TEENAGE ACNE
This article provides information on the causes of teenage acne. I will look at what blemishes and acne actually are and why many people suffer from them at some point in their lives.
I will also advise on the wrong ways to treat spots, acne and blemishes which can often cause further irritation to your skin, and look at the most effective ways to take control of acne.
CAUSE
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a long-term skin disease that occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include bleackheads and whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, and possible scarring. It primarily affects skin with a relatively high number of oil glands, including the face, upper part of the chest, and back The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and, in extreme cases, depression (read more about it here https://cocobeautyclinic.com/2020/02/13/how-acne-affect-not-only-your-skin/
The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of certain hormones, which are present in both men and women. These cause the glands to produce an excess of oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build-up of oil, producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil and dead skin is visible) and whiteheads.
The acne bacterium (known as Propionibacterium acnes) lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems, but in those prone to acne, the build-up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.
Some acne can be caused by medication given for other conditions or by certain contraceptive injections or pills. Some tablets taken by bodybuilders contain hormones that trigger acne and other problems.
Acne can very rarely be caused by problems with hormones. If you develop unusual hair growth or hair loss, irregular periods, or other changes to your body, then mention this to your doctor in case it is relevant.
ACNE FACTS
! Heavy use of chemical-laden make-up can clog your pores and lead to spots, and make-up brushes and foundation sponges – if not rinsed regularly – are a haven for bacteria!
! Avoid drying alcohol, as your skin will react by producing even more sebum. Stay clear of products containing mineral oil and silicone as these can block pores, prevent the skin from breathing and trap dirt, it is much like wrapping your skin in cling film.
! Use rich in natural, organic and balancing products. It can help to counter some of factors and improve the condition of the skin. This is because harsh chemicals can dry out the skin and irritate it, leading to more spots. Natural products, on the other hand, work by giving the skin the tools it needs to get back to balance, become healthier and fight acne bacteria and spots.
WRONG WAYS TO TREAT ACNE
Though it is many people’s first reaction when seeing a spot to ‘pop’ it between their fingers, this is never a good idea. Much like excessive washing, squeezing spots can cause long-term damage to your skin – scarring, discoloration and simple whiteheads turning in to full-on cystic acne. Your body will take care of spots naturally if you leave them be – the white in a whitehead is billions of white blood cells fighting off the underlying infection.
Harsh chemical treatments for acne as benzoyl peroxide can have side effects and some find it unpleasant to use, irritating sensitive skin and making acne and blemishes worse for some people.
BEAUTY HACK
First of all you should contact Cosmetologist or Dermatologist (very aggressive acne) and ask them for help.
Remember that acne prone skin DOES NOT LIKE EXPERIMENTS with different products all the time. It is crucial to choose the right skin care regime and stick to it.
Cleansing your skin every morning and evening with a gentle, no soap face wash/ foam is an easy way to remove all traces of dirt and impurities from your skin without drying or damaging your skin.
BEAUTY TIPS: always remove make up and wash your face as soon as you are back home and dry it with a clean face towel.
(INCI: Bentonite Clay, Tee Tree Extract, Green Tea Extract, Pinaple enzymes, Rosehip Oil)
- Gently exfoliate but not with a facials scrubs that will strip your skin off with its natural NMF and Hydro-lipid barrier but something with AHA/BHA ( low %) or Pineapple Enzymes ( my best of the best: Sesderma Salises Foamy soap free cleanser)
- Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate! Teenagers often use mattifying creams instead of hydrating (Sesderma Hidraderm, Hidraloe- 100% organic Aloe Vera Gel, Azelac)
- Medical grade Home Care products are a key to continue your treatment at home after your in the clinic treatment (Innovative estGen Therapy- Face Lotion and Cream)
- Prebiotics products- Prebiotics are useful because they encourage the growth of probiotics, good bacteria which make the skin less hospitable for the acne bacteria to survive. They excrete natural antibiotics, increase competition for nutrients, lower the pH of the skin and help to prevent the acne bacteria from growing together.
- Always wear SPF to protect your skin form the sun
AVOID:
PARAFFIN INCI: Paraffin Oil, Parrafinum Liquidum, Synthetic Wax, Paraffin, Isoparaffin
VASELINE INCI Vaseline, Petrolatum, Synthetic Wax
SILICONE INCI methicone, -siloxane, -silanol, -silicone
SOME OILS Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil
DIET HACK
Several studies suggest that following a healthy diet can help treat acne.
Avoid: dairy products, fast food, spicy food, chocolate, foods with a high glycemic index (GI) and a high glycemic load (GL)
Which food can help?
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:
Foods containing the following ingredients are also thought to be beneficial for the skin because they reduce inflammation:
- the mineral zinc
- vitamin A and E
- antioxidants
Some skin-friendly food choices include:
- yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, and sweet potatoes
- spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables
- tomatoes
- blueberries
- whole-wheat bread
- brown rice
- quinoa
- turkey
- pumpkin seeds
- beans, peas, and lentils
- salmon, mackerel, and other kinds of fatty fish
- nuts
Everyone’s body is different, and some people find that they get more acne when they eat certain foods. Under your doctor’s supervision, it can be helpful to experiment with your diet to see what works best for you.
Acne myths and misconceptions
Myth 1- ‘acne is caused by poor hygiene’
Having good hygiene is important for maintaining healthy skin, but acne can affect anyone, even those with a meticulous skin care regime. The exact cause of teen acne is unknown, but we do know that it occurs when excess androgen hormones cause oil glands in your pores to overproduce oil or sebum. When there is too much sebum, pores become blocked, forming the ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria to grow and cause infection, leading to breakouts.
Myth 2 – ‘spots need to be dried out’
Conventional anti-blemish skin care products often contain harsh chemicals, such as alcohol, SLS and benzyl peroxide that dry out your skin. While this may help reduce existing breakouts, it can lead to a frustrating cycle of spots. Drying your skin with harsh products strips away its natural, beneficial oils and damages your skin’s protective layer, called the acid mantle. This disruption causes your skin to overcompensate by producing even more oil as it tries to rebalance itself, which leads to clogged pores and more spots. Managing breakouts with nourishing, natural skin care products that help to restore a natural sebum balance is a more effective long-term solution against spots.
Myth 3 – ‘antibiotics cure acne’
Taking antibiotics may reduce acne symptoms in the short term, but they do not address the underlying internal imbalances and may actually worsen acne in the long-term. Rather than taking antibiotics, you may find that a probiotic supplement does more to help with teen acne. Gut health is increasingly linked with skin health and probiotics support the healthy bacteria that live in the gut, restoring balance and helping the body to eliminate toxins effectively.
If you would like more advice on how to treat acne book your consultation today!
I will be happy to help!
Regards,
A