Acne, adolescence, acid and angst

Bio:  Michelle Hunter is a Chattanooga parent and a consultant for Arbonne International.  She can be reached @ rwhmsh_610@msn.com.

Photo Credit:  Photo courtesy Arbonne International

Surprisingly, teens also say they appreciate their parents’ involvement in their acne treatment, realizing that their acne would be worse without their parents’ support.

We’ve all done it.  You find yourself standing in front of the mirror with a sinking feeling wondering “Why now? Where did that spot on my face come from?”   Acne primarily affects teens and early adults but many women who sailed thru their teen years find that childbirth and menopause can be triggers for acne.

Teenagers are normally self-conscious and are more so when their faces break out with acne. Acne can have a tremendous effect on self-image at any age. Studies show that there is no single aliment that causes more psychological trauma than acne.

Market research shows that when many teens first notice acne, they wash their faces more often thinking it will go away. As their acne worsens, teens say that they feel ugly and they don’t want to go out. Girls often try to cover the acne, clogging more pores and increasing the problem.

Surprisingly, teens also say they appreciate their parents’ involvement in their acne treatment, realizing that their acne would be worse without their parents’ support.  Parents should talk to their teenagers about good hygiene, proper nutrition and caring for skin with acne. Early intervention is always the best answer for clear skin.

While 85% of those with acne are aged 15-24 years old, it can persist into the late twenties, thirties and beyond. Many women in their 40’s complain that they have acne blemishes and wrinkles at the same time!

What is acne?

Acne is the term for plugged pores, also known as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and the deeper cysts that occur primarily on the face, neck, and back. Acne is linked to hormonal changes as young people mature, reaching adolescence and puberty. In older individuals, both men and women, acne is almost always caused by a shift in hormones either due to pregnancy or declining hormone levels during the aging process. Food allergies can also manifest as cystic acne.

What to do if you have acne

The goal of an effective acne treatment regimen is to clear up existing acne lesions, prevent new lesions from forming and to address the redness and inflammation that accompany acne. When the acne blemish is gone, it can often take a few more weeks for the dark spot or “acne scar” to disappear. An effective treatment regimen should be able to address all aspects of acne and reduce the appearance of these dark marks.

Salacylic Acid

Salacylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid found in the bark of the willow tree.  It is used in products such as acne lotions, creams, cleansers, gels and even toners.  Salacylic acid functions as an exfoliant, promoting the sloughing away of dead skin cells and it has the ability to penetrate the follicle, helping to keep the pores clear, reducing pore blockages and breakouts on the skin.  Salacylic acid is also used to treat other skin disorders including dandruff, psoriasis, calluses, corns, warts and more.

A complete acne regimen must address the body’s hormone imbalance and aid the body in removing toxins below the surface of the skin.  Look for products with vitamin A and C and Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant that helps to keep skin clear.   Zinc is another effective agent in addressing both redness and inflammation.  These natural ingredients are effective and have fewer side effects than most man-made compounds found in acne treatments.

Warm weather is just around the corner.  It is time to get outside and enjoy the clear skies. If you want to have clear, healthy-looking skin, you need to have a healthy body.  Drink lots of water, eat your veggies and feed your skin with daily helpings of the nutrients it needs. Bring on the weekend.