Acne

Isn’t high school challenging enough without white head, black heads, pustules, and scars?  While teenage acne may seem to be a standard part of most adolescents’ lives, there are gentle and effective ways to reduce or resolve skin blemishes without resorting to potentially dangerous medications. 

Acne is the external manifestation of imbalances on the body’s interior.  For young adults, acne is usually caused by the shifting, surging hormones of adolescence, but can be exacerbated by numerous factors such as stress, diet, genetics, or exposure to toxins.  Many doctors will claim that diet has little or nothing to do with acne.  While this may be true for some teens, I find it difficult to concede that the average teenage diet of processed, artificial, and low quality foods, including excessive sugar and everything fried, does not contribute to disharmony in the body.  

While altering a teen’s diet may seem like a daunting task, this is also a great opportunity to educate them about their bodies and empower them to make changes that resonate for them. 

Ask your acupuncturist for support.  She will work with you and your teen to create a program that specifically addresses the condition on all levels including herbs and topical recommendations to clear the skin; herbs, acupuncture, and dietary modifications to treat the root condition; and meditation or other techniques to improve body image, increase self-confidence, and reduce stress. 

For more info on teenage acne, this is a thorough and informative article.  The author, Jane Sheppard, plugs ZenMed, a fairly natural skin care treatment (note: some of their products do contain parabens).  Neither my patients nor I have yet had any experience with their this company, but they seem to have the right approach of addressing the internal/root causes while improving the external manifestation of acne  The main things missing from this system are dietary modifications and emotional support which should be guided by a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner.