Calling All Parents Acne Solutions for Your Teen

Acne Solutions for Your Teen

At some point, acne is part of every teenager’s life. While there is no proven link between diet, acne or stress there is a direct relation to the changing hormones that every young person goes through during puberty or before their menstrual cycles. Parents should try to be proactive and seek out a solution that works best for their teen because acne can cause self-esteem and confidence issues. It’s important to remember that every teen’s skin is different therefore, what works for one may not work for another. Be willing to seek out options to combat acne. There are every day measures parents can implement that will help reduce the longevity and frequency of breakouts.

Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide

The main ingredients in over-the-counter acne treatments are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Products that have salicylic acid unplug the pores and can help people with smaller pores. While benzoyl peroxide is a mild anti-inflammatory that kills and prevents bacteria from growing. Find a product that best suits the needs of your teen. However, try not to overdo it and only use one product at a time. Keep in mind that over usage can cause skin to become irritated and dry. Avoid skincare treatments that have alcohol as an ingredient because it can further irritate the skin and cause more outbreaks to form.

If your teen is experiencing isolated areas of acne then dot problem areas with a 2% salicylic acid product and are sure to avoid benzoyl peroxide washes.

Nutritional Supplements

Certain vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C, E, zinc and Omega 3 can help the appearance of skin and reduce the acne outbreaks. Consult a natural health care practitioner to determine an accurate dosage for your teenager. These vitamins and minerals can also be found in foods. Try incorporating foods that carry these minerals and vitamins in your daily menu plan. Vitamin A is found in animal livers, fish liver oils and green and yellow fruits and vegetables; vitamin C is found in berries, citrus fruits and green vegetables; vitamin E is found in avocados, cold pressed vegetable oils, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains; zinc is found in egg yolks, fish, kelp, legumes, liver meats, mushrooms, soy and whole grains; and omega 3-fatty acids with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects can be found in fresh coldwater fish such as salmon and mackerel, fish oil, and walnuts.

Natural Remedies

Aristata

There is an abundance of natural remedies that parents can turn to when their child is suffering from acne. These easy remedies can help to significantly minimize the appearance of acne and many of these household items are probably already in your kitchen pantry.

A mixture of organic apple cider vinegar and quality water applied to the affected area can help balance the skin’s pH level, and prevent breeding of acne-causing bacteria. Mix 1 part apple cider with 10 parts quality water and apply gently with a cotton ball to the skin. Freshly squeezed lemon juice applied directly to clean skin can also help balance the skin’s pH level. Allow the lemon juice to dry for a few minutes and then rinse with cool water. Re-apply a couple of times a day.

Honey contains enzymes that rejuvenate the skin and act as an antimicrobial agent. A thin layer of raw honey applied to the face and left in place for a few minutes can serve as a natural mask to remove dirt and grime from the pores. Tea tree oil, available at natural health stores, is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. A dab of full-strength tea tree oil applied sparingly on blemishes three times a day can help reduce the size and appearance of blemishes. Tea tree oil soap also works well. As with all natural remedies, discontinue if a rash appears.