Acne is nothing more than a plugged pore. (Read more about what causes acne). Your sweat glands (technically called sebaceous glands) are stimulated by the rise and fall of testosterone, a male hormone that (surprise) is found in both males and females. Hormone levels in teenagers are anything but stable, and this plays a role in the acne problems they face. Additionally, the typical teen diet of burgers, fries and milk shakes don’t help matters any. Though there is no hard evidence to link certain foods with oil production — pizza, fried food and sweets probably aren’t helping to clear up acne problems.
Keeping in mind that each teen’s acne case is unique, here are some face-friendly herbs.
Chaste Tree: This herb balances hormones and keeps sebaceous gland production in check. Daily dose: 20 drops of tincture or 1 standardized capsule.
Echinacea: This herb cleanses the blood and battles bacterial growth on your face. Daily dose: 20 drops of tincture of 1 standardized capsule.
Tea Tree Oil: Apply this herbal cream topically to fight bacterial growth on your face. A little dab will do you. (Don’t eat this one - put it on your skin!)
Milk Thistle: This herb will be your liver’s best pal. Take 3 standardized capsules up to 3 times a day.
If you have severe acne that doesn’t respond to at-home treatment, consult a health care provider!
