Hi, My son is 10-1/2 years old and his forehead is really starting to break out. I've had him washing his face with Noxeima in the shower at night and also using a stringent on his face in the mornings. Does anyone have a product that they have used that might help him not develop a bad case of acne? Thank you
Thank you to all of you who responded so quickly! What great advice!!! I'm going to change his "cleaning" habit and try a couple of the over the counter products recommended for a month or so and see if it clears up. I've already talked to him about changing his eating (he's not bad but could be better) and drinking more water. Also the recommendations for a good multi-vitamin was a great idea. I appreciate all your advice. M.
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J.L.
answers from
Sacramento
on
My son started using ProActiv Solution when he was 14 or 15. It is a bit pricey (around $45 per month, with shipping and handling), but it does work. My son (now 22) has a beautiful complexion and no acne scars. I got it by mail, but have seen kiosks in both Arden Fair mall and Roseville Galleria off and on. For more info go to their website at specialoffer.proactiv.com. They are offering a 50% discount for new customers.
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C.F.
answers from
Modesto
on
Hi,
I am a Body Shop Consultant, and we have Tea Tree products that really work great! Let me know if you would like to sample some.
Thanks,
Cynthia
www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/cflesher ###-###-####
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S.C.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Don't forget he's 10 1/2. He's probably going through puberty. Talk to his pedi before you go out spending a ton of money on things that will not work. His body is changing. This too shall pass.
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I.D.
answers from
Milwaukee
on
I also am 10, i usually get pimples on my forehead and i get scars. 1 soultion is Proactive, 2 soultion is Nertogena. Nertogena makes your skin very soft ans smooth. Proactive works for people with senstive skin. If you want to go to Proactive.com you can chat with someone and they can answer your questions. Yes i do get mad and i cry a little because all the girls dont have pimples. But if your son gets picked on tell him to ignore them.
Updated
I also am 10, i usually get pimples on my forehead and i get scars. 1 soultion is Proactive, 2 soultion is Nertogena. Nertogena makes your skin very soft ans smooth. Proactive works for people with senstive skin. If you want to go to Proactive.com you can chat with someone and they can answer your questions. Yes i do get mad and i cry a little because all the girls dont have pimples. But if your son gets picked on tell him to ignore them.
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B.M.
answers from
Chicago
on
Oatmeal powder can do wonders to your pimple skin. Take some oatmeal powder and add lemon juice, turmeric, honey, and curd to it. Crush some green tea leaves in it and make a paste. Apply the mixed paste evenly on your face and make it dry for 30 minutes. Wash your face with clean water and you will be surprised to see rejuvenated skin.
Also, I'd check with his dr., since they seem to have good advice about these things.
Hope this helps!
Nicole
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J.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
my daughter got the same thing - i thought it was perhaps a rash b/c she had little bumps on her forehead right at her hairline, ped said it was acne. we got proactive and it worked in a week or so they were all gone. good luck! jennifer
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R.R.
answers from
San Francisco
on
I dont know the age restrictions, but ProActive works wonders for me. I am 42 and started breaking out for the first time in my life during my 30's. ProActive is easy to use and I saw results within days of using the product.
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J.L.
answers from
Atlanta
on
My daughter is 10 and she has acne and she uses stridex pads and they work very well. They can be found at kroger etc.
Updated
My daughter is 10 and she has acne and she uses stridex pads and they work very well. They can be found at kroger etc.
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E.F.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Hi M.,
I would take him to a dermatologist right away. They like to see kids with acne (especially pretty bad acne, like my son's) as soon as possible, to keep it from getting worse.
E.
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N.M.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Hi M.,
I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to read the other responses...but, something that has worked well for my husband (whom, at 30, still suffers from breakouts!) was changing his pillowcase EVERY single night...he does it religiously now. He also stopped using hair products which were causing oily buildup when he would sweat during the day.
I used Clearasil ointment as a teen- twice a day, after washing my face with Dove soap.
