|
Teenage Acne, Natural Treatment for Acne
How can I help my acne? Is there a natural treatment?Acne (acne vulgaris) affects about three quarters of the adolescent population. Teenage acne is often a cause of great distress among young people who are probably already trying to deal with other issues in their life such as study, relationships and self esteem. It seems to always be worse before an important date or event. Is there a medical reason for this? No, it's just Sods Law!
Causes of teenage acneThe natural skin lubricant in our skin, sebum, attracts matter such as dust and dead skin cells. Young people's skin sometimes over produces sebum which can block the hair follicles. This can then become infected with bacteria Propionibacterium Acnes and cystic acne is the result. Acne mainly affects the face but more unusually can be found on the body. Scalp acne, where the pimples also occur under the hair can also be a problem. Hormones have a large part to play in teenage acne. Boys seem to display the worst symptoms mainly due to the higher level of androgen in their systems. This will improve over time boys so don't despair! The myth that chocolate can cause, or worsen, teenage acne still prevails. It's not true! You can still eat your chockie (if you're not overweight!) Acne treatmentBecause people believe acne is caused by a "dirty" skin, they tend to use harsh treatments to try to get rid of it. This isn't a good idea and will make the problem worse. Cleanse your skin gently using a non oily cleanser and warm water. A mild soap is fine but be careful your skin doesn't become dehydrated. Even though the skin may be oily, it can still suffer with dehydration (lack of moisture) Keep you hair clean and free from oil that may transfer onto your face. Don't pick at those spots! It will only irritate them and dirt will be transferred onto your face by your fingers. If you want to exfoliate, use a very gentle scrub with rounded grains (or use oatmeal). Beware of any scrubs containing ground apricot kernels, they will irritate your skin. Always use cosmetics and products that are non comedogenic (won't block the pores) What are the different types of acne?Mild or non inflammatory acne displays as blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones). Cystic acne or inflammatory acne is the most severe type and this occurs when the pores become infected. This leads to large angry looking red pimples containing puss. Cystic acne needs attention from a dermatologist who may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The problem with long term antibiotic use, is that "friendly" bacteria in the intestines will also be damaged leading to possible outbreaks of thrush and intestinal upsets. Acne treatmentsAccutane is often prescribed for teenage acne. Accutane is a retinoid drug and can have side effects such as depression and can also cause birth defects. Young ladies beware! There are several over the counter (OTC) treatments. These are safer but the sheer number of them makes them expensive and confusing. Natural skin care product for AcneNatural treatments are very effective against teenage acne, alternative treatments can heal acne just as quickly (and more safely) than the expensive prescription drugs. They aren't harsh on the skin and have many natural ingredients such as Grape Seed Oil a free radical scavenger and Helichrysum a powerful skin healer. Natural Anti Acne Facial Treatment Serum contains these and other powerful natural ingredients that dissolve blackheads and work below the skin to fight acne bacteria - naturally. A great buy for $20 or try the sample size for only $10. A sample pack is always a good choice as you can try several products for one low price and they all work synergistically.
Herbal Luxuries Sample pack has four products which are designed to work together to eliminate acne without the use of harsh chemical ingredients. Included are Oily-Acne-Problem Skin Support Lotion, Oat and Apricot Facial Scrub, Natural Herbal Facial Cleanser and Herbal Facial Toner. Find out why existing customers have rated this a five star product. These products will also prevent acne from occurring if your skin is oily and you're worried about breakouts.
Acne blue light therapyOne of the newer treatments for acne to come onto the scene is called Omnilux Blue LED Phototherapy which emits a narrow band, high intensity wavelength that neutralizes the light sensitive bacteria (P acnes). The advantage with this is that it contains no ultra violet light which damages the dermis. Blue light works well for the majority of acne sufferers for whom the more traditional methods have failed. However blue light therapy won't work on all types of acne. Consult your dermatologist to see if it's the answer for you.
©copyright Just Natural Skincare 2006-2008 All rights Reserved |
