Best Acne Face Wash for 12 year old boy

[mdrob214]

WHile you're waiting for a Derm. appt. try something else. My DD14 is sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide (the medicine in Proactiv and many other acne creams, etc.) We didn't know that was what made the acne worse until we switched her to Neutrogena Acne Stress Scrub/wash and lotion. It took a few days, but it's clear now! The Dr said some people are very sensitive to BP and that it just aggravates the condition. Good luck!!

 

[KLAIT]

Also, taking a Vitamin C tablet each day seems to help. Recommended a long time ago by our family dr....and, it is cheap and does not hurt a person to have a little vitamin c each day.

 

[ceecee]

My soon to be 15 year old daughter starting having a bit of breakouts, I am sure its getting to be that time. But we tried proactive and it was okay, I bought this kit at walmart its call "Clean and Clear Acne Kit" it was less then 20.00 and it has seemed to clear her face up. But like I said she didn't have Acne but a bit of a breakout..

We tried this and their Blackhead Eraser, don't waste your $ if you've already tried ProActiv, go to the Dr. I thought DD could stop the Rx face lotions and go on this, within 2 days the acne was back really bad, we went back to the prescriptions from the Dr.

 

[Taja]

Definitely see a dermatologist.

If you're looking for a gentle, topical acne wash, try Serious Skin Care, which is available through Home Shopping Network. I never had any problems when I was young, but middle-age has been rough! *LOL* They do have other products, which are too harsh for my middle-aged skin, unfortunately. I have been using the wash pretty consistently for about three years and can tell when I run out--I begin to break out again! *eek*

If everything is under control, I use it at night every two or three days; if something has caused my system to go bonkers, I'll use it every night for a week to ten days. Keep in mind, this is mature skin that can't handle harsh, drying products.

It seems to provide an extra layer that clenses pores more efficiently. Just personal observation.

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

You have gotten some great advice so I will not elaborate on that other than to say .. yes go see the dermatologist.
But please do some research re: accutane. It has horrendous side effects and it not recommended these days.
That is the only thing that I know you should avoid. And yes.. I am sure it helped many people.. but in my opinion it simply is not worth the risk.
Just trying to help.

Sorry but I have to disagree alittle here. Accutane is still widely prescribed and used by millions of people under a derms supervision. Accutane should only be used as a last resort if other things do not work because of the side effects however millions of people do use it without any side effects. You just never hear about them because the bad news always gets more publicity then the good.

I know this because I used accutane 2 years ago for my adult onset acne that would not clear up after trying many many different things. I had a great Derm who really took the time to explain everything to me. I had to go in for monthly blood tests and was monitored very closely by my Dr for any side effects. I was very careful in reguards to paying attention to any side effects and I had excellent results from it. It was the only thing that cured my acne. The only side effect that I had with Acctuane was dry lips. I also have a SIL, cousin and aunt who had previously been on Accutane with no side effects at all. There are alot of really strict rules you have to follow when taking accutane and you do need to pay attention to side effects but it is the one and only thing that really cures acne. Unfortunately there are a few cases that it does not help or some people may need more then one treatment or may have to use something else after their accutane treament.

My son is currently on antiboitics and topical cream for his acne and he is starting to clear however if it stops working and his face gets worse I would definately allow him to go on Accutane. There are risks with any med even over the counter meds. Everyone should do their own research and know all the facts before making any decision on meds they take. I did plenty of research before I went on Accutane and along with the bad I did find many successful cases that definately outweighed the bad and that helped me make my decision to try it. My only regret is that I didn't try it earlier.

 

[KerriSue]

Try a system with Tea Tree Oil...it was mentioned on this board a few times by someone who swears by it. I did finally buy it and it DOES make a big difference...The Body Shop is where we got ours on-line. They had a sale..not sure if it is still running or not...

I swear by this stuff too. Someone mentioned it here on the boards so I thought I would give it a try. The stuff ROCKS!!!!!!

 

[Tammysue5]

I agree w/the poster about the Accutane.... ,, when you're a teen even a few months can seem like forever. Make an appt. immediately to see a derm.... write down ahead of time what you have tried, how long and if saw any results. Generally a derm may opt for Accutane if you have tried for a year or so on other products w/o results... (not everyone) For boys, being on accutane, is not as difficult as for a girl. (They will do labs... liver functions tests....for girls they will need to have pregnancy tests. confirmned birth control)

The doc can only write a script out for 1 month of pills at a time... the script is good for only a couple of days...meaning once the script is written, you have literally a few days to fill it. (VERY stirct guidelines) you will also, at the start of the accutane tx. , be presented w/a card that is to be shown at the pharmacy each and every time when picking up the med.

Please know that your insurance company may at first deny/say it is not covered..... that is not always set in stone. The derm. (only certified docs can prescribe accutane) will be able to fill out the correct form for the insurance company and most cases have the insurance companies convering the cost. (Accutane is extremely expensive ) it can easily cost upwards of $500-1000 a month (depending on area, strength and amount... 1 or 2 caps a day) That does not include the monthly derm visits... nor the lab work.

I have seen many that have had awesome results w/the medication and of course like any med there are those that cannot tolerate the side effects.

Most folks (young and older) will just have the VERY VERY dry lips and skin. Use Eucerin and smear it on every day... and carry a tube of lip moisturizer in your pocket at all times.

Good luck with whatever you try. This is just 1 persons opinion... others may or may not agree,,,but it is nice to have options.

 

[MrsSparrow..]

Try a system with Tea Tree Oil...

