Dear Moms and Dads,

Please take a moment to share this article with your kids. I crafted it specifically for them. Of course, you can read it too, but my main aim is to reach out to your amazing offspring. So, set aside your traditional newspaper and pass this along to the youths in your life.

Sincerely,

Sarah Villafranco, MD

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Hey there, incredible teens!

Let me introduce you to my girls—my pride and joy. They’re not babies anymore, despite my constant pleas for them to stay little just a bit longer. (Do your parents do the same to you? It’s hard for us to resist! We cherish those adorable baby moments, and yes, it’s part of our job to get on your nerves.)

My daughters are maturing quickly, with one stepping into 11th grade and the other already in college. As I observe them and their friends, I notice many grappling with acne issues. I decided to compile some helpful tips to maintain healthy skin during these formative years. I understand it can be tedious to listen to parents discuss this topic, but I hope that hearing it from someone else’s mom, who also happens to be a doctor and the chief formulator of a natural skincare brand, might change your perspective. My goal is to enhance your understanding of acne and provide you with straightforward steps to nurture your skin.

Acne is fundamentally an inflammatory condition. This means that your skin can react negatively due to internal imbalances or external factors. Often, it’s a blend of both contributing elements. It’s crucial to remember that your skin is not working against you; instead, it’s working for you. When breakouts occur, they’re simply messages from your skin indicating that something is out of harmony.

Understanding Internal Influences on Acne Development

Various factors related to your diet and lifestyle can trigger hormonal fluctuations in your body, leading to breakouts.

How Your Diet Impacts Skin Health and Acne

One of the most pivotal concepts to grasp is this: You are what you eat. 

Some foods can exacerbate skin issues while others can significantly enhance your glow. It’s unrealistic to expect your body to perform optimally when it’s fueled with junk. Think of your body as a vehicle—the higher the quality of fuel, the better it runs. While indulging occasionally is perfectly fine, your daily diet should be nourishing and supportive of your skin’s health from the inside out.

Managing Stress to Improve Skin Clarity

Another significant factor influencing your skin is STRESS. Everyone experiences stress, even those in elementary school! As you mature, the stressors tend to multiply—balancing homework, tests, sports, school productions, and socializing with friends while maintaining family connections can feel overwhelming. If stress becomes unmanageable, it often manifests on your skin.

So, how can you effectively manage stress? Here are a few recommendations:

• Engage in physical activities or spend time outdoors. Scientific studies show that exercise produces chemicals in your brain that enhance your mood and reduce stress levels.
• Surround yourself with supportive and loving individuals. Steer clear of friends who bring unnecessary drama and negativity into your life. Opt for those who uplift you.
• Consider using a meditation app like Insight Timer. It creates mental space, making overwhelming thoughts feel less cramped. Plus, your parents will likely appreciate your desire for some quiet time to meditate!
• Maintain perspective during challenging times. Yes, you may face a heavy homework load or personal issues, but remember, you have access to clean water, nourishing food, clothing, and your favorite social media platforms. Things aren’t as dire as they may seem!
• Finally, cherish your family. They might not always get it right, and parents can be a bit annoying. However, remember that nobody loves you as unconditionally as they do.

Exploring External Factors That Contribute to Acne

Your skin is a living organ, and it reacts to the products you apply. Approximately 60% of what you use is absorbed into your body, making it just as important as your diet. If you’re applying low-quality skincare or makeup, you will likely see adverse effects on your complexion. By low-quality, I mean products laden with harmful chemicals and artificial fragrances, rather than those enriched with high-quality, natural ingredients. If you’re curious to learn more about how certain ingredients impact your health, check out this informative blog post.

In the meantime, I’d love to share some recommendations for healthy skincare and makeup options, along with essential tips!

The Best Skincare Products for Combatting Acne

Consider these products for your skincare routine:

• Black Clay Facial Soap
• Spotless Blemish Oil
• Clean Teen Starter Set
• Breakout Skin Kit

All these items are part of our comprehensive acne collection. If you’re dealing with widespread breakouts, I suggest the Breakout Skin Kit. One of our former team members penned a heartfelt essay about how these products transformed her skin after a severe acne bout—definitely worth reading. If your breakouts are localized, particularly around your chin, starting with the Clean Teen Starter Set could be beneficial, and it’s wise to familiarize yourself with perioral dermatitis to determine if it aligns with your symptoms.

Choosing Makeup That Won’t Worsen Acne

Among my top recommended clean makeup brands are Saie, Alima Pure, W3LL PEOPLE, Ilia, and HAN. Each brand offers a wide array of shades, vibrant colors, and clean ingredients, making them user-friendly and accessible.

Finding Hair Products That Care for Your Skin

We highly recommend Josh Rosebrook, Innersense Organic Beauty, and Ursa Major for haircare. If you have thick, wavy, or curly hair, consider trying New Wash by Hairstory! Remember, your hair products can impact your skin, so opt for those that are gentle and non-irritating, steering clear of ingredients like sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate and synthetic fragrances.

Daily Habits That Impact Acne Management

As you navigate through the school year, remember that small habits can significantly affect your skin’s health. Every little action accumulates and can lead to breakouts.

• Avoid touching your face. Your hands harbor dirt, oil, and germs!
• Regularly sanitize your phone and keyboard with alcohol wipes to eliminate bacteria.
• Refrain from squeezing or picking at pimples. Reflect on the last time you did this—did it yield positive results? I thought so! Instead, use the Spotless Blemish Oil 3-4 times a day with clean hands and trust the process—those pesky zits will fade.
• Most importantly, treat your skin kindly. It’s not your enemy; therefore, don’t subject it to harsh routines. Your skin requires compassion to heal and thrive.

While it may be challenging to remember all these suggestions, revisit this article periodically to ensure you’re consistently caring for your skin. Some breakouts may be unavoidable, but you don’t have to endure them regularly, nor should you feel compelled to mask your skin with makeup every day. If you commit to being a friend to your skin by choosing nutritious foods, staying hydrated, using quality products, and embracing joy, you’ll significantly contribute to a smooth, radiant complexion.

With love and a backpack full of apples from us to you,