My son uses Proactive. With regular skin care, he is able to maintain clear skin. But if he skips, then his skin is awful.

I agree that Accutane shouldn't be the first step. But, if all that other crap doesn't work, it's amazing. We tried all of that other stuff and the results marginal at best. After doing the Accutane course, the kid has literally had maybe two pimples in the year and half since he finished with it. (I'll also not that our Dermatologist monitored potential side effects very closely.)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Acutane

+100
OP, I don't know if your teen has cystic acne or not, but if so, Accutane is the only thing that will permanently work.

I can't believe these irresponsible recommendations for Accutane! Nobody should just jump to accutane. Accutane is a dangerous drug that has been known to cause depression that has resulted in suicides. Before you even consider this drug, you should try prescription topical agents and antibiotics. My DS had terrible acne (not cystic) and although it took a while, these methods worked. It is now very much under control. We did consider Accutane if these methods did not work. FYI, one dermatologist wanted us to go right to Accutane. So glad we waited.

Anonymous wrote:Acutane

+100
OP, I don't know if your teen has cystic acne or not, but if so, Accutane is the only thing that will permanently work.

Anonymous wrote:You can purchase every skin care regime under the sun or...go to the dermatologist.

+1 until you can get him in, have him wash his face twice a day with Dove soap. Get him some face wipes to use after PE (or when he's sweating and can't clean his face shortly after).

You can purchase every skin care regime under the sun or...go to the dermatologist.

antibiotics were the only thing that worked for me

products with salycilic acid (not sure of spelling), like over the counter products to wash the face.

Acutane

Take him to the dermatologist.
My DD had terrible acne everywhere and one month of once/day antibiotic and her skin was beautiful. Now she has aczone and epiduo gels/creams.

Anonymous wrote:A prescription cream from the dermatologist plus Cetaphil face wash twice/day.

THIS. DS was prescribed epiduoforte and vets Phil fodming wash. It’s working so far.

Black African soap

A prescription cream from the dermatologist plus Cetaphil face wash twice/day.

Differine adapalene gel.

What has worked for your teen? Thank you!