Adolescents can be a very difficult time physically and emotionally. Oil secreting glands kick into overdrive, resulting in various degrees of acne. Blackheads and pimples on the face, back, and shoulders makes most teenagers very self conscious. For most of us, acne is a normal part of growing up. It can be a traumatic and often dramatic scene, when it rears its ugly head two days before prom!
It is a myth that acne is the result of eating greasy foods and junk foods such as French fries and chocolate. These foods are popular with adolescents but not the cause of acne. The result of heredity factors, stress, and oil gland secretions leads to acne.
Cystic Acne
Acne medications for adolescents are a million dollar industry. Drug stores are full of products promising to eliminate oil secretions. Some teens donít do well with these types of products. They have developed a condition called cystic acne. It can cause severe breakouts and scarring of the face if it is not treated. Dermatologists prescribe antibiotics with special cleansing chemicals. One harsh side effect of these chemicals is that they contain alcohol or witch hazel. It stings the skin and it can also dry it out too much, leading to redness and pain.
A great alternative is to use natural acne remedies. They have been used by non-medical healers for centuries. Natural acne remedies are effective and safe. They wonít over dry the skin or cause redness or pain. This is because they donít contain alcohol. These products have been known to work wonders with the skin of adolescentís. It is believed gentle natural acne remedies work better in the long run than harsh chemicals.
The key to using natural acne remedies is to use the right combination of natural herbal substances. It is also important to know that the herbs to use will vary for each person. There are many things to take into consideration. Boys have skin that is courser than girls. Adding Melissa, which is lemon balm, to a natural acne remedy for a boy will help it to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Natural acne remedies are a combination of a base, oil control, and skin smoothing products, all derived from plants and natural extracts. Natural skin cleansers, toners, make-up removers, and lotions are all formulated to control acne. The main product base is hydrosol. It is distilled water infused with steamed leaves of plants and herbs. The gentleness of hydrosol is used in natural acne remedies in place of alcohol and witch hazel. Both are known to be very harsh on the skin.
Once the base for natural acne remedies is ready, a combination of 100% therapeutic-grade essential oils is added. Now, it may sound strange to use oil to control oil, but pure essential oils are different than oil secretions. They donít clog the pore of the skin and they never cause blackheads or pimples to emerge. Popular oils used include chamomile, red clover, black currant oil, and lavender. The most commonly used is lavender because it is the only essential oil that does not have to be diluted by hydrosol before being applied to the skin. If your adolescent suffers from the affects of acne, invest in natural acne remedies to help them get through this difficult period in their lives.