I know some of you on this forum are probably well versed in natural remedies for ailments and physical problems so I'm asking for some information. My 15 year old has severe acne. Her doctor prescribed Pledgets and Differen with specific instructions which she followed for a week. For 3 days her face was burning and red. Unfortunately, if this medicine does this to her, she can't keep using it and she will never get rid of the acne. I was wondering if there is anything naturally that would help. Unfortunately she inherited her dad's skin problems. Can anyone help?

Net, Pledgets and Differen will do that to her face for a while. It is a process that will get worse before it gets better.

Evie's doctor told me to get Pro Active for her. She also said the generic was fine. I found a generic at Walgreen's and CVS.

I am an adult with very oily skin and occasional acne breakouts. I use Glycolic Acid products designed for oily skin. She may be able to tolerate some of those. Unfortunately they do get pricey.

Thanks CA, I'll look into the Glycolic Acid products. Unfortunately, the Proactive had no effect on her acne, even the name brand. I knew the Pledgets and Differen would make the acne worse before it got better, but she felt like her face was on fire and I could not convince her to continue to use the product while her face felt like it was burning. I think she has tried using it again, but if I question her too much, she will stop using it, just because she thinks I'm treating her like a "baby". Teens, go figure. It's like walking on eggshells sometimes.

Net, try Intaglio: Daily face and body cleanser, Day lotion and Replenishing toner.

I tried the toner but, it seemed to make oil worse... go figure. She may be able to use it through out the day to cleanse her face.

I also use the vitamin c drops when I have a breakout. Keep it in the fridge to keep it from "going bad". Put it directly on the pimple for a couple of days. This bottle is about $50 -$75 ... liquid gold.

This is a glycolic or Alpha Hydroxy product, so it will sting (not burn and fry her face) when she first begins to use it. It is all based off of fruit acids. I have used it for 5 years now. It is the only product I have stuck with beyond the first bottle.

It is only sold through salons but you may be able to use this link to find the product in your area.
http://www.characterdriven.com/Intaglio-2AHA.htm

Net, one thing you need to understand is that acne is not caused by foods (myth: chocolate, soda, chips, etc).
It is a condition brought on by hormones. Stress causes hormone inbalances, puberity is the worst. That's why we women still get occasional breakouts (if you notice, certain months are worse -hormones and stress)
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I had severe cystic acne, most likely caused by my going off the testosterone-based birth control pills I had been on (so said my dermatoligist)

My son took tetracycline (one pill a day) while he was in high school. I realize that this is not a natural remedy, but he had no side effects and it wasn't very pricey.

Because I was pregnant, I could not take anything for my "mask of pregnancy" except cortizone (pills that you build up, then wean off) and I used a sulphur mask (mixed at the pharmacy and used at night...) I didn't find either of these to work at all.

I feel for your daughter. I was a living nightmare for 9+ months.
Wish I could be of some help in this situation

Not natural, but I use antibiotics still, at age 37. I used them when I was younger and started up again about 2 yrs ago. I tried Retin A and it works when you use it but it did get really red raw at first.

You just need to watch the sun and depending on what they put you on (and hopefully it isn't an issue for your daughter) they can effect bcp's effectiveness.

I haven't found one wash/lotion/routine that works. I do use Aveeno Face Wash for skin prone to breakouts and it is definitely better than any other. I also use the facial lotion for the same thing.

I haven't tried the newest products on the market like ProActive. Don't need to because I take my low dosage antibiotics.

Thanks guys, for your input. I will see what we can accomplish through the doctor. He is the one that prescribed the facial medications. Maybe I'll ask about the antibiotics and tetracycline.

I'll try some of your suggestions, too, CA.

Thanks, guys!

Hi, I also have problems with breaking out, I found that alcohol helps a little. If that's too drying for her skin, maybe she can try witch hazel. I've read that it's a natural astingent that is not over-drying. I've used it and it seems ok. I say ok, b/c when it's "that time", it doesn't matter what I use, my face breaks out, it's a given.

I really hope for her sake that it helps. By the way, maybe she can also try St.Ives medicated Apricot Scrub. My son has used it and he seems to like it, he says that as long as he uses it everyday, his face clears up, but he doesn't always use it everyday. Maybe your daughter will be more consistent and it will work for her...wish her the best of luck.

Oh my, I went on the net looking for this and everyone and his brother will sell you something to do everything but grow a arm back.

http://www.herbscancure.com/acne.htm

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/1-nb/49-treating-acne.htm

http://www.ghchealth.com/health-conditions/acne-natural-remedies.html

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/conditionsatod/a/acne.htm

ok, I found these. I don't recomend any of the products, but they do go on to talk about some home remedys, and ways to do things.

Ok when I was growing up my parents couldn't afford to take us to the doctors, so I did like Vicki did and used rubbing alchol.

Now my girls go to the doctors, they were perscribed retin-A micro and clindamyclin phospate. The doctor told them that if thier face starts to get to dry, to use them every other day. It will cut down on the harshness. So if you do take her back, you may want to ask about them. It works and the girls love it!

I've had breakouts that come and go for years. After I had the baby my skin went crazy again and I used Differn. Only a tiny bit though. Is it possible that she is using too much, because it will burn. I use Aveno Glycolic Acid wash and it is very cheap and is keeping my face pretty clear although it is very drying. It's such a tough age and the acne doesn't help! Tell her that someday she will look 10 years younger than her actual age due to all those hormones and oily skin and she will love it. Good luck.

I went to a woman to get a facial and she saved my life but they do tend to be expensive but I found her to be most natural and all the products she used were glycolic..

Ok if your REALLY interested in natural remedies for this, here are a few herbs listed in "Back to Eden" a real vintage book written by a not so new age author. Spikenard,valerian,genetian,plantain+bistort root

All of these however are to be used individually and each in there own specific form ie as a tea or as an astringent.
now this is only if a NATURAL remedy is what your looking for. feel free to ask me specifics if you are in fact interested or perhaps pick up this book. I recomend this book because it is not a "NEW AGE" book, it is almost a century old written by a man whos mother and grandmother etc. practiced natural remedies.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/0940985101/002-7989177-6088014?v=glance&n=283155

Net, I know that this post is old but if you are having problems ask the dermatologist asbout Accutane, my neice (15) had severe acne and has been taking it for a few months now and it is REALLY clearing up her complexion.....