Recommendations for skin care products for tweens

[JVL1018]

Prevention is the key. I was shocked it started so young, but luckily it's been just some little things here and there. Got to get on top of it early. $300. I hadn't heard of Purity. I'll keep it in mind. If things get worse, I'd pay the $300. Skin care is so important. Thanks to everyone!

No, no, don't pay the $300. My dr gives me the coupon, but if you google epiduo coupon, a bunch will show up, print it out and CVS, Walgreens etc take it.


ETA You can get Purity at Sephora

 

[Kerrry7]

Definitely avoid alcohol based products and facial wipes.
I think one of the first lessons I learned whilst studying Beauty Therapy was to avoid clearasil (I used it once, and was allergic anyway). Make sure you use the correct type of product for their skin types.

 

[OceanAnnie]

No, no, don't pay the $300. My dr gives me the coupon, but if you google epiduo coupon, a bunch will show up, print it out and CVS, Walgreens etc take it.


ETA You can get Purity at Sephora

Thanks. I haven't been with it lately.

Kerry and Laura, thanks for the suggestions.

I may take them to my dermatologist if it lingers. They're pretty funny about how a product smells & feels so they would probably do best w/ mild.

 

[autumnpalm]

Just wanted to pop back in-- I had a period where I suffered from terrible acne and the CLEAR system from Paula's Choice was really a lifesaver for me. I did have to add a moisturizer as well because I had the lovely combination of dry AND acne prone skin but I used the Moisture Boost lotion and was good to go.

***************/1iEwKdT

One other tip- make sure their pillowcases are washed frequently! The oil buildup from sleeping can really impact skin condition.

 

[kkmcan]

My dd17 had terrible acne starting around the age of 12. We tried everything over the counter and they would work great for about a week or two and then the acne would come back in full force. She was so tired of dealing with it that I finally took her to her pediatrician. He prescribed Epiduo and gave us the coupon. We get it for $25 for first time and $15 for each refill. When that expired we asked the doctor for a new coupon. Easy peasy!

It worked right away for her but for my son it took almost 2 months before we saw an improvement.

The kids wash their faces at night and then put use a pea sized amount on the face.

 

[shortbun]

They really need to replenish the moisture of their skin each time they clean it. Curel makes a nice fragrance free, light moisturizer/face cream. All products should be fragrance and color free. A mild exfoliant can be used but it has to be very mild. They need to drink lots of water to keep their skin plump and healthy.

 

[cbg1027]

My advice would be to stay away from harsh products that contain alcohol, menthol and strong detergents. I totally understand the temptation to use products with these ingredients as alcohol does kill acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. However, products with alcohol can actually end up drying and irritating the skin, increase inflammation and stimulate oil production.

Pick a gentle, water-soluble cleanser (such as CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser) and follow up with an exfoliant such as BHA/salicylic acid (such as Clean and Clear Advantage Oil Absorbing Treatment). Then finish with an anti-bacterial such as benzoyl peroxide that kills bacteria and reduces inflammation (such as Clean and Clear Persa Gel).

I agree with this. I think the kids need a gentle product with such young skin.

I would just find a gentle cleanser, doesn't need to be specifically for acne fighting. An alcohol free toner, and a gentle moisturizer with SPF. I would also recommend a baking soda/water paste as an exfoliant every few days.

 

[Disneychick75]

Noxema, Stridex, and Queene Helene green mask if it is still manufactured. All 3. of my kids, including my sons used this and they never had a breakout.
The oldies are sometimes the best. For the moms, Ponds Cold Cream to clean the skin.
You don't have to spend a fortune for good skin. Don't smoke, always use sunscreen, and never go to bed without cleansing your face. If you can sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on your side, that helps too. Also, keep your hands off of your face- don't rest your chin in your hands, for example.

 

[elphaba91]

To be honest, it might be a bit of trial and error to find something that works for them and that they're happy using. When I started breaking out (in my late teens) I tried several products (including Proactive and Duac on prescription). In the end I found the harsh chemicals, particularly benzoyl peroxide, were making my skin worse. Since changing to natural products. I use an Australian brand, so can't suggest that, but Cetaphil is also good. Also get them an oil free moisturiser - making sure the skin is moisturised will stop it from trying to do it itself by producing oil. And if they're using makeup get them to switch to a mineral powder foundation - it should be more than enough coverage at their age but won't clog up the pores as much. You could get something stronger for bigger breakouts, like a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (if you do the latter make sure they use white towels and pillow cases as it bleaches!), or I've found tea tree oil works well and you should be able to get it with a little brush thing for easier application.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I don't think regular soap and water are cutting it anymore for my tweens. I'm noticing break outs and a few black heads already! Isn't a little soon for that?!

What do your tweens use for skin care? What do they like?

TIA!

After tons of OTC, I relented and went to the dermatologist.

So my advice is to skip all the trial and error OTC products and go straight to your derm and get the good stuff from the get go.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Wow. This is an old thread from December. They ended up liking Cetaphil. They tried Noxema again and while they don't love it, they say it's okay and they use it. They alternate between the two.

They are doing alright now. But I thank everyone for their suggestions and will file the information away should the need arise again.

Noxema, Stridex, and Queene Helene green mask if it is still manufactured. All 3. of my kids, including my sons used this and they never had a breakout.
The oldies are sometimes the best. For the moms, Ponds Cold Cream to clean the skin.
You don't have to spend a fortune for good skin. Don't smoke, always use sunscreen, and never go to bed without cleansing your face. If you can sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on your side, that helps too. Also, keep your hands off of your face- don't rest your chin in your hands, for example.

I used Noxema as a kid through my 20's. I don't know why I stopped. But I think when the kids saw me using it again they must have thought it wasn't that bad.

 

[Disneychick75]

Wow. This is an old thread from December. They ended up liking Cetaphil. They tried Noxema again and while they don't love it, they say it's okay and they use it. They alternate between the two.

They are doing alright now. But I thank everyone for their suggestions and will file the information away should the need arise again.



I used Noxema as a kid through my 20's. I don't know why I stopped. But I think when the kids saw me using it again they must have thought it wasn't that bad.

My dermatologist's wife has beautiful skin- of course. Both of them recommended the products in my previous post.

 

[mom2rtk]

After tons of OTC, I relented and went to the dermatologist.

So my advice is to skip all the trial and error OTC products and go straight to your derm and get the good stuff from the get go.

They have so many great products at their disposal these days. But keep in mind the cycle of acne development takes about 12 weeks. Since many treatments work to prevent (instead of treat) acne, do warn her to be patient. Many medications can take up to 8 weeks to start seeing a difference.

 

[LukenDC]

I found that the Body Shop's Blue Corn Mask is great for getting tough acne outbreaks under control.