Tackling Teen Acne with a Holistic Approach

By Liana Meggetto, RHN + Acne Coach in The Clear Skin Solution

The teen years are a time of self-discovery, hanging with friends, growth and, unfortunately for many, also struggles with acne. If you are a teen or a caregiver of a teen currently on the road of trying to break free of the breakouts, we’re about to embrace a journey full of superfoods, gut health and stress-busting techniques because, let’s face it, clearing acne is a multi-faceted approach!

What’s Really Causing Teen Acne?

Chatting about teen acne is like unravelling a mystery with lots of twists and turns. It’s a time when everything’s changing fast, and among all those changes, hormones are the big players affecting skin vibes. They’re like the DJs at a party, pumping up sebum production, which can jam up pores and invite those acne-causing bacteria to the bash. But it’s not all about hormones. There’s a whole squad involved, including how our body handles sugar and what’s going down in our gut and liver.

Hormones are a key piece but part of a bigger crew. The health of our gut and liver is super important for keeping hormones in check and our skin looking fresh. Our gut is not just about breaking down food; it’s also about keeping our hormones balanced through a healthy microbiome. It’s like having a good friend who helps you detox (through your poop!) and keep things running smoothly. And our liver, that’s the detox superstar, making sure hormones are in harmony. If our gut or liver is off its game, it can mess with our hormones and lead to more breakouts.

Then, there’s the whole drama with blood sugar. If our blood sugar is all over the place, it can make our body less responsive to insulin, a hormone that’s supposed to keep sugar levels in check. This can lead to more androgens, those hormones that crank up oil production in our skin, making acne worse. Plus, these sugar roller coasters can stir up inflammation, which doesn’t do our skin any favours.

So, dealing with teen acne is like being a detective on a complex case. It’s not just about slapping on some cream and hoping for the best. It’s about looking at the big picture and getting everything from our diet to our lifestyle in tune. 

If you want to dig more into what’s going on underneath the surface of this skin, check out our podcast episode Teen Acne: What’s Causing It & Where to Start.

Tips for Winning the Battle Against Teen Acne

Superfoods

Ever heard “you are what you eat”? This is true, especially when it comes to our skin health! Fill your plate with colourful fruits and veggies, and don’t forget about omega-3-rich foods like salmon and nuts.

Sugar and Blood Sugar

Balancing blood sugars is a game changer when it comes to tackling acne. Keep those blood sugars stable by eating regularly and balancing your meals with protein, fat, and fibre. Avoid sugary drinks and processed snacks. On top of what we are eating, we also need to prioritize not skipping our meals and snacks! Want more insights? Give a read to The Blood-Sugar Acne Connection.

Gut Health Is Key

A happy gut means happy skin. Aim for daily, healthy poops and include prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods in your diet. Irregular bowel movements? Start tracking using the Bristol Stool Chart, aiming for numbers 3-4; if not, we could have a skin trigger here!

Stay Hydrated

Water is your skin’s best friend! By sipping water, we help flush toxins that can contribute to acne out of the body. It also keeps our skin glowing, aids in liver detoxification, keeps our poops moving and keeps our minds clear. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day, maybe a little more if you’re active. Herbal teas and kombucha are great, too, but skip the sugary and caffeinated drinks so your skin gets that TLC!

Manage Stress

Stress can wreak havoc on your skin. Find ways to chill out, like yoga, walks, or jamming to your favourite tunes. Positive vibes and people only, and don’t forget to catch those Zs and put down those electronics every now and then. 

Mindful Eating

How you eat is as important as what you eat. Slow down, chew well, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. Our best tip; put your phone down while you eat and really focus on chewing. This basic art of chewing is free and the most powerful way to set digestion off to a solid start. 

By embracing these holistic tips, teens may start hormonal balancing, nurture their gut health, manage blood sugar, stay hydrated, and keep stress in check. It’s all about treating your body right and paving the way for clear, glowing skin.

Looking for a game-changer in your battle against teen acne? Grab “The Teen Acne Guidebook or Teen Acne Testing Package” which we’ve packed with more comprehensive expert advice. The self-paced guide offers a complete approach to start conquering acne, including healthy swaps for teen snacks and eating out, supplement tips, and esthetician-curated skincare routines. Perfect for teens and parents alike, it’s your ticket to clearer, healthier skin.