Submit your skincare questions to Dr. Agnes, CEO of Herborium and natural medicine expert
All acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands in your skin. The fluctuating hormones you experience as a teen can heavily contribute to this overproduction of sebum. This excess sebum can clog your pores, and mixed with bacteria and dead skin cells, may lead to whiteheads, blackheads and finally pimples and cysts.
Despite some common myths, teen acne will not go away on its own; in fact, it usually gets worse, and if left untreated you may find yourself with lifelong acne scars while you still battle chronic acne.
The most important step in treating acne is not only eliminating existing pimples but PREVENTING more blemishes from forming. Prevention is the only way to break the cycle of acne once and for all, and the only way to prevent acne is to treat it from the inside.
Many of the most commonly recommended or prescribed acne treatments are simply not very safe for teens and young adults.
Accutane has been taken off the market and is currently the subject of a class action suit for its adverse effects. Unfortunately, its generic brands are still prescribed.
Topical products containing ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide should also be avoided. Did you know they can dry and sensitize the skin, leading to more acne? Besides, these ingredients offer you no more than a possible short-term and very limited improvement because they work only to help existing pimples.
Antibiotics work to inhibit the growth of bacteria that contributes to acne, but they do nothing to treat the cause of acne or to break the cycle. Not only will your results be limited and temporary, you also risk a multitude of long-term side effects, including severe stomach problems, not to mention you'll have to be extra careful in the sun since all antibiotics increase your skin's sensitivity to UV light.
Oral contraceptives are often prescribed (as an off-label usage) to teen women to target the fluctuating hormone levels that may lead to acne. However, oral contraceptives should never be used for this reason alone, as they too come with a host of side effects, many of which can be long-term. Some oral contraceptives have even been associated with severe side effects including venous clots and death. Eleven brands have been now forbidden to be promoted in any way in the USA.
AcnEase® is the only safe alternative for treating teen acne. AcnEase® is a natural, clinically validated, all-botanical acne treatment that is both safe and effective for teens of all skin tones and types. AcnEase® treats all types of acne (mild, moderate, severe, cystic and chronic) with no side effects. It works from the inside to decrease the oil your sebaceous glands produce, thereby breaking the cycle of acne.
A healthy skincare routine for you is one that is gentle and includes noncomedgenic products that do not contain any damaging ingredients such as salicylic acid or alcohol.
With a Promise of Clear Skin, Dr. A