Good luck. I think acne is one of the WORST things, and SO hard to manage.
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S.L.
answers from
Sacramento
on
Hi M.,
My name is S. and I have my own business marketing numerous consumer products. One of them is a 3 step treatment plan for acnee. The system utilizes a patent pending formula whose molecular structure is small enough to penetrates deep into the pores causing the sebum (acne causing oil) to break down into water and salt. If you'd like, I am hosting a gathering at my home this Friday, 9/5 from 7 to 9 p.m You are welcome to come see the product line and the many other items that may be beneficial to you. This particular product retails for approximately $54 plus shipping of $8.75. However, my company special includes free shipping for orders over $75. YOur satisfaction is guaranteed. We have a 180 day return policy. Hope that helps, S. ###-###-#### , my retail website can also be viewed at https://saralopez.mychoices.biz Let me know how I can further help you. Have a wonderful day.
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S.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Take him to a dermatologist. His hormones are just kicking in and the only way I know to get rid of the acne is an antibiotic. Worked for my family. Also be careful of Proactive. Although it is a great product, it can be too strong for young skin. From: S.
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L.T.
answers from
San Francisco
on
My 16 year was using the kit sold on TV (Jessica Simpson pushes it).
She figured after some time it wasn't working . A friend of hers told her about Alba face scrub,
(you can find them at RiteAid, Safeway, etc.
It really cleared up her skin fast and now my 12 year old is using it.
____@____.com
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L.M.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Does he use product in his hair? Lots of boys gel the top/front and that can cause problems now that hormones may have kicked in. Does he eat a lot of sodium? I read somewhere that sodium can cause breakouts. My son was eating a lot of turkey jerky for lunch at school and his face really broke out. I found a different brand (Trader Joes) that was lower in sodium and it helped. Watch his intake of salty products. Don't use Noxema, I think it contains a waxy substance that can block his pores. Try Neutrogena acne wash or just Cetaphil face wash. Both are pretty mild. Proactive does work, but you have to be very consistent. Make sure he doesn't use too much. It is expensive and my son had to learn that more doesn't necessarily mean better. If you use Proactive, you'll need to buy white towels and white sheets. All my towels and sheets (for his bed) are now "tie-dyed" for the peroxide in the product.
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M.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Hi M.,
Get Proactive (you can buy in online or TV infomercial)- it works well for acne and isn't damaging like some products. Also, make sure he is drinking enough water. Good luck!
Molly
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K.G.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Hi M.,
As others have mentioned, definitely check that hair products aren't making their way on to his forehead. Also, he should wash his face after using shampoo/conditioner to ensure that those get washed off. This sounds counterintuitive at first, but using a light moisturizer is really important, especially when using acne products that can dry the skin. When skin is dry it works even harder to produce oil, leading to more breakouts. Both Complex 15 and CeraVe lotions (not creams) are good choices and can be found at drug stores. Cetaphil is a decent option as well. Avoid moisturizers with fragrance. If you have your son try an exfoliater, do not use a scrub. Scrubs can spread bateria, creating even more acne. An gentle exfoliating enzyme mask (such as Zia Papaya) might help -- just don't use a scrub. With toners, if you get one, choose one that doesn't contain alcohol because it can be overly drying. Finally, make sure your son does not rest is head in his hand (like when he is reading). When I was a kid, I kept getting zits on my chin until my mom noticed that I often held my chin in my hand to support my head.
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K.K.
answers from
New York
on
My son is the same age. He uses a skin refining toner every night and regular soap and water every morning in the shower. I went to my Dr. a few years ago because I suffer monthly and needed a referral to a dermtologist and he would not give it to me because it was only a few here and there and he believes that if you keep your face clean you can actually avoid them. So now I wash my face in the morning and before bed with a wipe to remove the makeup and use soap and water with the toner and that works for me. I also notice that when my son is strict with his face ritual it keeps his skin clear also. You just need to make sure they follow through with it every day to keep the skin clean of dirt and oil. If it gets out of control then you need to see a Dr.
