Ten tips for treating acne in teens

Arusha Campbell-Chambers, skin, hair & nail health

1.  Mild acne can be treated with products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5 per cent), sulphur and/or salicylic acid (0.5-2 per cent). These may be irritating, so start with lower concentrations, and be careful when combining products. It is best to choose gentle cleansers when using other acne treatments.
2.  If tolerated, exfoliating (deep cleaning) cleansers and toners/astringents can be used. Regular bathing soaps and blue 'cake' soaps are not recommended. Scrubs should ideally not be used more than once weekly.
3. Oil-free (non-comedogenic) sunscreens should be used since acne treatments can make the skin more sensitive to the sun and since the sun can make dark spots darker. Oil-free moisturisers may be needed to counteract the dryness resulting from acne treatment.
4. Avoid make-up containing oil. If you wear make-up, check the label to see that the product is oil-free. You should also avoid using hair products that contain oil, as these may clog pores in the skin and cause or worsen acne.
5.  Do not use very strong steroid creams/ointments on the face to treat acne or dark spots. They are a popular ingredient in many harmful bleaching creams which can cause bad acne breakouts, thinning of the skin, prominent blood vessels, stretch marks and poor wound healing, among other things.
6. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, picking or squeezing the skin. Squeezing acne lesions can often cause them to go deeper, potentially causing dark spots and scarring. You should also avoid hot, humid conditions where possible as this can worsen acne.
7.  Some studies have shown that diets high in sugar and dairy products can possibly worsen acne in some people. If you notice that this is so for you, you can reduce the amount of these foods in your diet.
8.  If acne is not controlled with over-the-counter products, topical and possibly oral medications can be prescribed for you. Acne treatment may take at least five to eight weeks to give good results. There is no permanent cure, so maintenance treatment is required to keep acne controlled. Most teens outgrow acne in young adulthood but adults can also be affected with acne.
9.  Optional procedures to help treat acne include facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, injectable treatments (into deeper lumps), light therapy and lasers. Your dermatologist can also recommend treatment for complications of acne such as dark spots, scarring and keloids. If acne is causing severe psychological problems then psychological help may also be needed.
10.  Acne can cause significant emotional problems, so try to keep feeling positive about yourself, inside and out. Even if others make negative comments about your skin's condition, try not to let them get you down. Likewise, be mindful of the comments you make to others about their skin. All the best!

Dr Arusha Campbell-Chambers is a dermatologist and founder of Dermatology Solutions Skin Clinics & Medi-Spas; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com

HEALTH TIPS

Sip water slowly

To get the maximum benefit from water, sip it slowly, and the water will hit your bloodstream rather than filter out through your liver, so you won't have to go to the bathroom so frequently. This way, you can be sure to get the recommended six to eight ounces per day. Cells retain water when they don't have enough of it.

Tomato lowers heart disease

A study done at Tufts University in the United States has found that people who ate a tomato-rich diet had a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease. The health boost comes from lycopene, an antioxidant that gives tomatoes their colour and is even more concentrated in sauce. In the 11-year study, those who ate the most lycopene had a 25 per cent lower risk of heart disease. Watermelon is another rich source of lycopene.

SENNA

This herb is a very good colon cleanser and can be used to relieve severe cases of constipation. Because senna leaf is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, it also helps to reduce hemorrhoids swelling due to irritation. Senna is best used for short periods, never on a regular basis. Continuous use can lead to health problems as well as lazy bowel syndrome. Making a paste from senna leaf is also good for skin conditions such as acne, ringworm and wounds. Chewing the leaf can help combat mouth infections and gingivitis.

CERASEE

Despite its bitter taste, cerasee is a fantastic herb that is well worth enduring the taste. Cerasee contains nutrients like iron, vitamins A and C, phosphorus and alkaloids and effectively treats several ailments. With its detoxifying properties, it is very good at purifying the blood and body and reducing blood pressure. It is very good at curing abdominal pain and arthritis. As a skin cleanser, cerasee can be used for rashes, acne, eczema, skin ulcers and sores. It is very good at relieving constipation, fever and colds. It addition to treating urinary tract infections, it is also good at relieving menstrual cramps.