Acne is just symptom
As the evening light wanes and I settle into the comforting solitude of my personal space, my thoughts often wander to the collective experiences we share as human beings. Among these is the journey through skin health, a path that many of us walk with quiet resilience. Acne, a word that often carries with it a weight of frustration and self-consciousness, is a common companion on this journey. Yet, in the soft glow of my vanity mirror, I am reminded that acne is not merely a condition to be masked or fought against—it is a symptom, a whisper from our bodies urging us to listen and understand.
The realization that acne is just a symptom comes with a gentle liberation. It shifts the narrative from one of combat to one of compassion and curiosity. What is my skin trying to tell me? This question becomes a guiding light, leading to a deeper exploration of holistic well-being. In this blog post, I wish to share this perspective, not as a definitive solution, but as an invitation to a dialogue with oneself.
With each word I type, I hope to offer solace and solidarity to those who know the silent dialogue between their reflection and their inner world. This isn’t about presenting a flawless facade; it’s about embracing our imperfections and understanding the intricate stories they tell about our health, our habits, and our lives. Whether you’re seeking comfort, insight, or simply a moment of connection, I welcome you to join me in redefining our approach to skincare, where empathy takes precedence over criticism, and where we learn to see acne as a symptom, not a stigma. Let us embark on this journey together, fostering a relationship with our skin that is grounded in care and attuned to the messages it conveys.
Acne Prevention
Acne prevention is a multifaceted approach that involves understanding the factors contributing to acne and implementing strategies to mitigate these factors. The skin, being the largest organ of the body, can be affected by a variety of internal and external influences such as hormones, diet, stress levels, and skincare routines.
To begin with, hormonal fluctuations are a significant contributor to acne development, particularly during puberty, menstrual cycles, and certain life stages. These hormonal changes can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Therefore, managing stress and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can help regulate hormone levels.
Diet also plays a role in skin health. Foods with a high glycemic index may exacerbate acne in some individuals by causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which can trigger an increase in sebum production. Incorporating a diet rich in whole foods, low in processed sugars, and high in antioxidants can support skin health and potentially reduce acne flare-ups.
Skincare is another critical element in acne prevention. A consistent routine that includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, and the use of non-comedogenic products can help keep pores clear. It’s important to avoid over-washing or using harsh scrubs, as these can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
Lastly, it’s essential to consider environmental factors such as pollution and humidity, which can contribute to the accumulation of impurities on the skin. Protecting the skin with appropriate barriers and regular cleansing can help minimize these effects.
In summary, acne prevention requires a holistic approach that considers hormonal balance, dietary habits, stress management, and a tailored skincare regimen. By addressing these areas, individuals can work towards clearer skin and improved overall dermatological health.
Diet, routine and effective remedies
When considering diet, routine, and effective remedies for maintaining health and well-being, it’s important to recognize that these elements are deeply interconnected. A balanced diet is foundational, providing the body with the necessary nutrients to function optimally. It typically includes a variety of foods from all food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein sources, and dairy or their alternatives. The emphasis is on whole, unprocessed foods with limited added sugars, salts, and unhealthy fats.
Routine plays a crucial role in reinforcing healthy eating habits and ensuring consistency in physical activity. A structured routine can help regulate sleep patterns, manage stress, and create a predictable environment that supports healthy choices. Regular meal times, consistent workout schedules, and dedicated periods for relaxation can all contribute to a holistic approach to health.
Effective remedies for common ailments often include lifestyle adjustments, such as increased hydration, adequate rest, and the use of herbs or supplements known for their therapeutic properties. However, it’s essential to approach remedies with caution and seek professional advice, especially when dealing with persistent or severe symptoms.
For those seeking to improve their diet, establish a beneficial routine, or find effective remedies, it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist who can offer personalized guidance based on individual health needs and goals.
Products with isopropyl alcohol aggravate acne
Keep your teen away from supplements and foods that increase testosterone (red meat and dairy).
Ask them not to touch their face or rest their chin on their hands. Squeezing and picking blemishes can force bacteria deeper into the skin, causing even greater inflammation and infection. Worse yet, picking leads to scarring.
Even after the blemishes disappear, they may leave dark spots on the face or body. This is not scarring; it is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. See me and we will address the issue with advanced treatments.
