Oily skin and acne

My daughter is active in sports and is 16 years old.  She has very oily skin and is experiencing frequent acne breakouts along with blackheads especially in the t-zone on her face.  What do you recommend for treatment?

We've tried Proactive and it seemed to make her acne worse.  

She also has sensitive skin.

Thanks

[loiloi]

Hi. Acne is caused when androgens (hormones, elevated during puberty) stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce oil. Bacteria on the skin feeds off this oil and acne occurs.
An effective treatment will therefore target the oil, bacteria or androgens.
Products available to the public such as Proactiv are of limited benefit. See your doctor for a medication which targets the causes of acne.
A prescription acne gel such as Differin (adapalene 0.1%) is effective and generally well tolerated on sensitive skin.
A course of oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline will kill the acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
Female acne patients will benefit from taking the combined oral contraceptive pill which contains oestrogen. Certain brands are better at clearing acne than others such as Diane35, Yasmin and Ortho Tri-Cyclen.
It doesn't matter if the patient does not require birth control yet, the pill is often prescribed to clear acne. It will also make your daughter's periods lighter, more regular and less painful.
Eloise.

[mel2424]

Thanks for the information.  I think I'll take your advice and make an appointment with her doctor.  

[azalea82]

While you're waiting for the appointment, you could see if your daughter benefits from oil absorbing sheets.  They are available at drugstores and are quite effective at decreasing oily skin.  Using one before and after sports practice might help.  

[trentmcollins]

For severe acne problems I would recommend the use of natural skin care creams. They can take longer to heal but there are no side effects behind the use of these products.

I've used them for and acne problem I had and they worked very well.

Take care and let me know how you're doing?

Bye Mel...