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B.W.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Ask a dermatologist about Obagi Acne system.
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K.U.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Hi Michele,
I've tried almost all the major types of acne meds and for at least eight years I've had great results with Neutrogena salicilic acid with vitamins cream. It's SO much better than benzoil peroxide, which left my face feeling stretched and crackly. Good luck to your son! Remind him that picking only makes it worse, it's so true.
PS: I agree that sugar is the worst thing for skin. If you can convince him to avoid soda, ice cream and candy that's at least half the battle.
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C.M.
answers from
Chico
on
I know dermatologists are expensive, but avoiding scars on your son's face is worth the money. You would be surprised that insurance will usually pay for the appointments and any Rx creams, etc.
If your insurance doesn't cover it, Mary Kay makes a great acne gel spot treatment that works well to combat pimples. Moisutrize right over the top after using it.
Speaking of moisturizer, is your son using one to replace the oils stripped off by the Noxema and Astringent solution? If not, it could be why his acne has gotten so bad. When oil is stripped from the skin, the skin in turn overproduces oil to replace it and that combined with the changes in your son's hormones may be producing more pimples. Make sure that your son is using a moisturizer to replenish the skin after cleaning. Good luck!
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E.B.
answers from
Modesto
on
It is not a product cure but if he wears hats often wash the inside bands so they do not add the old sweat and dirt to his clean forhead. This helped my brother with his forhead acne. It will not stop it but it may help it from getting worse.
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B.L.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Save yourself the home remedies and go to a pediatric dermatologist. There could be a physical reason that he is experiencing this so young. He could also be starting puberty very early and that would explain the acne.
+B+
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J.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Acne is an outward sign of inward imbalance. He needs to be drinking water... limit all sugars... no sodas...he needs to be on a good multivitamin (try one from a health food store versus one from a pharmacy). I used to have pretty bad acne until I cleaned up my diet... now I have maybe an occasional pimple at my cycle.
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G.B.
answers from
Boise
on
Iv'e read that acne problems can be caused by too much dairy Or a vitamin A, B3 , B6, or Zinc deficency. (the location of the acne would point to which deficency it is.)For example, for vit A, the back of upper arms, and thighs would be affected .)
Your skin is the biggest organ of your body, and its health is affected by the flora in your gut. ( The majority of your immune system is located in your gut.)A good thing for your gut is eliminating the white flour and sugar, basically a lower carb diet. Use coconut oil as your cooking and baking oil. It is one of the few oils that doesn't go rancid, can be heated at high temps for cooking without affecting it, and reduces yeast strains in the gut. (caprylic acid tablets will also reduce or help maintain those strains as well. it is derived from coconut oil)Once the gut yeast is reduced your body will be able to absorb more vitamins. Stay away from fermented foods, (vinegar, soy sauce, malt, etc) which feed yeast.
Most of us don't get enough vit A , B or C and our bodies don't store it. So it would be good for him to take some muli vitamins. For example, we should have a minimum of 400mg of vit c every day for good health. If we eat two and a half cups of vit c rich food, that could give us about 200 mg, or less. I would strive for 1000mg for a teen and 1800 for an adult. Abrupt high Vit C intake can cause diarrhea so work your way up to those levels. Vit c is a must for building collagen, so if he needs to heal his skin, it would be a good choice.
The better source of Vit A is Cod Liver Oil.
Since sugar kills vitamin B and our diets are high in refined foods, I think everyone should supplement it. A vast majority of people are low in it when tested.
Low zinc can cause boils and acne.
