First pimples gentle skincare suggestions?

[Anonymous]

My DD just turned 9 and has started to get some pimples (like one painful one last week and another not as painful, but still red one this week). I would like to start her on a face wash that will help, but her skin is still young child delicate - like no pores visible and no oil; therefore, I don't feel she is ready for a heavy hitting acne wash. No other signs of puberty. I did get her a drugstore salicylic acid spot treatment ( I think Clean and Clear) when she had the really painful spot last week and that seemed to help.

Family history is pretty serious acne for Dad throughout teen years and college; I had typical teen pimples - small, from time to time, not cystic. When I was in my 20s I did get longer lasting not-whiteheads (so I guess small cysts) on my face; after antibiotics and topicals I did eventually do Accutane when about 23. So I'm also trying to not overreact in fear of her developing severe acne early on.

She does have slightly oily hair, but with some dandruff flakes, so I have been on here searching for suggestions for that, too!

We also prefer more 'natural/green' beauty products so suggestions in that realm, in addition to the usual gentle cleaners - Cetaphil and Cerave, would be great! Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

I started my daughter around that age with Cetahphil face wash and a microfiber washcloth to use along with it. She has crazy sensitive skin so it seemed like the safest option to begin with, and at 15 it's still her combo of choice. I taught her to use it twice a day, morning and before bed, which I think really is the key more than anything else. In my own teen years going to sleep without washing my face was the number one cause of breakouts, so I really drove home to her the importance of a clean face before bed.

She still has hormonal breakouts of a cystic zit or two on her chin every couple of months and for those she's had good luck with those dot stickers that soak up all the gross stuff (I get them on Amazon).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I started my daughter around that age with Cetahphil face wash and a microfiber washcloth to use along with it. She has crazy sensitive skin so it seemed like the safest option to begin with, and at 15 it's still her combo of choice. I taught her to use it twice a day, morning and before bed, which I think really is the key more than anything else. In my own teen years going to sleep without washing my face was the number one cause of breakouts, so I really drove home to her the importance of a clean face before bed.

She still has hormonal breakouts of a cystic zit or two on her chin every couple of months and for those she's had good luck with those dot stickers that soak up all the gross stuff (I get them on Amazon).

Thank you so much!
I am going to check out those dot stickers - those are new since I needed pimple help!

[Anonymous]

If her skin is sensitive, natural/green skincare might be worse for her. You can control what ingredients go into an ingredient from a lab better than you can an essential oil or another natural product. I’m not against “clean” skincare though.

I don’t know if this is useful info, but I gave my daughter some of this toner because I couldn’t get her to wash her face every night. She uses a q-tip to dot some on her pimples and it clears them up quickly. When I can get her to wash her face, it’s neutrogena hydro boost gentle cleansing lotion.

https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-glycolic-acid-7pct-toning-solution-240ml?redir=1

[Anonymous]

banerji protocol for acne (Google it)

After years of antibiotics and epiduo, all kinds of remedies, and significant discoloration and scarring on chest, back, neck and face - I discovered and started my 15 year old on this and in a few weeks his acne has almost disappeared. Unfortunately, the skin is pretty marred and we will need to do some drastic things to get the discoloration and scarring taken care of.

Bought these homeopathy pills from Amazon.

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for the suggestions! - OP

[Anonymous]

Had never heard of these acne dots- Which brand do you use?

[Anonymous]

When I was her age I used the gentlest Clinique regimen (just the bar, toner and moisurizer). It served be well all through high school and college.

[Anonymous]

Cerave wash and moisturizer. There is a gentle salicylic acid version I would use if you think she is going to be acne prone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD just turned 9 and has started to get some pimples (like one painful one last week and another not as painful, but still red one this week). I would like to start her on a face wash that will help, but her skin is still young child delicate - like no pores visible and no oil; therefore, I don't feel she is ready for a heavy hitting acne wash. No other signs of puberty. I did get her a drugstore salicylic acid spot treatment ( I think Clean and Clear) when she had the really painful spot last week and that seemed to help.

Family history is pretty serious acne for Dad throughout teen years and college; I had typical teen pimples - small, from time to time, not cystic. When I was in my 20s I did get longer lasting not-whiteheads (so I guess small cysts) on my face; after antibiotics and topicals I did eventually do Accutane when about 23. So I'm also trying to not overreact in fear of her developing severe acne early on.

