Why not go to the dermatologist? My parents never took me, which is probably why as soon as I noticed DD had an issue, she went and got a prescription (topical cream) and now is back to clear skin.

I'm nervous about using acne medications on my 11 year old, who has pimples all over her face. She's using an acne scrub I bought at Whole Foods (Aubrey Organics?) that seems to be helping. I've heard that Virgin Coconut Oil and Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar can help with acne, but we have not yet tried these remedies.'

In DD's case, eating rice is a big factor. She has a number of food intolerances, but rice makes her face break out big time. Odd, isn't it? She doesn't eat wheat or dairy either, or peanuts, but she used to eat a lot of rice. She's approaching puberty, so I'm sure it's hormonal. I'll report back if the VCO or ACV works!

Anonymous wrote:My son has had success with the Neutrogena acne line you can get at any Target/CVS/whatever. He likes the orange oil-free face wash and the spot treatment. Not harsh at all, easy/not a bunch of steps, and does not smell like harsh chemicals nor a flower patch.

http://www.neutrogena.com/category/acne.do

FWIW, he tried Proactiv and it was way, way too harsh for his skin.

If I were you and you were going to go with the above poster's recommendation of R&F, I would just got to the derm and get a Rx which will be less expensive in the long run in addition being the appropriate products for him versus a one size fits all approach from an MLM company. (Just my 2 cents)

+1 for Neutrogena

Neutrogena On the Spot Acne Treatment. It actually has a lower Benzoyl Peroxide concentration (2.5%) than the others so it doesn't overdry the skin but still works wonder in clearing up breakouts. I think ProActiv works similarly in that it uses a lower concentration than the ones that have 10% Benzoyl Peroxide.

http://www.neutrogena.com/product/on-the-spot-+acne+treatment.do

Another vote for proactiv. Works great

Acne Free (cheap, sold in grocery and drug stores) worked better than ProActiv for my DD. He might have to try a few different things.

I was very skeptical about ProActiv but it has worked really well for my 14-year-old. I'll just note that 1) it didn't work well at all when she stubbornly tried to get away with using it only once/day; 2) if you don't want to get on the online ordering bandwagon (I believe it's still one of those antiquated auto-renewal systems), you can look online for direct-sale kiosks in the area; and 3) I echo a PP that for anyone with cystic acne, I seriously doubt ProActiv will work, and a visit with an excellent dermatologist (good luck finding one!) is essential.

OP here. Thanks for all the tips! No, it's not cystic, just the regular variety.

Proactiv!

Paula's Choice- online only, the "clear" line.

Is it cystic acne of just some pimples? I'd go straight to derm
For cystic

If it's just his face, a few basic things will help, like making sure he washes his hands after eating, cleaning off his cell phone, keeping nails trimmed and clean, changing pillow case every other day.

My son has had success with the Neutrogena acne line you can get at any Target/CVS/whatever. He likes the orange oil-free face wash and the spot treatment. Not harsh at all, easy/not a bunch of steps, and does not smell like harsh chemicals nor a flower patch.

http://www.neutrogena.com/category/acne.do

FWIW, he tried Proactiv and it was way, way too harsh for his skin.

If I were you and you were going to go with the above poster's recommendation of R&F, I would just got to the derm and get a Rx which will be less expensive in the long run in addition being the appropriate products for him versus a one size fits all approach from an MLM company. (Just my 2 cents)

If he has bad acne, OTC stuff isn't going to work. Please take him to a dermo and a nutritionist so that he doesn't have to have bad skin in high school. My little brother suffered terribly from acne, and I know how hurtful it was for him...

ProActiv. It really does work but you have to use it religiously twice a day.

for my 16-year-old son who is suddenly breaking out everywhere? We'd like to start with the OTC stuff before going to a dermo. Many thanks for any suggestions.