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K.S.
answers from
Tulsa
on
My son used Rodan and Fields Dermatologist, "Unblemish" It is from the Drs. who created ProActiv and the only skincare that has "over the counter" strength medication available without a prescription. It is different from ProActiv as that did not have medication in it only bensol peroxide. I tried that before taking time off to go to the "local" dermatologists. There is a 60 day empty bottle guarantee and the Drs. nursing staff on call. Best decision I could have ever made! I can tell when he is and isnt using it it works so well. If my 13 yr old son can get this routine down anybody can! I loved it so much I now order it wholesale as I use their other products. I can get you the info.
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R.L.
answers from
Charleston
on
My niece is 8 1/2 years old. I have kept her since she was 10 1/2 months. And I came to realize that a lot of her problems stemmed from what she was coming in contact with (contact dermatitas). She had what they supposedly said was eczema but to me that is just a name doctors have given to a lot of problems that children of cigarette smokers have during their childhood. The eczema behind her legs went away (and doctors state most often will around 2 or 2 1/2 year old) and that coincides with when they are potty trained and because smokers with nicotine, arsenic and the other chemicals on their hands are no longer lifting the baby/ toddler at the knees or thighs and this was where my niece kept breaking out, when with her Mother that smoked, but would clear up when I washed and applied Olive Oil , when she was with me. This is what I observed over time. She also has a problem with breakouts on her forehead and over time has gotten worse. They were on her cheeks until I told her Mother if you are going to smoke you should not be kissing her on her face. She stopped kissing her on the cheeks and they cleared up and she started kissing her on the forehead and it is a continual battle to keep it clear. This may not be your problem, cigarette residue, but thought I would mention it here. I think a large part of the problems such as rosacea, some forms of facial breakouts, eczema are all diseases that came about because of smokers handling, kissing there children after having smoked a cigarette that contains ammonia, arsenic ( which can cause itching and breakouts) and also contains 4000 other chemicals, 200 of which are known carcinogens. I also believe forms of crippling arthritis may stem from those that have parents that smoke and there children became arthritic later in life because of the arsenic and tobacco residue transferred to their childrens legs over a 2 to 2 1/2 year period of time. Now my niece sometimes complains about one leg which was affected, more than the other, that at times for no reason it aches/hurts. To me what someone not knowing what I know might at some point diagnose as Arthritis and not Arsenic having leeched into her bones. These statements come from 9 years of observation. She clears up when she is with me, from Monday after school until Friday 11pm and breaks out when with her Mother from Friday 11pm until Monday before school.
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E.W.
answers from
Sacramento
on
I had acne as a teen and tried everything (every kind of cleanser, toner, prescription tetracycline, retin-A, etc.). The most effective treatment for me was vitamins. I had a friend who used to have very bad acne and bought very potent multi-vitamins from a gym that were for weight-lifters. They really worked. I would suggest a very healthful diet (no fried foods or other fatty foods like cheese, chocolate or other junk, not too much fat, lots of fruits and veggies). Dairy can also cause acne. It might be worth eliminating dairy from your son's diet for about a month and see how that goes. Go to your local natural foods store or vitamin store and ask for the strongest multi-vitamin for a 10-year old. They may be able to suggest certain nutrients especially for acne. Cetaphil cleanser is very gentle on the skin and a good alcohol-free toner is always great, too. Neutrogena or Kiehl's products are great. Of course, it never hurts to go to a dermatologist, but in my experience the antibiotics they prescribe do not work very well.
Best wishes!
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B.M.
answers from
Reno
on
I highly recommend PROACTIVE. It's an awsome product. My neice and nephew both had acne problems and used this. So after all the hormone crazziness with pregnancy etc I had a problem and used this and it totally cleared it up. I can be a little drying at first so I went to every couple of day and that helped. Just work and see which regime works best for your skin
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M.C.
answers from
San Francisco
on
M.,
I wholeheartedly agree with the person who said "no sodas" as even today I find an over abundance of soda pop makes me break out, and I am 47 years old! Yes, I had acne at age 12/13 onward, and did the antibiotic treatments, etc. Fine, if he must, but I would also work hard on his diet first. They say diet has nothing to do with acne: I totally disagree! Do see a dermo, at least for topical products and make sure he's eating/drinking right. Get rid of the soda pop (and limit candy bars, etc.) and you'll most likely already see a big difference.
