Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting a huge percentage of teenagers worldwide. Everyone agrees that acne breakouts can be pretty embarrassing, especially for teenagers. As a parent or guardian, it is vital to help your teen manage their acne to avoid the distress and low self-esteem issues it causes in teens.

Helping your teen manage their acne makes this period a lot less stressful. Several conventional acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and niacinamide have proven to be effective for acne. However, they can have undesirable side effects like irritation, dryness, and redness and can be expensive. 

This has pushed people to try to cure acne naturally with home remedies. A 2017 study revealed that approximately 77% of acne patients are open to seeking alternative treatments. Although most home remedies lack  solid scientific backing and further research should be done to determine their effectiveness, some of them have been proven to help manage teen acne. 

What Causes Acne?

Acne usually develops when the pores on the skin get clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Each pore on the body is connected to a sebaceous gland that secretes an oily substance called sebum. The production of excessive sebum clogs pores, boosting the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, acne-causing bacteria.

This bacteria attacks the white blood cells making the skin inflamed and causing acne breakouts. Cases of acne tend to be more severe than others; however, the most common symptoms include pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Here are a few of the factors that contribute to the development of acne:

• Hormone changes
• Genetics
• Diet
• Infections
• Stress

Typically, most clinic treatments are effective in reducing acne in teens. It is also recommended to use topical products such as PurClarity's Revitalizing Mist to eliminate teen acne and seek professional intervention for severe outbreaks.

What is the Best Way to Prevent Acne Outbreaks?

While the medical industry is yet to uncover a treatment that would help get rid of acne forever, there are a few habits teens can adopt to keep breakouts at bay:

• Limiting Your Sun Exposure: Frequent sun exposure tends to leave the skin dehydrated, which leads to excessive sebum production and clogged pores

• Avoiding or Limiting the Use of Makeup: Various makeup products clog your pores, triggering the onset of breakouts. If you need to, it's better to opt for fragrance-free and non-comedogenic makeup to avoid skin irritation. Remember to always wash it off before bed

• Washing Your Face Properly: To prevent outbreaks, it's best to remove sweat, excess oil, and dirt by washing your face at least twice daily

• Avoid Touching Your Face: Frequently touching your face introduces pore-clogging impurities and bacteria that cause breakouts

• Avoid Popping Pimples: Popping pimples cause infection, bleeding, and severe infection. It can even cause clogs in surrounding pores and increase inflammation which can worsen the condition

• Cutting Back on Dairy: Although the link between acne and dairy is highly controversial, a 2019 study on individuals ages 10-24 revealed that drinking milk up to 3 days or more each week leaves you susceptible to severe acne.

Another study that included 114 individuals revealed that those with acne drank more milk than those who didn't. Still,  more research would be needed to determine a genuine causal relationship

• Using Moisturizer: Moisturizing is crucial as it helps counterbalance the excess sebum that causes clogged pores. Using PurClarity's Revitalizing Mist will help hydrate and rejuvenate your skin and help avoid future outbreaks. 

• Adopt a Low Glycemic Diet: A food's glycemic index measures how quickly it can raise your blood sugar levels. Eating foods with a high GI can cause a spike in insulin, which may increase sebum production. This means high GI foods directly affect the formation and severity of acne. 

A 2018 study involving 66 people on a low glycemic or regular diet found that after 2 weeks, those on a low glycemic diet had low insulin levels and were less likely to develop acne. Another 2017 study uncovered that among 65 people, those with severe acne consumed a diet of higher GI and carbohydrates than those without. These studies suggest that a low GI diet could help suppress and prevent acne development.

Foods with a high GI include:

• Pastries
• Candy
• Sugary soft drinks
• Baked goods

Those with a low GI include:

• Nuts
• Fruits
• Legumes
• Whole grains
• Vegetables 

How to Treat Teen Acne?

Moisturizing with Aloe Vera

• Skin inflammation
• Rashes
• Burns
• Abrasions
• Wounds

Aloe vera contains sulphur and salicylic acid, which can effectively treat acne. Combining aloe vera with substances like tea tree oil and tretinoin cream can effectively alleviate acne. Even though using aloe vera in acne treatment shows promise, determining its anti-acne benefits requires further research. 

Applying Green Tea to Your Skin

Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants that promote good health and help suppress acne. This is likely due to the polyphenols in green tea that help reduce inflammation and bacteria. 

In a 2016 study involving 80 women, participants were required to take 1,500 mg of green tea every day for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, participants who took the extract appeared to have less acne. A recent study uncovered that green tea extract reduces pimples and sebum production in people with acne.

This means that directly applying green tea to the affected area can help eliminate acne. You could either buy creams that contain green tea or try to make your mixture. Presently, there isn't much research on the benefits of green tea in treating teen acne; therefore, further research is needed. 

Making Honey Mask and Cinnamon Mask

A 2017 study showed that combining honey and cinnamon exhibits antibacterial effects that can help eliminate propionibacterium acnes. Honey on its own can kill or block the growth of Propionibacterium acnes.

A 2016 study involving 136 individuals found that applying honey to the affected area after using antibacterial soap effectively treats acne. Typically, honey and cinnamon antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can effectively alleviate teen acne. However, there is no actual data on the effectiveness of honey in treating acne.

Applying Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an extract derived from crushing fermented apples. Like most kinds of vinegar, apple cider can combat bacteria and fungi. It contains organic acids like citric acid, which has been proven to kill propionibacterium acne, especially when combined with zinc oxide.

A 2017 study revealed that the lactic acid in apple cider vinegar could help eliminate acne scars. Although most components of apple cider vinegar can help treat teen acne, there is no scientific evidence linking it to acne treatment. However, most dermatologists advise against using apple cider vinegar as it might irritate the skin. 

Explore Your Options

Many teens experience breakouts that might go away with time or persist as they grow older. Luckily, there are a variety of treatments and medications that can help treat acne. Individuals with chronic acne need to consult a dermatologist before trying any acne treatment.