I'm 15 and I suffer from break-outs from time to time. I've been using Tea Tree Range products consistently for about 8 weeks and I have noticed a huge difference. I use the facial wash morning and night and use the face gel afterwards.

However, if any products irritate the skin, its best to book an appointment with a GP..

 

[elgerber]

I agree about the dr. advice. I would go see a dermatologist. I took my son to his pediatrician a few times, and they just didn't seem that concerned. First it was wash with Cetaphil and use something OTC. Then a cream anti biotic that didn't work. Then we tried a dermatoligist who has made great improvements for us, and is willing to keep trying whatever it takes to make it work for him.

 

[All4Nuthin]

Hi!

I highly recommend http://iceelements.com

They have an acne kit that is currently on sale, here:

http://www.iceelements.com/index.html?view=category&sid=&cid=&tid=&CatID=2&SubID=42

Their products are undiluted by water, so they last a very long time. They are gentle, natural and effective... and do not contain that horrible benzoyle peroxide that can do long term damage to the skin.

I cannot tell you how much Ice Elements has helped my son... and we had tried just about everything out there before I found this great company.

They also have extremely personalized service... Do not hesitate to either call them and ask for assistance (one of the owners will answer the phone!) or go to their message boards and chat with either Shelly (owner) or Brenda (Esthetician) for assistance. They will spend all the time with you that you need to help in any way that they are able.

Good luck!

 

[Tigge50447]

CLEAN & CLEAR...... I went to my dr and he said to look for anything with benzoyl peroxide. I tried proActive and it didn't work for me either and it was expensive. Clean and Clear is made by Johnson and Johnson and has 10% benzoyl peroxide. It's like $6 a tube. I would give that a try they have all sorts of products but only a few has the benzoyl peroxide in it.
http://www.cleanandclear.com

 

[MS_mom_1965]

Even if there is a long wait to get a dermatologist appt, go ahead and take your son to your family doctor. I know this isn't spelled right - but we have a prescription for Clindamyacin - which is in little pads like Stridex pads. My son's face cleared up so much we cancelled the dermatologist's appt.

 

[dzorn]

Don't laugh but I remember another thread that said to use a very thin layer of milk of Magnesia. It is gentle on the skin but dries out the acne.

Denise in MI

 

[clh2]

I also recommend going to a physician. Took DD, 14 to one at the beginning of the summer. Her pedi gave DD a bunch of free samples of DUAC, which didn't help too much, and then they gave us samples of something different - I just can't recall what. If that works in a month the ped will call in for an RX.

Before the pedi visit, I think we had spent over $100 on OTC, what a stinking waste of money that was, I wish we would have gone right to the pedi first.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I wrote an article on this topic once. There is good evidence that avoiding dairy products (milk, cheese, etc. plus the "hidden dairy" that is in many foods) will dramatically reduce or eliminate acne. (Go search on PubMed if you want to see the studies for yourself.) Most doctors don't like this approach because they feel that kids need dairy in their diets to get enough calcium. But there are many, many other ways to get calcium without causing the misery of acne.

My kids all went through their teen years before I saw this research. My daughter is vegan, so hasn't eaten any dairy for a long time, and she never had any acne. Just gorgeous skin. My boys who did consume dairy all had acne. My youngest was in his late teens when I did the research, and I immediately told him to stop with the cheese and milk. It worked - his skin cleared right up. But if he gets tempted and eats a pizza or has a milkshake - the pimples come back.

Teresa

 

[Kidnurse]

There's a product out there similar to proactiv but it works better in my opnion. It's called Acnefree Severe and comes in a set, similar to proactiv. The containers are orange, and you can get the set from walmart for about $22. The website is http://www.acnefree.com/af. It cleared up my skin in literally about 5 days.

 

[DiznEeyore]

There's a product out there similar to proactiv but it works better in my opnion. It's called Acnefree Severe and comes in a set, similar to proactiv. The containers are orange, and you can get the set from walmart for about $22. The website is http://www.acnefree.com/af. It cleared up my skin in literally about 5 days.

We've been trying that for my 15yo ds and it doesn't work for him at all. ProActiv worked for a while, but then it stopped working (I've heard this happens to a lot of people).

We tried oral antibiotics, but they upset ds' stomach and he was missing class due to being in the bathroom all the time.

I'm going to try the tea tree oil system suggestions on this thread, 'cuz my poor baby's face is a wreck right now.

 

[andymattmom]

WOW! So many things to read thru and great advice all around. We need a referral to get to the dermatologist so we need to see primary doctor- calling them in the morning as I had to work today. I did go out and get Cetaphil and tea tree oil to try until we can get in. The tea tree oil STINKS but I will see how it works. I really appreciate all the advice- feel bad for kids going thru it and it appears to be a common problem for both boys and girls.

 

[J&D]

I recently watched a news report where a local derm said the best OTC acne med for most people is Clean and Clear.

 

[Dr J]

there has been some good advice mentioned, but just be sure to seek tx before scarring occurs. i saw a 16yo female just this afternoon that had developed severe scarring of the back, chest and shoulders. we would have prevented this with tx, but now are unable to reverse this lifelong cutaneous marking. i see approx 5-6 pts per day that i have on isotretinoin (accutane, sotret, etc.) and i feel that it is a very safe drug, so long as it is approached appropriately with respect, surveillance and communication. if and when my children (9,7,2) "need" isotretinoin, they will get it. (how's that for a safety endorsement?) once again, seek a derm before scarring occurs, even if you have to "convince" your PCP of the need for referral. and yes, i am a derm.

jh