The teenage years present a unique set of health challenges. Hormone fluctuations, skin changes, mood swings, food fads and attitudinal issues. Yet, this is a time when there is often a tendency to skip meals, forego simple skin care and ignore issues which set the habits we take into future years.
Adolescence is a phase that has long puzzled individuals and their parents. At this age, typical eating habits are affected by environment, lifestyle and normal development. Nutritional support is required for growth and development, fitness activities and competitive sports.
Acne is a normal characteristic of adolescent development. It occurs in varying degrees of severity in individual teens, influenced by factors such as stress in both boys and girls, and phases of the menstrual cycle in girls. Traditionally, dietary factors have been blamed for the appearance of acne. But studies have shown that there is no correlation between the food teens eat and the appearance or degree of this condition. In spite of the research however, removing refined sugars, saturated fats and processed foods from their diet seems to help general health and overall skin condition.
Nutrients important in the picture here include vitamin A, chromium, zinc, vitamin E, selenium and vitamin B6. A simple multivitamin supports these nutrients, and helps address immune function, insulin sensitivity, skin healing, and hormonal fluctuations. Specific acne formulations more specifically target the sebaceous glands which control the condition.
Cleansing, moisturising and treating acne can be frustrating to an age group who want instant results. Cleansers must be pH modified, gentle and non-threatening to skin which, at this stage, is usually reactive. Moisturisers should not clog pores and should be formulated to provide relief from dryness. Topical treatments should also be gentle, targeting the blocked gland and accompanying hair follicle.
Teens often snack outside traditional mealtimes. The choice of foods they make is more important than the time or place of eating. Emphasis should be placed on fresh vegetables and fruit as well as wholegrain products to combat the high-sugar or high-protein junk foods that teens commonly choose.
We should also encourage teenagers to exercise in ways best suited to their lifestyle. Physical exercise helps mental development as well. Teens who study for long hours need breaks in concentration to revitalise brain cells. Habits formed during these years will continue to help them throughout life.
Adolescence is a phase that has long puzzled individuals and their parents. At this age, typical eating habits are affected by environment, lifestyle and normal development. Nutritional support is required for growth and development, fitness activities and competitive sports.
Acne is a normal characteristic of adolescent development. It occurs in varying degrees of severity in individual teens, influenced by factors such as stress in both boys and girls, and phases of the menstrual cycle in girls. Traditionally, dietary factors have been blamed for the appearance of acne. But studies have shown that there is no correlation between the food teens eat and the appearance or degree of this condition. In spite of the research however, removing refined sugars, saturated fats and processed foods from their diet seems to help general health and overall skin condition.
Nutrients important in the picture here include vitamin A, chromium, zinc, vitamin E, selenium and vitamin B6. A simple multivitamin supports these nutrients, and helps address immune function, insulin sensitivity, skin healing, and hormonal fluctuations. Specific acne formulations more specifically target the sebaceous glands which control the condition.
Cleansing, moisturising and treating acne can be frustrating to an age group who want instant results. Cleansers must be pH modified, gentle and non-threatening to skin which, at this stage, is usually reactive. Moisturisers should not clog pores and should be formulated to provide relief from dryness. Topical treatments should also be gentle, targeting the blocked gland and accompanying hair follicle.
Teens often snack outside traditional mealtimes. The choice of foods they make is more important than the time or place of eating. Emphasis should be placed on fresh vegetables and fruit as well as wholegrain products to combat the high-sugar or high-protein junk foods that teens commonly choose.
We should also encourage teenagers to exercise in ways best suited to their lifestyle. Physical exercise helps mental development as well. Teens who study for long hours need breaks in concentration to revitalise brain cells. Habits formed during these years will continue to help them throughout life.
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