer, when he was at a camp for a week and swam in a chlorinated pool daily, he came home with beautifully clear skin. But the acne came back after a few weeks. We have no pool available for daily swimming. :-) He used all the "big gun" remedies and everything seemed to work for a while, then stop. Adapalene, and later, Epiduo did help, at least for a while. He was on isotretinoan (accutane) for a long time. That cleared it up well too. But then it came back. Then, his dermatologist invited him to be part of a study. For that, he had to use no medications for some period of time beforehand. His skin cleared up when he was just cleaning with a gentle cleanser. All through the study he was clear. But a few months after it ended... acne started coming back. I'm hopeful that the OTC adapalene will help, at least for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) BTDT with Teen Boy Acne. We did the dermatologist's treatment for several years, but refused his offer of Accutane. Did not see material change, but thought we were doing "all we could". We ended up finding www.Acne.Org products. Highly, highly recommend them. Not cheap, but no doctor's visits. Lots of instructions about using the products correction. Our other kids just use OTC Walmart-generic-equivalent of these two Neutrogena products: Spot treatment: https://www.walmart.com/ip/10849651?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227009422786&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40842599672&wl4=pla-78656324432&wl5=9014633&wl6=&wl7=9014632&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=10849651&wl13=&veh=sem Acne wash: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Neutrogena-Acne-Treatment-Oil-Free-Acne-Wash-9.1-fl-oz/10308600?action=product_interest&action_type=title&beacon_version=1.0.2&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&client_guid=52716cce-88d2-44ec-82ae-d2b8207e0d36&config_id=106&customer_id_enc&findingMethod=p13n&guid=52716cce-88d2-44ec-82ae-d2b8207e0d36&item_id=10308600&parent_anchor_item_id=10849651&parent_item_id=10849651&placement_id=irs-106-t1&reporter=recommendations&source=new_site&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=Q-v70qRHXpz320Jd2t7qoM ETA: We too delayed going to the dermatologist, & regretted it. It was only about $80 per 3 month visit. He took an antibiotic orally daily, had a special OTC cleanser, and a prescription treatment that came in a tube. Three items. Edited February 27, 2017 by Beth S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 If you go no-milk how strict are you with cheese?I would like some more thoughts on this too. Is everyone talking about completely eliminating dairy?My dd doesn't drink milk but she eats about 1/2 cup of plain full-fat yogurt and an ounce or two of cheese most days. One of her friends has (mostly) gone off dairy and started seeing an esthetician (having light therapy and using some topical stuff). Her face cleared up but her back acne is worse than ever. I would think if it was the dairy that her back would be better too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Another vote for just going to the dermatologist now. You can spend tons more money trying everything on the shelves at CVS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) Have you tried Differin gel (adapalene)? It was a prescription until like a month ago and now it is OTC. The doctor wrote a prescription for DS and it was $175 at CVS, but then I found out it is over the counter now for less than $30. Just a thought. Edited February 27, 2017 by Attolia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvToRead Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Another vote for just going to the dermatologist now. You can spend tons more money trying everything on the shelves at CVS! I agree! It turns out it is actually cheaper for us to go to the dermatologist then continuously buying OTC stuff. The tubes of prescription stuff last for several months, so a $50 copay and about $30 worth of prescription meds lasts us about 6 months. This does depend on copays and such, of course, but this is what it costs us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 FWIW my son is dairy free and uses ACV on his skin. As in no dairy at all. Zinc did not help. Zinc with echinacea does. His skin is still a challenge. :( Insurance would not cover the topical antibiotic face wash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IfIOnly Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 OP, did you see this recent post about acne issues being resolved: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/638987-retin-a-gycolic-peel-vitamin-c-serum-how-do-you-juggle-multiple-anti-aging-products/?p=7469587 Maeflowers recommended this Neutrogena retinol product: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/mobile/healthy+skin+anti-wrinkle+cream+-+night.do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatechip Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 A teenage acquaintance of mine just switched to Evon Healy products. They are spendy but so far, results seem good. She has tried the standard big pharma drug solutions (topical only, not oral meds) and this seems to be better (in addition to being much healthier for the skin with less adverse effects). I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised at the huge difference it has made already in only a couple weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I have had breakouts my whole life but recently I cut way back on dairy (trying to go dairy free for health reasons) and I haven't had a breakout since. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceseeker Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I don't think no dairy works for everyone, but it helps a lot of people so it seems worth a try. I could never fully give it up, and I still have cheese and butter in my diet and a little cream in my coffee. I have had very mild occasional acne since quitting milk and my skin is never glowing or anything. But I love cheese and it is A LOT better than it was. And I have makeup, lol... I always thought growing up it must be so much harder on the boys because they couldn't hide it like I could. Of course maybe these days it is no big deal for a boy to wear concealer,I don't know! There may be other food allergens triggering people for acne but dairy seems to be a big one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 We did try a dermatologist, a very good one, and would still use her if needed for other issues, but the prescription didn't do the job at all. And also trying just about every product on the shelf at Target or the drug store for 2 or 3 rounds did not help either. Fear factor of Accutane but if that's all that works for some folks, so be it. I never had acne, small monthly breakouts as a teen and young adult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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