5 ways to fight acne without medication

Acne is a common skin problem that can occur in men and women of different ages. Many who have severe cases of acne turn to medicines to cure the condition, however, there are several natural and simple ways to eliminate or at least dramatically reduce the symptoms of acne. Follow these simple rules for a healthy body - and healthy skin will follow.

Water, water, water (and more water)

Avoiding acne can begin by drinking at least two liters of water per day. Staying hydrated is vital in order to prevent pores from becoming blocked and allowing the body to shed dead cells properly. Since the human body consists of about 60% water, water intake is essential for keeping the body's systems balanced and regulated. Skin, being your body's largest organ, is no exception.

Maintain a healthy diet

It's no secret that eating oily foods high in saturated and trans fats is going to make your skin oily and in turn cause you to develop acne. Avoid eating these foods in excess. Also, some acne sufferers are affected by iodine - which occurs in most table salt and foods with salt in them. Avoid salty foods if you are trying to control your acne. Also, you should avoid foods high in sugar. Although acne is caused primarily by hormonal imbalances, eating considerable amounts of sugar raises your blood sugar level quickly, which your body responds to by releasing hormones - specifically insulin and other androgenic hormones. If your liver cannot respond to these hormones quickly enough, it will result in a breakout of acne due to the hormone imbalance.
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks can also contribute to acne by manipulating hormone levels, so caffeine should be avoided in order to help clear up acne.

Only use natural products on your face and body

There is a multitude of beauty products on the market that promise smooth, healthy skin. However, some of them contain chemicals that you may think twice about rubbing into your skin, such as phthalates and parabens. Choose products which contain only natural ingredients such as oatmeal, green tea, cocoa butter, etc.
Be aware that you should check all of the products that come into contact with your skin. Make sure that your shampoo, detergent, fabric softener, deodorant, etc. do not have unnatural chemicals in them. Otherwise, you could irritate your skin and worsen your acne.

Get rid of stress in your life

Going back to hormonal imbalances causing acne, stress is another factor that can contribute to these imbalances. Generally, the less stressed you are, the healthier you are. Acne is no exception. Depression, hair loss, heart disease, obesity, and ulcers are other common stress related conditions, so you will really be doing yourself a favor by eliminating stress.

Stop touching your face

Touching your face spreads dirt from your hands (which came from who-knows-where) to your skin's pores. This dirt can also contain bacteria and viruses, which have high potential to cause acne. Break the habit of touching your face, resting your chin on your fist, etc. Also, wash your hands frequently throughout the day and also wash your face occasionally with a gentle soap.

Follow these tips to help eliminate your acne, and you may be able to avoid turning to expensive, and sometimes harsh, acne medications.

[ ... ]

My teen has acne: how to deal with the emotional aspect

8F2DRZB5HQP4

As many of us are aware, acne can cause emotional burdens. Glaring red bumps on the face can be cured by various acne creams and acne solution, however, the emotional scars left by acne can't be cured so easily. Unfortunately, this is a problem which no doctor or expert dermatologist can provide the best answer.

Statistically, acne is most common during the teenage years. For teens, it is often quite difficult to face the social impact of acne. With the physical marks come marks of shame, depression and low self-esteem. As a parent of a teenager who encounters this problem, you can be their greatest ally. There are several ways you can comfort your teen.

Remind your teen that acne is temporary

As a guardian, you need to be there and give encouragement to your child. You will probably see him or her emotionally beat up because of criticisms from his or her peers. Explain that the negative reaction of their peers is insignificant in the large scheme of things and that their acne is a temporary condition.

Take your teen to a respectable dermatologist

Do not wait for your teen’s acne problem to worsen before you see a dermatologist. The earlier the better. Seeing a dermatologist while symptoms are lesser could mean reducing the amount of permanent scarring that your teen experiences. Find a dermatologist that deserves your trust. Accompany your teen during visits to the dermatologist. Also, help your teen follow the reminders and instructions of the dermatologist.

Lead your teen to form good habits - and avoid bad ones

There are many bad habits that your teen can develop while they have acne. It is important to guide your teen to avoid these habits. There are also good habits that your teen must follow in order to hasten the healing process of their acne. Encourage your teen to adhere to these good habits. A dermatologist can explain and provide literature on good and bad habits while suffering from acne.

Boost your teen’s self-esteem

Self-esteem erodes when teasing arises. Your goal is to counteract the social pressures and be there to boost self-esteem. Try to focus your teen's energy away from their condition and toward a talent or hobby - anything that will lift to his or her morale and take his or her mind off of the acne.

As a parent, you can help your teen through the blunders of society toward people with acne. Be there and support your teen like no one else can.

[ ... ]