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J.D.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Try Mary Kay's Velocity cleanser and moisturizer. I'm a consultant and I hear over and over again how great it works on acne prone skin--it's made for 'teenage' skin. To my knowledge, it's also cheaper than most other 'systems' out there. (4 oz tube of moisturizer is $12, 5 oz. cleanser is $10) I'd be happy to send you some but since I'm not local to you, you may want to go to marykay.com to find a consultant near you. I also have a before/after testimonial. If you email me directly I can send you the attachment.
(Mary Kay has a satisfaction guarantee so you can return or exchange anything at anytime if it doesn't work for your son.)
Hope that helps!
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E.J.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Hi M.! I strongly recommend Arbonne's Clear Advantage System. It is pure and safe and WORKS! It is so much better and safer for your son that other harsh, expensive products that are not very good for our skin. Other harsher products may work, but they do not nourish your skin and are only "bandaids" for a bigger issue. Arbonne's system also has a supplement that fights the acne from within, as well. He will love the results and you will love that it is good for him!
www.arbonne.com E.
#17524441
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V.G.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Hi M. - I hope all is well with you and your family and that you have found products to help your son. I wanted to be sure that you check the safety of the ingredients on www.findgreenhere.com (safe cosmetics page, cosmetic database link). Many personal care products made by very well-known manufacturers in the US contain potentially harmful and even carcinogenic ingredients. If you are every interested in trying Glimpse Intuitive Skin Care (all clean and green, made in the USA, toxin-free), I am scheduling Skin Nutrition Classes in the Bay Area at the client's home or mine. Glimpse comes in several systems, one of which is a family pack and has systems for both normal-combination and normal-dry skin types (and is very great for treating acne-prone skin care issues) Feel free to contact me if you would like further information. V. G. :o)
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M.A.
answers from
San Francisco
on
HI M.! I hope your son is handling this all well and isn't too bummed out about it. It seems like you got a lot of great suggestions of easy to find products you can try. I am also a fan of salcylic acid and also sulfur (for spot treatments). If those don't work I know of a great line that you can buy on-line. It works especially well because you also need to buy a special device that allows the medication to absorb 70% more than if you just used the product with no device. The results have been phenomenal, and anyone in the family can use the device with high quality products (it was intially designed to help anti-aging products be more effective but we now know it works great with the acne line). However, the initial investment in the device and product line is a little pricey, so that is why it is a good idea to try the less expensive products first. If you want to know more you can email me ____@____.com
I can send you some more info about it. I know of several teenagers and adults who were finally able to get their acne under control with this device and product line so it is worth considering.
Take care and good luck!
M.
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J.M.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Good morning Michell - BeautiControl has a skin care product for acne prone skin...called Skinlogics Clear (also a great product for adults). It helps dry & clear acne blemishes without stripping essential oil, helps rid skin of dirt & impurities, helps to absorb excess oil & helps prevent future blemishes. Check out my website for more specifics - www.beautipage.com/bananabreze
Enjoy beautiful skin at any age
Good luck. J.
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S.R.
answers from
Sacramento
on
I dealt with bad acne for a long time and in my search for clear skin I learned it is all related to your "gut". You have to have a balance of the good and bad bacteria. So I would suggest he start taking some probiotics. Primal Defense is a far superior probiotic and you don't have to worry about refridgeration. Here is the link to buy it. This is the cheapest I have been able to find. http://www.vitacost.com/Garden-of-Life-Primal-Defense
Also, I use MyChelle face products and I love them. All natural, no chemicals so it would be safe for your son. You can also get MyChelle on vitacost.com.
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D.F.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Hi M.,
You have a lot of great options here. My dentist has used ProActive for quite awhile. He has recently stopped, after installing a shower head that dispenses vitamine C. I can tell a big difference in the texture of his skin.
