what is good for teen acne?

**Jmarie** · 11-20-2008, 01:33 PM

I had and still have acne (27 yrs). I have was taking acutane for several years along with retinol, retin-A, and others. I would still be using a number of these, however, I have found a more natrual way to cure my acne. I use a soap that is made with Neem Tree Oil.. and one that is made with Shea Rose Clay. The two soaps run around $7. If you would like I can send a sample of the Neem and Tree Oil.. As I have just ordered another 2 bars.

if you google "chagrin valley soap" you will get the website.. (I cant post websites yet).

**Michelle** · 11-20-2008, 02:21 PM

I have heard that Wal Mart makes a product very similar to Proactiv at a fraction of the cost.

**57plymouth** · 11-20-2008, 02:36 PM

I used to use shaving cream to clean my face. It always cleared up the acne.

Of course, I didn't have to clean off make-up, but I also didn't use any moisturizer. I guess if it worked on me, it would work on a girl.

**baronmom** · 11-20-2008, 04:55 PM

It is funny the two things that many people use to help their acne made mine worse. I can not use tea tree oil or Witch Hazel. I used a soap that had the tea tree oil in it, and I broke out even worse with little bumps all over my face. Same with the witch hazel. I am still searching for an answer for my skin. I have tried so many things and none work. I am using a product I just got from CVS I think it is called Acne Free and it seems to be working so far.

**HandyMom** · 11-20-2008, 06:01 PM

We tried the many OTC products for acne (witch hazel and peroxide among them), then the doctor prescribed a topical solution called Clindamycin 1%. That only dried the skin out. Next, she was taking antibiotics and they didn't help. Finally, we decided to try birth control pills. Worked like a charm! I would have let her take them even at age 14 if her acne was bad because I didn't want her to have facial scars like her father has from acne. Plus she is very self-conscious about her appearance because she wears braces and this helped to make her more confident.

I wish you good luck!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 11-20-2008, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by 57plymouth

I used to use shaving cream to clean my face. It always cleared up the acne.

Of course, I didn't have to clean off make-up, but I also didn't use any moisturizer. I guess if it worked on me, it would work on a girl.

I think if I was drinking coffee when I read this, I'd be cleaning it off my keyboard right about now. You're gonna fit in really well here.

I think the main theme in the posts here is that what works for some will not work for others. Some people benefit from witch hazel, others have an adverse reaction. I'd suggest using several of the methods and see what works. The teen years are really weird because of stress, puberty and the weather. You can probably start with what's cheapest (like hydrating yourself, washing pillow cases and changing them every other day, keeping hair out of the face, etc) and see if those work before moving on to stuff that's going to cost you quite a bit.

Products that dry the skin out and cause it to create more oil to compensate can be countered with something that provides a bit of moisture without blocking oil production. A good thing to try might be to wash the face in the morning and put on a lightweight oil-free moisturizer, then wash the face at night and use a toner to close the pores. I know Nivea has a pretty nice 3-step system that works with the most basic steps of cleaning the skin, tightening the pores and then moisturizing the face with a lightweight oil-free moisturizer.

**joyofsix** · 11-20-2008, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by HandyMom

We tried the many OTC products for acne (witch hazel and peroxide among them), then the doctor prescribed a topical solution called Clindamycin 1%. That only dried the skin out. Next, she was taking antibiotics and they didn't help. Finally, we decided to try birth control pills. Worked like a charm! I would have let her take them even at age 14 if her acne was bad because I didn't want her to have facial scars like her father has from acne. Plus she is very self-conscious about her appearance because she wears braces and this helped to make her more confident.

I wish you good luck!

My son is using clindamycin and retin A. I can't see him wanting to take BCP, LOL

**JessieMom** · 11-20-2008, 11:43 PM

My oldest had a horrible acne problem, finally the dr sent him to a dermatologist, they gave him an antibiotic to help heal under the skin & a cream for the stuff above the surface. Her biggest advice for him was to cut back on milk. She said alot of people have reactions to milk. He was a huge milk drinker & he cut back and his skin does look SO much better.

**Palooka** · 11-21-2008, 12:10 AM

Witch hazel is one of the main ingredients in Proactive. Witch hazel is a great product.

My daughter loves the new line of Clean and Clear and it seems to work for her.

Also I gave her Kiss My Face moisturizer that she loves. I love Kiss My Face products.

When I was younger I was recommended Purpose face soap in the bar form. I'm telling you it did wonders for me. It's like around 3 bucks.

Dr.Oz on Oprah last week was talking about skin care but I fell asleep on the couch watching it. lol I should have DVR the show.

**Palooka** · 11-21-2008, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by JessieMom

My oldest had a horrible acne problem, finally the dr sent him to a dermatologist, they gave him an antibiotic to help heal under the skin & a cream for the stuff above the surface. Her biggest advice for him was to cut back on milk. She said alot of people have reactions to milk. He was a huge milk drinker & he cut back and his skin does look SO much better.

Oh I can believe that. I know dairy causes lots of problems with teens.

**savininfl** · 11-21-2008, 12:25 AM

I'm surprised no one's mentioned apple cider vinegar!!! I absolutely LOVE it. I use it as a toner but it has to be 50/50 with water. Worth a shot for the price, Good Luck!

**Nana2two** · 11-21-2008, 12:30 AM

My 2 step daughters had severe acne . I had to take them to a dermatalogist. He gave them antibiotic cream . They washed there face and put that on at night. Then washed face in the morning and put another cream he prescribed on. In 2 months there face is cleared up.I tried all products on the market, it was really taking a toll on them emotionally, the oldest has a weight problem to had to the problem. If you can and have insurance i would say go. If you don't then I would spend the $20.00 its well worth it for your daughter.

**annertak** · 11-21-2008, 12:56 AM

Another natural remedy that really worked for my son is basil water. Just boil some dried basil in some water, strain off the basil leaves, and use the basil water as a toner. We tried everything with my son, and this worked extremely well when he used it daily!