Acne recommendations for teenage skin?

[jaylea]

My DD is 14 and has pretty typical acne, nothing major. But there is a persistent breakout that has been bugging her. She’s tried salicylic acid and your typical clearisil stuff but it keeps popping up.

What is good these days? Any recommendations?

Straight Differin gel? Or is proactive any good? I know the high end skin care brands all have acne systems as well but it’s hard to find any good feedback on any of it.

Any recommendations are appreciated!

She does well washing her face with mild cleanser and moisturizing with Cetaphil. She just needs something treatment wise.

TIA

[orval]

Have you tried zit stickers? I think they are called pimple patches. My ds uses them and they do help to dry out. Even one day helps to calm them down (not so red and angry looking).
We have tried these but there are tons of options.
www.walmart.com/ip/COSRX-Acne-Pimple-Master-Patch-24-Ct/127163232

[jaylea]

Jan 24, 2021 10:19:29 GMT -5 orval said:

Have you tried zit stickers? I think they are called pimple patches. My ds uses them and they do help to dry out. Even one day helps to calm them down (not so red and angry looking).
We have tried these but there are tons of options.
www.walmart.com/ip/COSRX-Acne-Pimple-Master-Patch-24-Ct/127163232

Yes! We love those things. The persistent area is more a series of bumps, not typical pimples they are really effective on, if that makes sense.

[lemoncupcake]

Jan 24, 2021 10:22:52 GMT -5 jaylea said:

Jan 24, 2021 10:19:29 GMT -5 orval said:

Have you tried zit stickers? I think they are called pimple patches. My ds uses them and they do help to dry out. Even one day helps to calm them down (not so red and angry looking).
We have tried these but there are tons of options.
www.walmart.com/ip/COSRX-Acne-Pimple-Master-Patch-24-Ct/127163232

Yes! We love those things. The persistent area is more a series of bumps, not typical pimples they are really effective on, if that makes sense.

Is she using an astringent? Something like Stridex pads that you use all over may be a good starting point.

[gastro]

I would take her to a dermatologist. My derm compounds her own stuff so it ends up being cheaper than buying the same/similar products from name brand skin care lines.

[jaylea]

Yes, she’s had the alba medicated and just witch Hazel (thayers)

[jaylea]

Jan 24, 2021 10:31:05 GMT -5 gastro said:

I would take her to a dermatologist. My derm compounds her own stuff so it ends up being cheaper than buying the same/similar products from name brand skin care lines.

We will do that when things settle down, but since we see my high risk FIL, we aren’t doing any non-essential appts now. But as soon as he’s vaccinated and/or things settle down, we will take her in for sure. We are looking for something new to try in the meantime.

[cattledogkisses]

Differin is what I was prescribed by a derm back in the day. The 0.1% strength is now OTC (the 0.3% strength is still prescription only). It does take several months to see full results, and it can really dry you out until your skin adjusts, so if she goes that route make sure she has a good moisturizer too.

[cattledogkisses]

Oh, and sunscreen is a must if you’re using a topical treatment like Differin. It makes you more susceptible to burning.

[lemoncupcake]

Jan 24, 2021 10:32:31 GMT -5 jaylea said:

Jan 24, 2021 10:31:05 GMT -5 gastro said:

I would take her to a dermatologist. My derm compounds her own stuff so it ends up being cheaper than buying the same/similar products from name brand skin care lines.

We will do that when things settle down, but since we see my high risk FIL, we aren’t doing any non-essential appts now. But as soon as he’s vaccinated and/or things settle down, we will take her in for sure. We are looking for something new to try in the meantime.

For something like this, many dermatologists are doing virtual appointments

[SusanBAnthony]

Based on my teenage years and my still acne prone current self, I'd start the OTC differing, and also get a virtual appointment with a derm. I use retinA at night (because it is more effective with wrinkles than differin but helps acne similarly) and just got added an antibiotic cream for morning (Metro cream, there were several options and they picked based on what my insurance covered).

You are already doing the basics (wash, good plain cream). I'd say just find a derm that does virtual appointments at this point and don't waste time with OTC stuff.

[gastro]

Jan 24, 2021 11:20:48 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

Jan 24, 2021 10:32:31 GMT -5 jaylea said:

We will do that when things settle down, but since we see my high risk FIL, we aren’t doing any non-essential appts now. But as soon as he’s vaccinated and/or things settle down, we will take her in for sure. We are looking for something new to try in the meantime.

For something like this, many dermatologists are doing virtual appointments

Yes, this. With zoom and pictures is how my derm has been doing most appointments for the past year.

[nicolewi]

Call now for the derm. I made my 12 year old DD an appointment a couple weeks ago and they were booked out until April. We've got in on the calendar and they will call if anything opens sooner.

[Aloe Vera]

jaylea random question that popped in my head as I saw your screenname. I might be confusing people but did you have a picture of toddler with dark hair in your avatar a long time ago? Is this toddler the 14 y/o now?!

[jaylea]

Jan 25, 2021 12:23:45 GMT -5 Aloe Vera said:

jaylea random question that popped in my head as I saw your screenname. I might be confusing people but did you have a picture of toddler with dark hair in your avatar a long time ago? Is this toddler the 14 y/o now?!

She does have brown hair, and would have been in my profile way back on the nest, but not on here. I left a few years back.

[georgeharrison]

My 15 year old son uses Stridex pads and they help...IF he uses them consistently. I totally don't get the complaining about acne but not doing what you can to remedy it. I have GREAT success with tea tree oil. I have tried to get my son to use it, but he hates the smell so he won't even try it. Tea tree oil is great for several things, so if your daughter tries it and hates it, you can keep it on hand for other uses.

[candyland]

I would take her to an esthetician for a facial for acne prone skin.