Recommendations for acne medication for teen

[Anonymous]

Any thoughts? DD is 14 and acne is becoming a real problem. She just started on solodyne (sp?); there hasn't been much improvement, but she's only been on it for a couple of weeks. What else is out there?

[Anonymous]

It really depends on the type of acne and where it appears. If it is on her chin mostly, it is often hormonal so maybe a BCP would help. If it is just pimples, blackheads or whiteheads, something topical might be better. How would you describe it?

[Anonymous]

My son had acne as a teen ager and it broke my heart to see him go to school every morning self conscious over the condition of his skin.

Anyway, we tried all the drug store stuff and finally as a last resort, we ordered Proactive online.
I had seen the infomercials a lot and just thought it was another product offering false results.

My son was adamant about purchasing it and since I love my son and want to do everything I can to help him, I purchased him an Introductory shipment.

After two weeks, I noticed his acne cleared up about 40%. Yes, really.
Now his skin is very clear and I cannot rave enough about how his quality of life has changed for the better.

One caveat:
You must use it on a regular daily basis for it to work. If you stop using it, even for a few days, strangely enough...the acne can return.

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

I used Accutane, and it was amazing -- killed my severe acne dead.

It does have the potential for severe side effects; I was one of the fortunate ones who had minimal side effects -- moderately chapped lips was about the extent of it.

If your daughter's acne is severe enough for Accutane, read the package inserts and keep a close eye on her while she's taking it.

[Anonymous]

1 - Solodyn is an antibiotic (minocycline). I was on tetracycline and then minocycline as a teen for acne. Did not get rid of the acne (might have improved it, but it was still there). But I think it ruined my digestive tract and gave my yeast infections (which I was too young to know weren't normal). If she isn't taking probiotics, make sure she starts ASAP.

2 - Proactive is just benzoyl peroxide. It will bleach out your towels, bed linens and any clothes it comes into contact with. (I had acne on my back and ruined quite a few shirts with benzoyl peroxide.)

3 - visit the site acne.org. You don't need to buy any of the products he sells, but I found his advice spot on. Ten or so years after accutance my acne came back. I started using a glycolic acid gel that was referenced on acne.org and it worked really well for me.

4 - If your daughter goes the Accutane route, be aware of the mental health side effects. It has been correlated with increased rates of depression and suicide.

5 - I imagine this would be really tough on a teen, but have her consider a cleaner diet. Reducing refined carbs and sugars (and possibly all gluten) might really help.

[Anonymous]

I was prescribed Retin-A as a teen, and it really helped although you have to be vigilant about sun protection (and no facial waxing). Not sure if they still use that, but something similar might help. Ditto the advice about diet--I wouldn't bother cutting out all gluten, but reducing refined sugar and flour might help.

Use a good face wash--my derm actually recommended Purpose--something gentle, since harsh ingredients can irritate the skin and actually worsen acne. A gentle toner like witch hazel is also good.

[JenniferShumaker]

Home made acne face mask

½ teaspoon of pantothenic acid powder
½ teaspoon of powdered methionine
1 teaspoon of molasses
2 teaspoons of yogurt

Add all the ingredients and massage over face leave it for 20 minutes and wash it

[Anonymous]

The only thing that worked for me was Accutane. I tried all sorts of prescription pills and creams before going on it. You do have to be monitored closely both blood issues and depression.
As an adult BC pills keep it in check but its not perfect.

[Anonymous]

I don't think Accutane is on the market anymore b/c of the side effects. When I was a teenager my mom took me to the dermatologist and I used Differin gel (gentler than Retin A), birth control pills - not triphasic, and antibiotics. Once I was mostly clear, we dropped the antibiotics.

[Anonymous]

Accutane is definitely still on the market.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1 - Solodyn is an antibiotic (minocycline). I was on tetracycline and then minocycline as a teen for acne. Did not get rid of the acne (might have improved it, but it was still there). But I think it ruined my digestive tract and gave my yeast infections (which I was too young to know weren't normal). If she isn't taking probiotics, make sure she starts ASAP.

2 - Proactive is just benzoyl peroxide. It will bleach out your towels, bed linens and any clothes it comes into contact with. (I had acne on my back and ruined quite a few shirts with benzoyl peroxide.)

3 - visit the site acne.org. You don't need to buy any of the products he sells, but I found his advice spot on. Ten or so years after accutance my acne came back. I started using a glycolic acid gel that was referenced on acne.org and it worked really well for me.

4 - If your daughter goes the Accutane route, be aware of the mental health side effects. It has been correlated with increased rates of depression and suicide.

5 - I imagine this would be really tough on a teen, but have her consider a cleaner diet. Reducing refined carbs and sugars (and possibly all gluten) might really help.

Warning on Solodyn: it is very expensive, like $900 a month. Make sure your insurance will cover it.