Boys and pimples

Lucy

Does anyone know what to do about boys and pimples? Calling on your expertise!
My son is eleven and is starting to hit puberty. He has a rash of little pimples on his nose and elsewhere. They are probably made worse because he must wear sunscreen to school - it's too hot in Australia not to wear it every day. I thought I might buy some Clinique face sunscreen, which I think helped me as a teen. But other than that?
My solution to pimples was the contraceptive pill, so I have little idea what to do with a boy, lol! Any products, or other hints, will be greatly appreciated!

8 years ago

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13 replies

Latest reply was from Lucy

Helen11

Veteran

Following, as I bet we'll be in the same boat soon.
Pity he can't use the same treatment you did - it works so well : )
I like the Hamilton Everyday Face sunscreen, as it feels much lighter than the water-resistant types.
I've also started using a smooth microfibre-type cloth often to clean my skin, and think it will be good for kids and teenagers, too. It's from Norwex (which a friend sells)
There are all sorts of options for prescription and over the counter skin treatments. Pimples can be so damaging to self-esteem,so if it gets worse I think it's worth seeing someone who knows their stuff , to get an expert opinion and plan.
Good luck!

8 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

My kids both use the generic brand of the Proactive system. Our Target stores sell it.

8 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

First--does he wash his face? (Not being mean--most boys don't, or they only use whatever bar soap is in the shower.) Washing morning and night (not scrubbing, but rubbing for a minute or so to dissolve oils and lotions) with a basic cleanser is a good first step.
Sunscreen is sort of trial-and-error. I cannot recommend the Elta MD line enough. I like the physical sunblocks rather than the chemical ones, and they have both types. But he just has to try a bunch.
My oldest son had deep bloody acne that was just awful (face and back), and we eventually used accutane (which would not be appropriate for your son at this time). It is a serious drug with serious side effects; he was on it for 3 months and it was a flipping miracle drug in terms of clearing his skin (after 4 years of trying topical benzoyl peroxide-type gels and low-dose antibiotics). I only mention it as a way-down-the-line last-resort treatment that I hope he does not ever need (but which gave my son amazing results; his skin remains smooth and beautiful 5 years later).

8 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

My son used accutane for severe acne also. Very expensive yet miraculous. He's now 29 with flawless skin that any of you would be envious of.

8 years ago

anchie

Veteran

My son was using Stridex acne pads with great results.

8 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I have the same issue. My 15 year old gets the odd white head or black head but is blessed with olive smooth skin. My 12 year olds gets stubborn blackheads, pimples and inflammation.

I have been encouraging him to clean his face and am considering clay masks to draw out the impurities. But they are young and not interested.

Cetaphil is a simple cheap cleanser that is easy to obtain.

8 years ago

Dottie

Active Member

My son is 17 now, and still has problems with acne, particularly during football season when they are in helmets and sweating for several hours every day. Yuck! We tried several over the counter products, but finally, our pediatrician prescribed a benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin cream that he applies every night after he showers. It can bleach your sheets (benzoyl peroxide can do that), but it helped his acne.

Boys can be quite negligent about washing their faces. I've tried to get him to do a face mask with me once a week, and the look he gives me is priceless.

8 years ago

Echo

Veteran

We use a topical prescription antibiotic ointment. For my sons, it takes just a teensy dab when they see/feel a pimple coming on, and it stops it in its tracks and clears it up almost immediately. It also works as a preventive to use a bit each evening. Of course, that might not work for everyone, but you might want to check with a dermatologist. It is a non-invasive, safe treatment to try and can be very effective for some people. Good luck!

8 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I wish I had an answer to this, my 18 year old will not follow the instructions given him to take care of his skin. He has horrible acne. It makes me sad when I see him.

8 years ago

Glory

Veteran

When my son began with this I used the face wipes / pads. These were terrific because honestly he really wasn't washing his face. This made it quite easy for him. It kept things under control for quite awhile.
Once that stopped working we switched to a product similar to Proactive. I think it would have worked over time but he had no willingness to do the work involved. He never developed terrible acne but went through bouts/flares of pimples. Eventually he went back to the oxyclean pads.

My daughter has been a different story. I have written on this forum and gotten great advice regarding it. Her acne started in grade 4. Full on acne. She is now in grade 12. You name it, we have tried it - antibiotics, creams, ointments - everything under the sun. Eventually accutane was the only answer. She went on this three times. She will not be allowed to go on it again. She now uses a birth control and topical ointment and it keeps things relatively calm. She sometimes has flare ups. She also has scarring and pitting. I will pay for laser surgery on her scars once all flare ups have stopped.

For your son, I would try the easiest one step process like the oxyclean pads. twice a day if he will do it.
It takes time for any product to work so maybe you could convince him to commit to twice daily for two weeks and then re-evaluate.

8 years ago

Anonymous

PanOxyl wash, it comes in a 4% and 10% form. I would start with the lower %age and see how it works. I know this may sound strange, but how about salicylic acid peels. My DD's still get these once a month and it was a "face" saver for them. Once things are under control he can spot treat then.

8 years ago

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Play around with different sunscreens and find the one that irritates his skin the least.

Benzyl peroxide and BHAs are supposed to be effective at killing bacteria and unclogging pores.

You could probably get a prescription-strength retinoid cream, but I wouldn't put him on Accutane unless he matched the horror stories that appear online when you do a search. With the hormonal changes, acne is normal at that age, so I wouldn't stress out about it too much. How are his friends coping with it?

8 years ago

Lucy

Veteran

Thank you everyone. I had to laugh at one common thought - that maybe boys do not wash enough! I mean, he goes to the shower, but who knows what happens in there.
I think I will start him off on something gentle, and work my way up. I like the idea of the facial wipes, because that might help to get his face washed more than once a day! And Cetaphil, I had forgotten about that - thanks for the reminder. I bought some Clinique sunscreen for him yesterday, I remember that was a big thing for me when I was a teen.
Most of his friends don't seem to have a lot happening yet, so I want to get on top of it before he gets self conscious - and it's really not too bad yet.
Hopefully we don't have to get to the prescription stuff just yet, but I will keep it in mind
Thanks so much everyone, much appreciated.

8 years ago

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