She does have slightly oily hair, but with some dandruff flakes, so I have been on here searching for suggestions for that, too!

We also prefer more 'natural/green' beauty products so suggestions in that realm, in addition to the usual gentle cleaners - Cetaphil and Cerave, would be great! Thanks so much!

For hair, try tea tree oil shampoo for dandruff-- it may have the added benefit of helping with acne near the hairline. 5% benzoyl peroxide wash before bed, let face dry completely + a spot treatment for individual pimples *or* differin if breakouts are more frequent or widespread. Gentle, acne friendly facial moisturizer if you notice your DD's skin drying.
We have only found benzoyl peroxide to be harsh if it's used too frequently, at too high a percentage, or isn't completely washed off. Once DS used a 10% benzoyl peroxide on his face in the shower (against my advice) and left it on for 5-10 minutes thinking it would help his acne. His face was little red and chapped for the next few days- he didn't do that again.
The key with benzoyl peroxide wash + different and spot treatment is that you have to be consistent. OTC seems to be only about 1/2 step ahead of acne-- I've noticed if DS gets out of his skin routine for a few days, breakouts come right back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD just turned 9 and has started to get some pimples (like one painful one last week and another not as painful, but still red one this week). I would like to start her on a face wash that will help, but her skin is still young child delicate - like no pores visible and no oil; therefore, I don't feel she is ready for a heavy hitting acne wash. No other signs of puberty. I did get her a drugstore salicylic acid spot treatment ( I think Clean and Clear) when she had the really painful spot last week and that seemed to help.

Family history is pretty serious acne for Dad throughout teen years and college; I had typical teen pimples - small, from time to time, not cystic. When I was in my 20s I did get longer lasting not-whiteheads (so I guess small cysts) on my face; after antibiotics and topicals I did eventually do Accutane when about 23. So I'm also trying to not overreact in fear of her developing severe acne early on.

She does have slightly oily hair, but with some dandruff flakes, so I have been on here searching for suggestions for that, too!

We also prefer more 'natural/green' beauty products so suggestions in that realm, in addition to the usual gentle cleaners - Cetaphil and Cerave, would be great! Thanks so much!

For hair, try tea tree oil shampoo for dandruff-- it may have the added benefit of helping with acne near the hairline. 5% benzoyl peroxide wash before bed, let face dry completely + a spot treatment for individual pimples *or* differin if breakouts are more frequent or widespread. Gentle, acne friendly facial moisturizer if you notice your DD's skin drying.
We have only found benzoyl peroxide to be harsh if it's used too frequently, at too high a percentage, or isn't completely washed off. Once DS used a 10% benzoyl peroxide on his face in the shower (against my advice) and left it on for 5-10 minutes thinking it would help his acne. His face was little red and chapped for the next few days- he didn't do that again.
The key with benzoyl peroxide wash + different and spot treatment is that you have to be consistent. OTC seems to be only about 1/2 step ahead of acne-- I've noticed if DS gets out of his skin routine for a few days, breakouts come right back.

...also, OP, acne is hereditary. While it's possible your DD won't have severe acne, the odds aren't on her side. Start a good regimen now, and keep it for as long as you can before moving to prescription medication. I had terrible acne, so did my DH. DS13 isn't bad at all if he keeps a consistent skin care routine, but I expect it will ramp up quite a bit in the next few years.
I took accutane at 16 and that was the game changer. I am trying to do everything I can to keep DS off of accutane for as long as possible, but it's likely that it's in his future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD just turned 9 and has started to get some pimples (like one painful one last week and another not as painful, but still red one this week). I would like to start her on a face wash that will help, but her skin is still young child delicate - like no pores visible and no oil; therefore, I don't feel she is ready for a heavy hitting acne wash. No other signs of puberty. I did get her a drugstore salicylic acid spot treatment ( I think Clean and Clear) when she had the really painful spot last week and that seemed to help.