Another thing, somewhere I heard that pimples on the forehead are a sign of dehydration. Pimples on the chin are hormone activated and pimples on the cheeks are stress induced. Have him set a water goal for each day. My daughter would get an almost instant reaction (oily itchy feeling to her skin) after eating peanut butter. That was a bummer because she really LOVED peanut butter.
We look forward to hearing great results for your son. Bad skin is very damaging to a kids self esteem, it's great that you are moving so quickly to help your son.
Blessings,
D.
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D.P.
answers from
Fresno
on
I'm another mom who says that Proactiv did not work for her kids. However, sulfur soap (you can buy it at Kaiser over the counter) does seem to help. If the acne continues, bring it up with his pediatrician. There are things he can prescribe. If those don't work, go for a referral to a dermatologist. Hope this helps!
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C.L.
answers from
Fresno
on
Have you taken him to the dermatologist or is that an option? If not, my sister has used Proactive for a long time and this is the only thing that worked for her.
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E.M.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Hello,
I have 4 boys & a girl(21,19,16,14,12) that all have acne & I took them to the dermatologist & he recommended Neutrogena, I got them the bar & so fare so good...You might think of trying it:)
Good Luck!!!
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W.M.
answers from
Sacramento
on
M.,
Here is what the Pediatrician told our 15 year old to do.
Change the pillow case once a week. Wash your face in the
sink only, the shower water gets too hot and invites in too much bacteria. Wash at night with an antibacterial soap and put acne treatment on the spots then. Wash it off in the morning with a mild soap. That was our starting point. Let me know how this goes, and I will tell you what was next if it does not help. the doc recomended a benzoyl
peroxide to start, and a light moisturizer during the day to prevent overdrying. We had no luck with the pro activ
and have better luck with the salacylic acid than the
benzoyl peroxide. Good Luck, W.
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A.M.
answers from
Sacramento
on
Proactive. Works great! My 16 year old uses it, and his complexion is beautiful. Just make sure you buy white towels... it will bleach colored towels!
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C.O.
answers from
Yuba City
on
Unfortunately, there is NO cure for ACNE yet however, it is treatable & preventable!
Experts say 95% of teenager boys & 90% of teenages girls will eventually get some form of ACNE, and for women it can last for 20 years or more! Have you tried the UNBLEMISH by Rodan and Fields Dermatologists?
They are the same creators of Proactiv Solutions, however this is their high end "Medical Grade" line up until recently found only in high end department stores such as Nordstrom etc...
This line works wonders on ACNE and changes the skin inside out! My niece who is 11 uses it - under a parents direction.
I worked for Chanel (cosmetics) at the time and they did not have a product that worked. So a friend introduced me to the Line by Rodan + Fields(Creators or Proactiv)and I have been hooked on it ever since!
They do use a combination of FDA approved OTC medications this is what helps treat & prevent the acne...you need to be diligent and use it as directed- you both will love the results- it's amazing!
Plus it's 100% money back guarantee to work! The UNBLEMISH LINE comes in a 2 months supply - 8 weeks - it will take that long to treat, correct and prevent what's coming up on his skin. Make sure to always use a broadspectrum sunscreen and apply it every 2 hours when out in the sun.
Here's a link to check it out for yourself. Best Wishes!
I would have him use some sort of exfoliating wash each day.
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A.N.
answers from
San Francisco
on
My daughter started breaking out at age 10 also. She doesn't like soda and only drinks water and milk. She has been using Pro-Activ for a year now and her skin looks great!
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A.E.
answers from
Sacramento
on
I would use benzyl peroxide! You can buy a "Panoxyl" bar at any pharmacy store like Longs (around $8) that has benzyl peroxide but is not too harsh. He may need to use a light moisturizer after. If it does not get better I would take him to the dermatologist because at that age sin problems can really have an effect on his self esteem.