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11 year old skincare
Posted by Sheena on May 20, 2025 at 6:20 pmHey there,
My 11 year old is getting pimples on her forehead & blackheads on her nose. I’m worried about using the OTC acne cleansers & treatments on such young skin. I appreciate your advice
Daniel replied 2 weeks, 4 days ago 2 Members · 1 Reply -
1 Reply
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Hey @Sheena
Thank you for reaching out. It is completely understandable to be cautious, especially with an 11-year-old’s delicate skin. From a functional medicine perspective, we always ask, “Why is this happening?“ instead of jumping straight into topical treatments.
Acne and blackheads in preteens are often signs of internal shifts, and rather than harsh cleansers, the goal is to support the body as it transitions gently. Here are a few key areas you could explore to get a clearer picture:
Hormonal Milestones
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Is she already showing signs of early puberty (like breast development, mood shifts, underarm/pubic hair)?
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Has she started menstruating yet, or are there signs it might be approaching?
Even in early puberty, fluctuations in androgens (like DHEA) can stimulate oil production and clog pores.
Dietary Influences
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What does her typical daily diet look like (breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks)?
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Any regular sugar, dairy, or processed food intake? These can be acne triggers in some kids.
We often see skin respond beautifully to lower glycemic loads and reduced dairy, especially during hormonal shifts.
Gut Health & Detox
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How are her bowel movements? Daily and easy or irregular/hard/diarrhea?
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Any history of antibiotics, especially in the last year?
Toxins can play a role as well. Endocrine disruptors – which are found in a variety of products (like hygiene and household products, possibly also in plastic toys) – could also influence her hormone balance.
Tip: If you’d like to learn more about where you can find Endocrine disruptors, take a look here: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/07/what-are-endocrine-disruptors
Skincare & Hygiene
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What products is she currently using, if any?
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Does she touch her face a lot or sleep with her hair on her forehead (oily bangs, for example)?
Gentle cleansing with warm water and non-comedogenic, fragrance-free options can help.
Lifestyle & Stress
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How’s her sleep?
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Any emotional stress or environmental changes (school, friendships, etc.)?
Even at 11, stress can contribute to increased cortisol, which also plays a role in skin inflammation.
There are several options to support her skin naturally and hopefully these tips can already point you in the right direction.
If you need some more guidance? Let me know some answers to the questions above and I can guide you more precisely from there.
Daniel
ewg.org
What are endocrine disruptors?
A class of potent chemicals is wreaking havoc by interfering with our hormone system. They’re called endocrine disruptors and they throw off the regular functioning of the hormone system, causing a wide range of health problems.
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