When my teenage daughter developed acne, I reluctantly what many other parents do. I called a toll-free number and ordered a highly advertised product designed to clear those blemishes.
Despite misgivings, since I was buying a product made with chemicals, the pull to want to help my daughter overrode my concerns. I wanted her to feel good about how she looked, at a critical point in her life.
The items came. She used them a few times. Then she stopped. That’s because she didn’t like how they smelled, and also because I had long warned her against using potentially dangerous products on her skin.
Looking back on this experience, I regret not first exploring various non-toxic acne products made from plant-based materials.
Fortunately, I’m glad my daughter had the sense to stop using the widely advertised product. Oneof the active ingredients in this package is benzoyl peroxide. This is found in many acne products. But there are now questions as to whether it’s safe.
Benzoyl peroxide has not been linked to cancer in humans. But one study did find it made skin tumors in a certain strain of mice grow larger. According to these researchers, it didn’t appear to cause new malignancies.
But, clearly, more studies are needed. The FDA does not consider benzoyl peroxide to be a carcinogen.
Since I’m not a doctor, I can’t give medical advice or suggestions. But I can share my story about my daughter’s acne outbreak, without promising what she did will work for anyone else.
Natural Treatments for Teenage Acne
As a former medical writer, I know that information is only as good as the design of a particular study. I’ve since learned about various plant-based acne treatments, which should have been our first line of defense.
At the moment, my daughter’s outbreaks are under more control, something I attribute partly to castile soap made with essential oils. She’s also cleaned up her diet, lost weight and stopped drinking dairy products. At least one study has found that milk can worsen acne.
Although her acne has improved, and the soap, which contains infection-fighting peppermint essential oil undoubtedly helped, I believe healthier food choices probably played a bigger role.
However, I also can’t discount the soap. Here is the brand of pure natural castile soap we currently use
Dr Woods Peppermint Castile Soap
&
Organic Acne Treatment Products
However, if we wanted something made specifically for acne, it’s good to know natural alternatives exist. This system, which contains no benzoyl peroxide, is designed to heal acne without irritating the skin. The Blemish Clearing Serum contains organic fruit acids, a willow bark extract and the vitamin-like CoQ10, a substance made naturally in our bodies. There is also a natural oil-free moisturizer and a Green Apple Blemish Clearing Peel. This system can also be applied for spot treatments, if that’s all that’s needed.
Juice Beauty Organics Skin Clearing System
&
Neem Soap for Acne
Another home remedy for acne is neem soap, made from a medicinal herb commonly used in traditional Indian medicine. This plant is used to treat a variety of conditions, but is often recommended as a remedy for acne, eczema and psoriasis. It is sold in soap form for these uses.
&
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
For Additional Reading
Best Essential Oil Acne Treatments
Non Toxic Liquid Foundation Makeup
