3 Things I Wish I Knew About Acne in My Teens
Oh boy - what I would do to go back to younger Sheyda and give her a BIG hug when she was going through it with her skin. As a functional naturopathic doctor, I’ve learned A LOT over the past several years of healing not only my own skin but hundreds of others that I’ve worked with too. I understand that acne requires a holistic approach, something I wish I had known when I was younger. Reflecting on my journey…here are three key insights I wish I could share with my teenage self.
1. Prescription Medications Don't Actually "Heal" Acne—They Just Cover Symptoms and Imbalances
In my teens, like many others, I was prescribed various medications to treat my acne. Birth control, spironolactone, numerous rounds of antibiotics, and accutane THREE times. While these treatments provided temporary relief, they didn’t address the root cause of my skin issues. Prescription medications often work by suppressing symptoms rather than correcting the underlying imbalances that lead to acne in the first place. Whether it’s hormonal fluctuations, gut health issues, or chronic inflammation, the true cause of acne varies from person to person. Unfortunately like many people, without addressing these foundational imbalances, my acne persisted and/or returned once I stopped taking these medications. I wish I had known that true healing comes from understanding and correcting the internal factors contributing to acne, rather than relying solely on quick fixes that only mask the problem.
2. You Don’t Have to Be All or Nothing to See Acne Results—Progress Comes with Intentionality
As a teen, I believed that if I wasn’t perfect with my skincare routine, diet, and lifestyle, my acne would never improve. This all-or-nothing mindset often led to frustration and inconsistency. Over the years, I’ve realized that small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in skin health. The key is to move in the right direction for your unique case. Whether it’s making gradual dietary changes, finding a skincare routine that works for you, or managing stress, the most important thing is to be intentional about your choices. Healing acne doesn’t require perfection; it requires a commitment to progress, even if that progress is slow and steady.
3. Stress Plays a Really Big Role in Acne
One of the most overlooked factors in my teenage acne was stress. I didn’t realize at the time how much stress, both physical and emotional, was impacting my skin. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can increase oil production in the skin and lead to inflammation—both key contributors to acne. If I had known how deeply stress could influence my skin health, I would have made more effort to manage it through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and self-care. Today, I emphasize to my patients that reducing stress is just as important as any other aspect of their acne treatment plan.
In hindsight, these lessons would have made a significant difference in how I approached acne in my teens - and I wouldn’t change anything because it led me to where I am today! By understanding that true healing comes from within, that progress doesn’t require perfection, and that stress management is crucial, I could have saved myself years of frustration. My goal now is to empower others like you with this knowledge, to help you achieve clearer skin as quickly as possible🤍
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
