acne treatments

[rabbitdrop]

I've just put this question on 'beauty' as well but dont know if it comes under 'health' really. My son has noticeable acne and says it is bothering him socially. I personally dont think he's any worse than any other 15 year old boy, but I think being self conscious might be holding him back socially. Does anyone know of any effective acne treatments. I have seen one advertised at a spa but it is �37 so I dont really want to book him in for that if there is something simple we could try at home.
thanks for any advice

[beaniesq]

Hi there

I dont know what the spa treatment contains but it sounds a little bit on the expensive side. I have a few tips for you...

You should be looking for commercial products with something called "salicylic acid" in them. It acts in several ways - it decreases inflammation (it's basically the same ingredient as in asprin), and it exfoliates and regenerates the cells. It also keeps the pores open so they dont block up with sebum. L'oreal do a product aimed mainly at women but it's got a good high concentration of salicylic acid in it. I'll find out what it's called and post it to you.

Also, your son shouldn't use anything too abrasive (i.e. soap bars or alcohol based cleansers). Stuff like clearasil only increases 'rebound' oil production because it strips the skin of all the oil. So use the most gentle cleanser you can find. Liz Earle do a soap free shower gel for gents which is not cheap but makes a great, gentle facial wash.

Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic which can be dabbed directly onto spots - Australian Body Care sell a high quality version.

Also, Witch Hazel liquid, which can be bought from most small pharmacies is useful. You just dab onto the affected areas with cotton wool. Doesn't smell great, but it's cheap and it works.

One other thing, get him a some supplements. Firstly, Vitamin A supplement. The retinol is great for treating acne. And also some Omega 3 supplements.

If all else fails, you can get the Dr to prescribe an antibiotic or a very strong prescription only form of Vitamin A. I'd keep this as a last resort though.

[beaniesq]

Ok,

Products with salicylic acid - Neutrogena Clear Pore gel (you might not find this as i think it's been discontinued).
However, boots have now produced there own version of it called "Anti-Blemish Serum" in a 30ml tube. You layer it on at night then wash it off in the morning.

Here is a link to the Liz Earle website with the face and body gel for men. It has no laureth sulphates in, so it's perfect for his sensitised skin, and it's top quality and smells great.

http://uk.lizearle.com/products.php?range=12&m nuid=1&S=5a61162948960ca7de3c3

Best of lucK!


He should notice a difference in about a fortnight.

Best of luck.

[rabbitdrop]

that is very helpful. Thank you.

[clavey]

My son of 16 suffered from terrible acne for past 3 years and tried every product on the market and a couple of anti-biotic to no avail. All seemed to help for as hort time but the acne came back. It affected him greatly to the point that he would not look people in the eye and became quite depressed. Eventually he was prescribed Roaccutane (Vit A) and it has been a miracle within a couple of months much to the delight of us all including his dermatologist. It was not an easy step to take due to the worry of side-effects. He did suffer from some-very dry lips, dry skin and some pain on exercising towards the end of the course. But it has all been worth it as he has now completed the course and is changed boy! Even his dermatologist commented on how much happier he was. Just thought i would mention it because some people have such scare stories of it. Your son may not need it but just incase you are offered it at some point for your son-it is worth considering.

[rabbitdrop]

Thanks very much. yes I'd heard about the vitamin A treatment and the side effects could be very bad. I'm glad things improved so much for your son. Does that mean he can stop the treatment now?
To update on our situation, I took my son to the doc today and we got a presciption for Erythromycin and Zinc Acetate cream. Erythromycin is an antibiotic (but it's applied to the skin in this treatment). The GP was very kind. Although the acne isnt too bad I think they have to take it seriously and offer as much help and support as possible as the social impact can be debilitating to an under-confident teenage boy.
thanks to everyone for advice.

[robertpbermudez]

Well, I think you should consult a doctor.

[AmyCMeisel]

I would suggest you to consult a good doctor.

[Redirect321]

Acne can be very traumatizing. I hate that it sucks self-confidence from its sufferers and it could bring depression in its wings.

If the acne isn´t too bad perhaps you can try baking soda and drops of water enough to make a paste on the acne for a few hours. Sometimes toothpaste on the acne overnight can help.

Good luck.