Teenage Acne

Health Articles > Acne > Teen Acne

As many teens will attest, teenage acne is one of the worst aspects they have to face when becoming a teenager.  The big problem is that when a teen goes through puberty, hormone production increases greatly and one of the hormones called androgen is behind much of the angst.  Androgen stimulates the sebaceous glands so they become bigger and produce more sebum.  This means an overgrowth of sebum.  In addition, teens shed skin faster during puberty so dead skin cells together with sebum can block the skin pores all too easily and is why the vast majority of teens will get acne to a greater or lesser degree.  If and when bacteria gets trapped in those blocked skin pores, it can multiply and cause swelling and redness and you have acne, showing up as different types of bumps – blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts. Teen acne is so common that it is considered to be a normal part of puberty but if you are the one suffering from it, that information is not very helpful.

Treatment options for teen acne

The good news is that research on skin conditions such as acne has made great strides in the past 10 years, with more treatment options for acne available.  Do your own research because these options can vary from toxic and even dangerous medications with harsh side effects to gentle and natural treatments:

• Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and help to unplug follicles. Although retinoids can irritate skin, there are new versions made for different skin types that may be less irritating.

• Combination treatments are popular.  Many doctors will prescribe a topical retinoid alongside a topical antimicrobial or an oral antibiotic to fight bacteria.  There are combination creams where the cleansing agent benzoyl peroxide and the antibiotic clindamycin are combined in one product.

• Prescribing oral contraceptives for teenage girls with acne is another method of treatment because at low doses, some types of birth control pills may help clear acne.  This is a controversial treatment with many feeling uneasy about its use.

• Oral isotretinoin is occasionally used in severe cases that have not responded to other medications. However, this drug has been associated with depression and suicidal thoughts which is really a very worrying side effect when you are treating a teen who might already be withdrawn and suffering from low self esteem.  Patients who are prescribed this dangerous substance are closely followed for any changes in mood while blood tests monitor any potential adverse effects, such as elevated cholesterol levels.

• Essential oils are also used in their pure form to provide a natural and safe acne treatment. H-Acne is specially formulated to treat the symptoms of acne and pimples safely, gently and successfully.  There are no harsh chemicals or additives.

Other tips to help treat teen acne

Apart from actual acne treatment, teens with acne can do much themselves to help the condition by following these simple tips on a daily basis:

• Drink lots of water instead of sodas.  Water is perfect for flushing out all those impurities that cause blocked pores.

• Sunlight is another good treatment for acne but not too much that you burn. 20 minutes or so of sun every day is ideal, remembering that the darker your skin, the more you need.  Don't put sun blocks on your skin because they will add to the problem.  If there is no sun available, top up with a vitamin D supplement.  A multi-vitamin taken every day is good to give your skin extra nutrition.

• Reduce your stress levels and make sure you get a good night's sleep every night.

• Your cleansing routine is very important as cleaning your face twice a day will get rid of any bacteria on the skin's surface.  Use a natural non soap cleanser gently to get rid of the extra sebum, the dead cells and any other debris.  Always remove all traces of make up before going to bed and if you do use cosmetics, look for water based products rather than those that contain oil or petroleum.  Natural make up products are best.  Make sure face cloths and towels are scrupulously clean.

• Keep long hair or bangs off the face and wash your hair frequently.

• A healthy diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables because all the antioxidants they contain will give your immune system a boost, strengthening your protection against teen acne while exercising regularly will stimulate the release of serotonin which helps alleviate stress and rids the body of waste and toxic materials.

What are the most popular homeopathic treatments for teen acne?

Homeopathy offers various treatments for teen acne, each selected based on individual symptoms and characteristics. The most popular homeopathic remedies for teen acne include:

• Sulphur: Often recommended for acne that is characterized by red, inflamed, and itchy skin. Sulphur is typically used for acne that worsens with heat and water.
• Pulsatilla: This remedy is suited for acne associated with hormonal changes, especially during puberty. It's often chosen for individuals with acne that improves with fresh air and worsens with fatty foods.
• Silicea: Used for acne that results in deep, painful cysts or nodules, especially on the forehead. Silicea is often indicated for individuals who are prone to sweat and have cold hands and feet.
• Hepar Sulph: Chosen for acne that is painful and filled with pus. It's usually prescribed when the acne is sensitive to touch and the skin feels sore.
• Calendula: Used topically, Calendula can help soothe acne inflammation and promote healing. It's known for its antiseptic properties.
• Kali Bromatum: This remedy is often used for acne on the face, chest, and shoulders, particularly in cases where there are large, hard cysts.
• Natrum Muriaticum: Suited for acne that gets worse with sun exposure and for individuals who crave salt.
• Belladonna: Often used for acne that appears suddenly and is characterized by red, hot, and swollen skin.

It's important to note that homeopathy is a holistic approach, and remedies are often selected based on a person's overall symptom profile, not just the acne. Therefore, it's beneficial to consult with a qualified homeopath for personalized treatment. Additionally, the effectiveness of homeopathic treatments can vary, and scientific evidence supporting their efficacy for acne is limited. Always consider consulting a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment options.

What are the homeopathic ingredients found in Healing Natural Oils H-Acne Formula and how do they help with acne?

The Healing Natural Oils H-Acne Formula contains several homeopathic ingredients, each serving a specific purpose in addressing acne symptoms:

• Calendula officinalis 12C HPUS: This ingredient is used as a healing agent. Calendula, also known as marigold, has properties that may help in soothing and healing the skin. It's often used in homeopathic remedies for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can be beneficial in treating acne.
• Nux vomica 12C HPUS: This is used for treating acne and red skin. Nux vomica is derived from the seeds of the Strychnine tree and is commonly used in homeopathy to treat skin conditions. It is believed to be helpful in cases where acne is associated with digestive problems or stress.
• Silicea 12C HPUS: This ingredient is intended for blotches on the skin. Silicea, or silica, is traditionally used in homeopathy to treat skin eruptions and conditions involving pus, like some forms of acne. It is thought to help expel foreign objects from the body, which in the context of acne, could mean aiding in the elimination of pus and impurities from the skin.

Additionally, the formula includes an essential oil blend consisting of Cymbopogon martinii (palmarosa), Daucus carota (carrot seed), Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum), Lavandula officinalis (lavender), Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), and Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) oils. These essential oils are known for their various skin benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties, which can be supportive in treating acne.

It is important to treat teen acne as early as possible because it can cause embarrassment and affect self-confidence.  In severe cases, a teen might avoid school and withdraw from all social interacting.