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teenage acne

BeekeeperBetty

Shiny_Rock
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Apr 15, 2015
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272
My teen-aged daughter is having problems with acne. We've tried some OTC stuff but it doesn't appear to be working. My husband is pushing me to take her to her doctor for a prescription, which I will probably end up doing. But in the meantime, is there anything over the counter that works? I didn't have much acne as a teen, so I'm totally clueless. I think she is feeling embarrassed about it, even though it's really not too bad, but you know how teenagers are.

Also, what kind of make-up do you recommend as a cover up and foundation? My daughter is super pale skinned, as am I, and I have such a hard time finding any foundation or concealer that works for our skin tone. And then add on to that, something that won't make the acne worse. She's such a pretty girl, and I hate that she feels self conscious about her looks because of acne.
 

cmd2014

Ideal_Rock
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Aug 6, 2014
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2,541
Paula's choice has an acne line that I have used and seen good results with (the BHA products in particular are good - look for 2% salicylic acid - the toners are particularly good). I find my skin is a bit too sensitive for daily use, but they sure help hormonal outbreaks. They sell sample packs and offer a 100% return no questions asked, so it's a minimal risk to try. http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/collections/Clear-for-Blemishes/


As for makeup, as one of the super fair, the only brands that go pale enough for me are: Make up Forever Ultra HD foundation (I'm an R210, but there are even lighter shades, and the HD powder compacts are good too), Nars Siberia, Mac (but only the mineralize liquid makeup and Studio fix lines - the Studio fix powder is really good for covering blemishes, the liquid foundation gives good coverage too) - I'm an NC 15 in one and an NC-13 in the other...and they go even lighter. They have some good concealers too. Bobby Brown (alabaster and porcelain), and Lancolm (the dual finish foundation compact gives surprisingly good coverage while still looking natural, although their lightest colors like Matte Porcelaine are a tiny bit too dark for me). Sephora is great at giving samples so I'd start there.
 

Kellybell

Shiny_Rock
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Oct 26, 2006
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197
As someone who struggled with acne throughout her teenage years, definitely take her to a doctor for a prescription as soon as you can. I never had luck with over the counter treatments, but my cousin had success with the Proactiv line. Also, I just want to add, I was on medication for 6 years before being put on Accutane, which is the only thing that ended up working for me. It is a serious medication, but it made a huge difference in both my skin and my quality of life. Also, this could be a controversial suggestion, but the birth control pill will often times help to regulate hormones and clear up skin as well. I hope you find a quick solution!
 

Niel

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I was never the kind of acne prone that others were. But I started getting that way probably around 13. I used Proactiv when it was basically 3-4 pimples at a time kind of acne, and it was successful. When I started down the road oad of bad acne I got a prescription and it made the world of difference. Get her there asap, but Proactiv did work for me, and if I wanted to I could go get it from a kiosk at the mall right now
 

Rubylou

Rough_Rock
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Sep 15, 2016
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62
This is not unusual! I have had acne badly but when I switched to Paula's Choice it has really helped! I would suggest you look into it. It works for me but it doesn't work for every one... Diet should be taken into consideration - It can cause acne too! Good Luck : )
 

Dakota

Rough_Rock
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Oct 16, 2016
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Good point Ruby, diet is important. Also, keep a close eye on the ingredients of the OTC and prescription stuff you may buy. Sometimes people can have allergic reactions.
 

Bron357

Ideal_Rock
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Jan 22, 2014
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Yes, it's very important to get a good skincare regime happening and possibly the help of prescription from a dermatologist. See a dermalogist not just a general practitioner. As for makeup, mineral powder style is the best. Chanel, Shisedo and Dior have very fair colour foundation, expensive but worth it. Best to use just a bit of medicated concealer on the spots if very noticeable. The main concern is keeping the skin healthy and able to repair. Lots of water and a healthy diet.
 

DAF

Brilliant_Rock
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Your daughter needs to see a dermatologist to make sure it's not just plain acne. Stage II Rosacea (beyond skin flushing) displays as acne. You have to make sure you get the right medicine for the right condition.
 

OoohShiny

Ideal_Rock
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Apr 25, 2014
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I always found (and still do) treatments based on salycyclic acid to be particularly harsh.

IIRC I did go on pills for a while as a teenager but I can't remember the name now - either way, an increased risk of suidical feelings is noted within the instructions and warnings, so make sure to check out anything in detail before your daughter takes it.

I was going to suggest that you check out Ketsugo:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ketsugo-Australian-Bodycare-Acne-Treatment/dp/B000GRU17E
https://safegenericpharmacy.com/isolutrolketsugoacne-treatment.html (good description of ingredients and references to studies)

I used it for a while and it did help calm my skin down. A quick trawl has brought up mixed online reviews:
https://www.makeupalley.com/product...3226/Ketsugo/Unlisted-Brand/Treatments-(Face)
https://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/38905-ketsugo/
https://www.healthboards.com/boards/acne/5535-ketsugo.html
https://www.acne.org/ketsugo-gel-reviews-335/
https://www.acnearchives.com/337

Ultimately, though, it may not matter - according to this thread on MSE, it's been discontinued... :(
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2476969
20th May 10, 12:04 PM

I said I'd let you know if I found out why Ketsugo had been discontinued. I've had a reply from Australian Bodycare which simply says

"It would appear some people were allergic to the product, so it was discontinued."

I wonder if the Clinique product's been withdrawn for the same reason? I never had any problems with it so I'm hoping it was a rare reaction in a very small number of people (I guess we'd have heard more about it if it had caused widespread problems?).

I asked KLM about the withdrawal too, will post again if they come back to me.


So, er, sorry that's not much help!!


EDIT:

Wait... What is the date of this thread?

@Maxima Blanda - you seem to be bumping old threads, including this other one?:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/adult-child-parent-issues.227338/
 

LemonMoonLex

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 13, 2018
Messages
2,063
This is a 4 year old thread
 
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