Monday February 8, 2010
Your tween is starting to develop blackheads and mild pimples, so you head out to the drug store and buy him an acne cleanser. And he is actually using it!
Everything is going great until your tween starts to complain about dry skin. That's when you notice the redness and irritation.
Tween skin is still young and sensitive, so many of the acne cleansers available can irritate their skin. What's a parent to do?
If OTC acne products are drying out your tween's skin, try this:
- Try a salicylic acid cleanser, rather than benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid can be less drying to tween skin than benzoyl peroxide.
- Have your tween use an acne cleanser only at night, and a non-medicated cleanser in the morning.
- Don't forget the moisturizer! The moisturizer you use isn't the best choice for your tween. Instead, get him a non-medicated, oil-free and noncomedogenic brand. Hypo-allergenic and fragrance free is a plus. (I personally love Purpose, but shop around to find one that suits your tween. She's more likely to use it if she likes it.)
- If your tween's skin is excessively irritated, stop using the product. Give your doctor a call if the reaction seems severe, or your child's skin isn't improving even after discontinuing use.
More About Tween Acne:
Wednesday February 3, 2010
A few days back, standing in line at the grocery store, I overheard (OK, I eavesdropped on) the conversation between two women behind me. One was lamenting about her acne, and complaining that the medication her dermatologist gave her wasn't working.
The other told her, "Your doctor obviously doesn't know what he's doing. I wouldn't even go back."
Harsh words, I thought. But I could definitely identify with the frustration. It's tough to start using an acne treatment and not see results.
But does that mean you should drop your dermatologist?
Many of you are probably in this situation -- not getting results and wondering if you should go back to your dermatologist. Here's why you should.
Further Reading:
Thursday January 28, 2010
I know what you're thinking -- do people really need to be taught how to wash their face? After living with a 13-year-old boy, I can honestly answer yes.
Wondering how your cleansing technique stacks up? This how-to video gives you the lowdown on proper facial cleansing.
Further Reading:
Monday January 25, 2010
Want to know the question I get asked most often (besides "Mom, what's for dinner?") It's how can I get rid of blackheads?
Even those without inflamed acne can suffer from these blemishes. Blackheads are very common, and very stubborn.
You have to be willing to be patient and extremely consistent with your treatment to get rid of blackheads. It will take a combination of daily skin care, and a treatment that works for comedonal acne.
And don't think prescription medications aren't for you. Even if you don't have inflamed acne blemishes, prescription treatments may be just what you need to get those blackheads in check. If OTC products aren't working, ask your dermatologist for advice.
Further Reading:
