5 Tips for Teen Acne

Being a teenager and having acne is common but not something that will help improve confidence. So, if you have a teen, how do you help them create clearer skin – take a look here. 



1. Reduce Toxins 

The skin is the body's largest organ. One of its main functions is eliminating part of the toxic waste products of the body through sweating. If there are more toxins contained in the body than can be effectively discharged by the liver and kidney, then the skin takes over the process. Since toxins are discharged through the skin, the health integrity of the skin gets disrupted. This can result in skin disorders such as acne. One way to effective decrease that amount of toxins that are ingested and that seep through your skin is to stop consuming process foods that have high amounts of sugar and sodium, saturated fats and artificial dyes in them. Going on a whole foods diet can also encourage your teenage to increase her or his water consumption to help flush toxins out of his or her body. Foods with high amounts of fiber in them, like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, help to keep the digestive system healthy so that toxins are eliminated via the colon. 

2. Avoid Chemicals and Topical Oils 

If your teenager uses cosmetics, you should encourage her to only use water-based, natural products. Oils, dyes and harsh chemicals will clog pores and allow acne to flourish. 

3. Keep Skin Clean 

Skin actually breathes. Pollutants, oils, grime and dust can clog the pores of your skin and also exacerbate any existing acne. Teenagers should thoroughly but gently wash their faces two times per day. Excessive scrubbing or over-washing can make acne even worse through over stimulating the skin's sebaceous glands, which causes excessive amounts of sebum to be produced. To keep skin clean, an all-natural soap containing sulfur that has been designed to be used for acne can be purchased at a health food store. There are also a number of great cleansers out there that will be beneficial – you can find out more about these and how they can help. 

4. Avoid Squeezing or Touching 

Your teen will most likely be tempted to touch, pop or squeeze her or his pimples to try to make them disappear. Encourage your children to keep their hands off of their faces since any oil or dirt on their hands can make their acne even worse. Popping or breaking a pimple also allows harmful bacteria to get into the blemish which puts it at risk for possible scarring and infections. 

5. Nutritional Supplements 

There are certain minerals and vitamins, like zinc, Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as Omega 3 (an essential fatty acid) that help to improve the skin's appearance and minimize the development of acne. Speaker with your natural health care practitioner in order to determine what the right dosage is for your teen when taking a supplement since when the recommended daily units are exceeded on some vitamins it can harm the body. 

Omega 3, zinc and Vitamins A, C and E also are found naturally in many of the foods that we consume. Vitamin A is contained in yellow and green vegetables and fruits, fish liver oils and animal livers. Vitamin C is contained in green vegetables, citrus fruits, and berries. Vitamin E is contained in whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, cold pressed vegetable oils and avocados. Zinc can be found in whole grains, soy, mushrooms, liver meats, legumes, kelp, fish and egg yolks. Omega 3-fatty acids, with their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, are contained in fresh cold water fish like mackerel and salmon, as well as in walnuts and fish oil.

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