Family history is pretty serious acne for Dad throughout teen years and college; I had typical teen pimples - small, from time to time, not cystic. When I was in my 20s I did get longer lasting not-whiteheads (so I guess small cysts) on my face; after antibiotics and topicals I did eventually do Accutane when about 23. So I'm also trying to not overreact in fear of her developing severe acne early on.

She does have slightly oily hair, but with some dandruff flakes, so I have been on here searching for suggestions for that, too!

We also prefer more 'natural/green' beauty products so suggestions in that realm, in addition to the usual gentle cleaners - Cetaphil and Cerave, would be great! Thanks so much!

For hair, try tea tree oil shampoo for dandruff-- it may have the added benefit of helping with acne near the hairline. 5% benzoyl peroxide wash before bed, let face dry completely + a spot treatment for individual pimples *or* differin if breakouts are more frequent or widespread. Gentle, acne friendly facial moisturizer if you notice your DD's skin drying.
We have only found benzoyl peroxide to be harsh if it's used too frequently, at too high a percentage, or isn't completely washed off. Once DS used a 10% benzoyl peroxide on his face in the shower (against my advice) and left it on for 5-10 minutes thinking it would help his acne. His face was little red and chapped for the next few days- he didn't do that again.
The key with benzoyl peroxide wash + different and spot treatment is that you have to be consistent. OTC seems to be only about 1/2 step ahead of acne-- I've noticed if DS gets out of his skin routine for a few days, breakouts come right back.

I didn’t notice the question about dandruff. I’m the poster who is weary of essential oils but I have had great success with the tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner from trader joes. DD has as well.

[Anonymous]

Start with the internal:


Healthy diet (avoid a lot of refined grains, sugar, dairy, and Omega6)

Multivitamin

Outside Sunlight for at least 20min a day

Nightly showers (steam helps keep pores open and clean)

Mild AM face wash

No picking, and no slouching your hands on your face

Change pillow case every few days



I would never start treatment at this age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD just turned 9 and has started to get some pimples (like one painful one last week and another not as painful, but still red one this week). I would like to start her on a face wash that will help, but her skin is still young child delicate - like no pores visible and no oil; therefore, I don't feel she is ready for a heavy hitting acne wash. No other signs of puberty. I did get her a drugstore salicylic acid spot treatment ( I think Clean and Clear) when she had the really painful spot last week and that seemed to help.

Family history is pretty serious acne for Dad throughout teen years and college; I had typical teen pimples - small, from time to time, not cystic. When I was in my 20s I did get longer lasting not-whiteheads (so I guess small cysts) on my face; after antibiotics and topicals I did eventually do Accutane when about 23. So I'm also trying to not overreact in fear of her developing severe acne early on.

She does have slightly oily hair, but with some dandruff flakes, so I have been on here searching for suggestions for that, too!

We also prefer more 'natural/green' beauty products so suggestions in that realm, in addition to the usual gentle cleaners - Cetaphil and Cerave, would be great! Thanks so much!

For hair, try tea tree oil shampoo for dandruff-- it may have the added benefit of helping with acne near the hairline. 5% benzoyl peroxide wash before bed, let face dry completely + a spot treatment for individual pimples *or* differin if breakouts are more frequent or widespread. Gentle, acne friendly facial moisturizer if you notice your DD's skin drying.
We have only found benzoyl peroxide to be harsh if it's used too frequently, at too high a percentage, or isn't completely washed off. Once DS used a 10% benzoyl peroxide on his face in the shower (against my advice) and left it on for 5-10 minutes thinking it would help his acne. His face was little red and chapped for the next few days- he didn't do that again.
The key with benzoyl peroxide wash + different and spot treatment is that you have to be consistent. OTC seems to be only about 1/2 step ahead of acne-- I've noticed if DS gets out of his skin routine for a few days, breakouts come right back.

I didn’t notice the question about dandruff. I’m the poster who is weary of essential oils but I have had great success with the tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner from trader joes. DD has as well.

Ha I meant “wary” but my in-laws love DoTerra so this works too.

[Anonymous]

I'm the one who buys the "dots" for her daughter (and steals them for myself). She's tried a few brands but this one seems to be the most effective: https://www.amazon.com/Rael-Hydrocolloid-Pimple-Healing-Patch/dp/B07G1VKCND/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=acne+dots&qid=1582651973&sr=8-7