My DS had a pimple or two that young. I ignored it. He's 15 and doesn't have acne, just an occasional pimple or two.

My 8 eight old DD gets pimples. She has no other signs of puberty and is very lean. She has started to wash her face daily with cetaphil and that seems to be helping some. I will continue to monitor it though and plan to ask her pediatrician at her next visit to see if we should see a dermatologist.

My DS started getting pimples at 8 or 9 (he's 10 now). No other signs of puberty...but DH's family has a history of acne. We wash his face twice a day with Cetaphil or a similar type gentle cleanser based on his doctor's recommendation. It's worse in the summer when he sweats. He doesn't seem to mind the pimples at all, but we are tying to get him into a good routine. I don't think 8 is too early, even if she's not entering puberty yet.

She's thicker as in "big bones" (not euphemistically) but nowhere near overweight (or 90 lbs)

Puberty usually starts by weight, not by age. So taller, thicker or heavier kids tend to start earlier.

Over 90lbs and you are in the bullseye for getting the symptoms of puberty and menstrual cycle.

Is she overweight?

I know it may seem early to you but it sounds like she is begining puberty. Now would be a good time to talk to her about puberty/body changes and get her a face scrub like clearasil and explain the importance of keeping her skin clean.

I'm sorry. I know you have a reasonable question: at what age do I need to start teenage maintenance routine for my child, especially given my history. And you do deserve a reasonable answer...

Really. I get it. It's just when dealing with an actual teen, who has pimples, school crap, and a thousand other things.... I guess I am just reminiscent for the days when I could worry about a blemish.

I would explain your situation as a teenager with acne and get her into a good routine as set up and explained to her by her dermatologist. It could make her feel more grown-up and she could like the attention and products. I know my DD would.

Because of your history with acne, I think it is imperative to see a GOOD dermatologist before starting any routine like ProActiv on your own.

It's not too early. My DD knows 9 year olds the have started their cycles.

My breasts had developed by 9. I was in a bra by 10.

Puberty is inevitable and is happening earlier.

I would just start in the good habit of washing with a mild cleanser like cetaphil.

Oh, meant to add:

What is a good preventative routine, and how would I convince a kid that she should be on one without setting her up to feel weird about existing or upcoming acne?

I really fear for her - hopefully I'm not projecting too much but I had bad acne and it SUCKED.

How do I know if it's actually acne?

Bring DD to a good dermatologist NOW and get into a preventative treatment routine.

Yes, it does seem early for acne but it could be. Please get into a skin care routine before any scaring happens to her face.

Is this normal? It seems early. It also seems like she is starting to get the very beginning of breasts.

I had noticed starting several months ago that she had some "congestion" on her skin- minor, but you could see it if you looked. This morning she awoke with a full-fledged pimple. Thank goodness she doesn't seem to care, but I'm wondering if this is the start of something. I had TERRIBLE skin as a teen and if there's something we can do now to help I'm all for it!