Organic, gentle products that treat acne:
A. Sulfur
Sulfur is extremely effective in absorbing excess oils and calming inflammation. A natural way of obtaining it is through onions — internally and externally. Make a paste of grated onions and pickled ginger (the type you would buy in sushi places). You can throw them in a blender to create the paste. The smell is not bad at all. Most importantly, it’s a gentle, yet highly effective remedy.
B. Clay
Kaolin and bentonite are clay masks that draw impurities out of the skin. Can be found in most supermarkets.
C. Potato juice/starch
Slice a potato in half (no matter which type) and rub on your entire face before going to bed.
D. Natural Acids such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
These help renew skin by removing dead skin cells and balancing the pH of acne prone skin.
Skin Routine
Morning – Wash face gently with Bulgarian Rose gentle cleanser. Apply very little and make sure to remove all product. Containing natural Damascene Rose oil, this product will boost your skin with eugenol (powerful antioxidant) and remove dirt and bacteria without overdrawing your sensitive areas. Apply sunscreen without oxybenzone, avobenzone or titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide only. It will not only protect you, it also has curative properties.
Night (Before bed) – Wash face with water only. Remove make up with grape seed oil. Rub a slice of potato on your whole face.
2. Create a healthy, cleansing routine for the start of each day. Put a list up on your fridge.
Have them drink warm lemon water in the morning and throughout the day to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. Lemons are incredibly alkaline; the citric acid creates alkalinity in the body once metabolized. Western obesity can be traced specifically to the advent of Henry the VIII’s English breakfast (eggs, butter and meats); make sure you educate your kids on the true meaning of breakfast — a light, nutritious pick me up designed to “break the fast” (break-fast), which refers to a night of digestive rest. Acceptable breakfasts include a fruit salad, plain yogurt with fresh berries (one of the few dairy exceptions allowed because of yogurt’s probiotic benefits), plain oatmeal with apples and/or bananas, whole-grain or gluten-free bagels with nothing on it or a cleansing smoothy with almond milk, green apple, bananas and fresh cilantro (quantities can be adjusted to taste).
3. Detox your home.
Many ingredients in common household products have been linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, hormone disruption, and neurotoxicity. From cleaners, detergents, shampoos and bleach to antibacterial hand soap and fabric softener, your child’s endocrine system is disrupted daily.
For cleaning purposes, use borax and water. Use 100% pure essential oils not only to create exuberantly beautiful fragrances, but also to take advantage of their anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
4. Clean up your kid’s skincare and beauty products.
The skin is our largest organ. Everything we put on it gets readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Educate your kids on how even the tiniest amounts of lotions and perfumes can harm their bodies over time. Reasearch the plethora of slowly accumulating hormone-mimicking chemicals that can scramble the natural flora, wreaking havoc on their hormonal health. Many of these include artificial smells. An overlooked but important change you should explore is dropping perfumes for essential oil. If they wear makeup, I recommend Juice Beauty SPF BB cream. It’s one of the few that contains no parabens, mineral oils (or other petroleum products), no oxy or avo benzones.
5. Pamper your baby (ages 12 and up).
Natural salt baths, saunas, scrubs and exercise are great lymphatic system detoxifiers. These activities also support the immune system, and promote digestive health. The body releases the feel-good hormone serotonin, which clears the mind and brings on a positive outlook. Breathing deeply clears the lungs, focuses the mind, and releaves stress.
Make it a routine for your kids that each Sunday evening, they relax with a luxurious detox bath (lavendar, eucalyptus, Himalayan or sea salts, baking soda, and artemisia are all beautiful options).
Infrared sauna sessions (where there are no contraindications) can also help them improve their circulation and internal congestion, promoting the elimination of heavy metals, radioactive particles and other toxins. Have a mommy-daughter spa day!
6. Make sure they keep a tidy room.
What does this have to do with healthy habits and acne? Quite a bit actually. Good feng shui does a lot for the mind and subsequently for their cortisol levels (which affect skin health). It streamlines the thought process, reduces stress, and dispels confusion and frustration caused by looking for things and visually excepting messes that subconsciously affect young adults’ unseen quest for order. All of these things contribute to poorer performance in school and sports, emotional outbursts and hormonal irregularities.
So, follow these simple rules and you will find their lives vastly improved. Not only will you see a beautiful, healthy improvement in your kids’ appearance, you will also create more confident, focused and healthy young adults.