Alright this isn't really a major thing but I was wondering if anyone would be able to tell me the not so girlie type of face wash. My son would like to get some special face wash so he won't get pimples or blackheads, you know like Oxy or whatever. He is only 11 but going on 16 apparently. I am not sure what to get him, if anyone knows could you let me know. Also if anyone happens to have any links or ideas where I might be able to find some info about male puberty stuff, being a girl and all I couldn't tell you what happens and would like to be prepared. We have talked allot about things it is just that if he has questions I would like to be able to answer honestly and with some knowledge. This would be easier if I had an older brother or something, heck a younger brother at this point. Oh well, just have to clear off more room in the bathroom for his stuff.

Hey dreamer. I have had a lot of trouble with acne because of working outside all the time. I use St. Ives medicated apricot wash and it is great. He does not have to actually scrub with it in fact be gentle and the generic is not the same even though it says it is. I broke out within a week of trying the generic.
I also have rosasha(spelling) and it helps with it also.
Is he washing his face a couple times a day now? Even if he just takes a paper towl when using the rest room at school and wipes his face off with water will help. I am sure you also know that diet can have a lot to do with it.
Good luck and you are smart to get ready for the big P word because he is.
God bless.

He doesnt have any acne yet but I think as he looks around at his classmates and stuff he is starting to worry, so he came to me about this last ngiht so I wanted to figure something out. I just don't want something to harsh for his skin because some of the stuff out there is insane. Thank you for your input. Am I ready for the big P word, not even close, but hey I want him to at least know the truth about things and not read it in some book by Hugh Hefner or something.

I would try the Body Shop....I know they have a skin cleanser for men. I have also heard of nivea for men. I found this site regarding puberty and boys...I dont have boys but it seemed pretty informative....
http://www.avert.org/puberty1.htm

Neutrogena specifically for acne prone, and if he gets it - you can try proactive (a little expensive)... My son is 15, almost 16 and has a bit of acne. I'm 40 going on 65, and I have recently gotten adult acne (so unfair to have wrinkles AND acne)... so we are using both.

They recommend you do not over wash your face, as it could irritate the skin more than help.

Clearasil always worked some, but another thing that was recommended to me when I was young was using Dial soap to wash your face.

Good luck, acne is a royal pain ... I hope he doesn't experience much of it. So far, my son has just a bit of it - and I hope that is it!

Dreamer,
It is great that he is concerned about these things at a young age. Most kids(like my daughter) find it a bother.
The pediatrician suggested ProActive. Walgreens has a generic version that works well. Th product does not look girly.. just generic non-gender packaging.
As for you grown girls experiencing acne. At 41 years old I still have oily skin like a 13 year old (and yes I do have wrinkles too) and I am subjected to products and dust constantly in the salon. I find the glycolic based cleansers and day lotions to be the best. They are a little pricey but I use them sparingly.

Acne is somewhat hereditary. If you had a problem with it as a kid, he'll probably have a problem with it too. But if you didn't, he probably won't. So you can use this to either prepare or comfort him. My mom had bad acne when she was a kid and I was scared to death. So at the first sign of a pimple at 13 or 14, my mom took me to the dermatologist and got me on acne meds. I was glad she did - I had a little bit right after I started taking it, which is common, but once it cleared up, I never got it again.

I would offer this advice - don't use soap. Use any facial cleanser, but at this point you probably don't have to get anything terribly expensive. Just a basic cleanser. And use it twice a day. He shouldn't need anything more than that right now.

I never really had a problem with it just something he is concerned about, he has other friends that have it so he just wants to be cautious or safe or whatever. Anyways thank you all for the info gives me stuff to think about.

All of my boys all teenagers use the walmart brand face wash ,face scrub and we use a clearisil rub on cream.