Goodbye Acne
Updated: Oct 30
Acne can be a frustrating part of teenage years, but the good news is that it’s manageable with the right approach. While fluctuating hormones often cause breakouts, there are ways to keep skin clear and healthy. This guide covers everything from effective skincare routines to diet changes, focusing on a gentle approach and recommending powerful products.
I have three daughters, and when it comes to acne, we've tried EVERYTHING! I refuse to put them on birth control, Accutane, antibiotics, Spironolactone, benzoyl peroxide, or any other synthetic crap that ruins your gut and skin barrier.
Understanding Acne
Teen acne often appears on the face, shoulders, chest, and back due to the body producing more sebum (oil) during puberty. The combination of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria can clog pores and cause breakouts. Managing it often requires both internal and external changes. Let’s dive into some key strategies.
Skincare Routine for Teen Acne
A consistent, gentle skincare routine can help manage acne. Here’s a simple but effective routine, including products from some of the best natural and skin-friendly brands.
Cleanse Twice Daily
Keeping your skin clean is essential to remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria. However, harsh cleansers can strip the skin, causing it to produce even more oil. Try Osmosis' Purify Enzyme Cleanser which offers a gentle, enzymatic cleanse. It cleanses without over-drying and is packed with antioxidants to nourish the skin while reducing inflammation.
Exfoliate Gently (1-2 Times a Week)
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores. However, avoid harsh scrubs and stick to gentle chemical exfoliants. Skin Harmonics' Vitalizing Elixir is a perfect choice. It uses a natural blend of enzymes to help clear away dead cells and keep pores unclogged, promoting a more even skin texture without irritating acne-prone skin.
Hydrate and Balance with a Toner
A toner restores the skin’s pH and helps prepare it for moisturizing. Lumion’s Skin Oxygen Mist is an ideal choice for teens dealing with acne, as it contains hypochlorous acid, which has natural antibacterial properties that fight acne-causing bacteria. The mist also hydrates without clogging pores, making it safe and beneficial for oily or combination skin.
Moisturize to Keep Skin Balanced
Contrary to popular belief, acne-prone skin still needs moisture. Without hydration, skin may overproduce oil to compensate, leading to more breakouts. VO Beauty’s Hydrate Facial Cream is lightweight and formulated with natural ingredients, providing essential moisture without feeling greasy. It’s also packed with anti-inflammatory botanicals that soothe irritated skin.
Spot Treat When Needed
For those stubborn pimples, a targeted approach can help. Norse’s Acne Balm is a potent yet gentle spot treatment with natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Its blend of plant extracts reduces redness and swelling, helping pimples heal faster without the harshness often found in traditional spot treatments.
Protect with Sunscreen
Using sunscreen is essential, especially if you’re using active ingredients that increase sensitivity to sunlight. Apoterra’s Rose Hydrating Toner offers a light SPF boost with a mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin, keeping skin safe from UV rays and reducing the risk of acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Going Dairy-Free for Clearer Skin
Our diet plays a huge role in skin health, and some studies suggest a link between dairy consumption and acne. Dairy, especially milk, contains growth hormones and can raise insulin levels, which may contribute to acne. Here are some dietary tips that may help with clearer skin:
Limit Dairy Products: Consider reducing or eliminating milk, cheese, and yogurt. Many delicious plant-based alternatives, like almond, oat, and coconut milk, are available. Dairy-free yogurts and cheeses are also easy to find in most grocery stores.
Increase Water Intake: Staying hydrated keeps the skin hydrated, gets rid of toxins and may reduce breakouts.
Eat More Whole Foods: Processed foods can cause inflammation, aggravating acne. Try to eat lots of whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
Incorporate Omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the skin. Add chia seeds and flaxseed seeds to your smoothies and snack on walnuts.
Limit Sugary Foods: Foods with a high glycemic index, such as sugary beverages, white bread, and pastries, can raise insulin levels, producing greater oil production and acne. Instead, choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, sweet potatoes, and legumes.
Emphasizing a Holistic Approach
Skincare products and diet are powerful, but a holistic approach includes lifestyle changes too. Stress can trigger acne by increasing cortisol, a stress hormone. Here are some tips to help manage stress:
Exercise Regularly: Exercise reduces stress and increases blood flow, which can benefit the skin. Just be sure to wash your face after a workout to prevent sweat from clogging pores.
Get Adequate Sleep: Skin repairs itself during sleep, so aim for 7-9 hours a night to keep your skin refreshed and balanced.
Practice Mindfulness: Activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress, which may reduce acne flare-ups.
Why a Natural Skincare Approach Works
Choosing natural, non-toxic skincare is especially beneficial for teens, as synthetic ingredients can be too harsh. Brands like Osmosis, Skin Harmonics, Apoterra, Lumion, VO Beauty, and Norse offer clean, effective formulations that promote healthy skin without harmful chemicals.
Natural skincare products often contain fewer irritants, which means fewer chances of aggravating acne. Plus, many of these brands prioritize transparency, making it easier for teens to understand exactly what they’re putting on their skin.
Summing It Up
Dealing with acne as a teen is challenging, but combining a thoughtful skincare routine, a clean diet, and a good skin care regimen can make a big difference. Using natural products like Osmosis Purify Cleanser, Skin Harmonics Vitalizing Elixir, Lumion Skin Oxygen Mist, VO Beauty Hydrate Facial Cream, Apoterra Rose Hydrating Toner, and Norse Acne Balm can provide the skin with the nourishment and care it needs without unnecessary irritation.
Going dairy-free and opting for a diet rich in whole foods, hydration, and healthy fats can support clearer skin from within. Remember that everyone's skin is different, so a solution that works for one person might not be practical for someone else.
Here's what to do:
For 3 -10 days, double oil cleanse with Apoterra Vetiver Oil Cleanser to rebalance your skin.
Use Cotton Rounds
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