Tackling Teen Acne: What You Need to Know

Acne troubles many teens and those even older. It's one of the most common skin issues, mainly affecting the face and back where oil glands are concentrated. Acne is marked by prominent, non-itchy red or pustular spots, as well as blackheads and whiteheads. Occasionally, these blemishes leave scars on the skin.

Causes of Acne: A rise in hormone levels, especially testosterone, which stimulates the oil glands, is a key factor. There can also be blockages in the skin's ducts, leading to inflammation with the bacteria 'Propionibacterium acnes.' Heightened emotional stress exacerbates acne, particularly during stressful times like exams.

Toxins in the Liver – When the liver can't release toxins effectively, it's often reflected in skin health. Excessive consumption of chocolate, fatty foods, and dairy products can worsen acne. A medical journal stated a direct link between simple carbohydrate consumption and acne. These carbs cause increased insulin secretion, which leads to overproduction of oil and keratin, promoting acne bacteria growth. Hence, it's recommended to consume whole carbs and unprocessed foods and increase fiber intake to maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce insulin secretion. Avoid foods that create waste – processed foods, junk food. Reduce animal fats, eggs, chicken, and meats, as well as dairy, which contains hormones and cholesterol that stimulate oil glands. Opt for plant-based proteins like legumes, quinoa, buckwheat, almonds, and seeds.

Tips for Liver Cleansing and Improvement:

- Drink chicory root tea – it cleanses the liver (2 cups a day). It's a good coffee replacement, which should be avoided as it worsens acne.

- Herbs that cleanse the liver: Calendula, rosemary, dandelion, and milk thistle – prepare a mix, add a teaspoon to boiling water, cover, wait 20 minutes, strain, and drink.

- Water with half a lemon in the morning.

- Juice made from carrots, beets, apples, and celery.

- Add ginger to food, or place a fresh ginger cube in tea. It's anti-inflammatory.

- Relaxation activities, along with 30 minutes of walking or dancing daily, reduce stress.

- Drinking tea from linden, passionflower, or chamomile for relaxation in the evening before bed.

- Use a special soap for acne cleansing, and wash the face three times a day.

- Thorough skin cleansing: Purchase a green clay mask. Apply, wait half an hour, and rinse.

- Lemon rind: Apply to the skin, leave for 10 minutes, and rinse.

- Mix oatmeal with water, apply to the skin, leave for an hour, then rinse. Similarly, aloe vera leaves – split the leaf, apply, wait an hour, and wipe with a damp cloth.

To book home workshop sessions with Rabbanit Rachel Betry, call 073-2221240 or 052-9551588