Acne. We've all experienced. We all hate it.

This common skin condition is every teenagers worst nightmare. It's painful, irritating and hard to get rid of. Not to mention it can completely obliterate any chances of a social life for the pubescent teen and can even reflect into adulthood.

At puberty, the body experiences many changes. With this life altering event comes temperamental changes in the skin of the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Dirt and oil on the skin become trapped in the skin's sebaceous glands causing painful bumps known as pimples. There are four physiological reasons acne can occur:

Over active oil glands:

High amounts of hormones produced in the adrenal glands, known as androgen's (high concentration in males) are released during puberty and in times of high stress.

Blocked pores in skin:

These androgen's increase the size of oil glands that supply the skin with natural lubricant and thus create an excess of oil in the pores of the skin causing blockages.

Bacterial processes in skin:

Normal skin harbours a natural bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. This substance is a protective bacterium used by the skin to prevent invasion of harmful bacteria. Once the oil is trapped in the pore the bacteria grows and causes inflammation and local swelling.

Inflammation due to body's natural toxin removal:

During the natural process of inflammation, the body tries hard to rid itself of harmful toxins and debris that is detrimental to its function. In the skin, these trapped bacteria collect and create destructive substances that the body tries to expel. These toxins collect on the surface of the skin known in the form of painful blackheads, whiteheads or pustules.

Pregnancy & acne

Due to unstable hormones during pregnancy, some women can experience acne break outs. Hormones, such as progesterone, can increase the amount of oil your skin produces, which can lead to breakouts.

When going through pregnancy acne flare up, a pregnant mother should drink plenty of water, to prevent the build up of oil on the skin. Usually acne breakouts are worse at the beginning of pregnancy and slowly return to normal closer to the end of pregnancy or after giving birth. It is recommended to drink at least 8- 10 eight oz glasses of water a day to keep mother and baby hydrated.

Some believe that poor diet and lack of cleansing can increase the occurance of acne but so far, neither have been scientifically proven to back up those assumptions.

It is important to note, however, that a healthy diet, regular intake of water and proper cleansing & skin renewal practices will only help in the reduction and prevention of acne breakouts and is recommended by most dermatologists.

Natural solutions for problem skin is proving to be one of the most effective ways of treating acne from internal dietary supplements to organic skin care regimens. It is important to talk to your doctor or naturopath about taking or applying anything to your acne during pregnancy.

Therapeutic Delight offers a wide range of solutions that prevent, decrease and soothe acne symptoms and outbreaks.

The Thai herbal facial compresses are filled with organic natural herbs that when applied to the body can reduce inflammation, calm redness & prevent excessive oil build up.They are easy to use and compliment any skin care routine.

For acute acne breakouts, try the Cool-Si-Laa, a collection of Thai herbs and WHITE CLAY that calm and soothe acne, easing pain and irritation.

In between breakouts, apply the warm Sesame solice facial ball to clean and exfoliate the skin. This delighful ball also bring nutrients and moisture to the skin to balance and rejuvinate the skin and tissues.

Please click here to purchase the Thai hot stem compress balls. Click here to learn how to make your own Home Acne Compress Treatment

By: Lana Cummings