TACKLE YOUR ACNE, THE NATURAL WAY
I understand that this might be an oversimplified take on a very complicated condition. This brief post is written regarding adolescent acne which is a normal occurrence and treatable if addressed properly.
Blackheads, whiteheads and the red, swollen, pus-filled lesions known as pimples is common condition during teen years and is called acne vulgaris. It is so common that eight out of every ten teens experience it. Mild acne is considered a fairly normal condition of puberty, continuing throughout the teen years. Acne can develop on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back and chest.
Acne occurs when the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become clogged with sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells. Sebum is the natural oil released by the body to lubricate the skin and hair.
During puberty and throughout the adolescent years, increased levels of androgen hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to grow and produce more sebum. When there is excess sebum production, the follicle can get clogged. Also during puberty, the skin cells of the follicle lining shed more quickly and can form sticky clumps. Bacteria and dead skin cells can combine with the sebum in the clogged pore.
What can cause Acne?
Honestly speaking, no one knows! There is not one cause that can be determined for everyone. We just know that acne develops and that hormones play a role in it. But we don’t exactly know what causes some teens to have severe acne while others have very mild, and some none at all. Like many other health problems, the specific causes of acne can be different for each person. Heredity is a possible factor in acne. If your parents had acne, the chances are you will too, and so will your children. Along with heredity, diet, hormones, and nervous system disorders can also make a person acne-prone. Allergies to molds, foods, chemicals and cosmetics can also cause acne.
What can you do?
Most important of all, be patient and be accepting of the fact that it is normal part of growing up. Don’t be sad, irritated, or anxious. This can make you stressed, which will cause you to break out even more! So, just relax, eat well, drink a lot of fluids, exercise, and keep your skin clean.
One thing you do not want to do is take medication for acne, especially antibiotics. Now days, it has become a trend for teenagers to take medications like Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinoids, and Accutane. These are dangerous drugs which can actually mess up your genetic make-up and cause birth defects in your children! It is not something to be taken lightly.
Instead apply natural toners and astringents like Cucumber Juice, Aloe Vera gel, Rosewater, Glycerin, & Witch Hazel on your skin; exfoliate your skin regularly with natural ingredients; and protect your skin from harmful chemicals and direct sunlight.
And no matter what, don’t stress over it! Stress will exacerbate the acne more and undo all your efforts of healing it. Instead, sit back, relax, live life and be grateful for your blessings. This will do wonders for your health!