‘ZIT WARRIORS’ – ON THE WARPATH!
IS IT A CASE OF “I HAVE ACNE BECAUSE I AM STRESSED”? OR IS IT “I AM STRESSED BECAUSE I HAVE ACNE”?
Yes, it sucks! And no, it is nothing like that one pimple that simply popped up on your lip that one time you landed up kissing some weirdo at a party!
This is a real struggle and acne at any age (including adults), can be quite traumatising.
Whether it is comforting or not to know that many people out there suffer from acne in one form or another, there are some who cannot even remember ever having clear skin at all.
With imminent Matric Farewells and as importantly, Preliminary Matric exams looming, stress, anxiety and excitement levels go through the roof. Mommy Wellness decided it is a good time to provide a bit of background and hopefully, some helpful advice to our teenagers and parents about how teenage stress and acne often go hand in hand.
THE TEENAGE YEARS – STANDING THE TEST OF TIME
As they say: “THIS TOO SHALL PASS”
Teenage years are a crucial phase in life. This is the time when both emotional and physical changes are experienced, marking the start of puberty.
Skin matures gradually with the growth of a teenage body. Unfortunately, maturing skin does not keep up with the process due to an excess production of sebum, which is an oily substance which lubricates the skin, often causing acne.
WELL ‘PICKING’ (PARDON THE PUN), IS OUT OF THE QUESTION AND SADLY SO IS ‘CHOOSING’
Acne takes on a few different forms and is certainly not fussy about its next victims.
When skin pores are clogged, whiteheads appear due to excess sebum and dead skin cells and those awful little (sometimes big), blackheads are caused through oxidization of debris inside open pores.
Another form of acne are papules, which occur after whiteheads, and after sebum and bacteria cause inflammation under the skin.
Cystic acne is more severe when dead skin cells and sebum clog the skin deep down and form an infected bump filled with pus.
HORMONES – THEY MOAN A LOT!
Often, ‘raging’ hormones (not what we want to hear, but there it is), can also be the cause of stress during teenage years, as can sweating. Sweat is waste and contains fatty materials and salt which worsens the clogged pores, leading to acne breakouts. Then even worse, bacteria start multiplying due to the heat which is produced during sweating.
Hygiene is of obvious and paramount importance and regular showering helps reduce the clogging of the pores. Clean, clear water is always good when It comes to cleansing and clearing skin impurities.
As with all problematic issues, Mommy Wellness suggests seeking the advice of a Doctor if acne becomes a problem, particularly if stress-related, which often can be the case during teenage years.
Mommy Wellness has put together a few pointers which may be helpful:
Seeking advice from Skin Care specialists and support from parents can to a large degree, relieve overcoming the problem, making the whole process of dealing with acne much easier.
Treatments are available and a few precautionary measures can be put into place to help ease and sometimes even eliminate the problem.
Most important: Always bear in mind the skin type.
Unfortunately, the choice will be trial and error, as some foods agree with certain people, but can be the cause of an acne outbreak in others.
When uncertain, it may be wise to consult with a Dietary Practitioner who will usually provide a general outline of do’s and don’ts, specifically formulated for the individual.
Mommy Wellness has some amazing Teen packages which include stress release.
Take advantage of our 20% discount on advertised rates. Go to http://mommywellness.co.za/urban-teen-wellness/, choose a suitable pampering session for your Teen and book an appointment.
