Acne is a common issue for many teens. It can a ect not only your physical appearance but also your confidence and mental health. The causes of acne are varied and can include poor gut health, hormonal imbalances, and stress. Understanding these causes can help in finding e ective treatments.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
Acne occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. It’s most common among teenagers, but anyone can get it. Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, can increase oil production and lead to acne.
Here are the main factors that cause acne:
- Excess oil (sebum) production
- Clogged hair follicles
- Bacteria
- Inflammation
Naturopathic Medicine focuses on treating the root causes of acne rather than just the symptoms. Here are some naturopathic strategies teens can use to support having clearer skin:
1. Diet and Nutrition
What you eat can have a big impact on your skin. Naturopathic doctors often recommend:
- Eliminating processed foods: These can increase inflammation and make acne worse.
- Increasing anti-inflammatory foods: Leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation.
- Supplements: Omega-3 fish oil and vitamin A can support skin health.
2. Herbal Medicine
Herbs can be used both topically and internally to help with acne:
- Tea tree oil: Apply this directly to your skin to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
- Dandelion and milk thistle: These support liver function and detoxification, helping to clear up acne from within.
3. Stress Management
Stress can make acne worse. Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Theseactivities
can also improve circulation and oxygenation to the skin.
4. Hormonal Balance Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of acne. Naturopathic doctors might recommend:
- Supplements: Zinc and magnesium can help regulate hormones.
- Herbal remedies: Saw palmetto and dong quai can balance hormones and reduce inflammation.
5. Gut Health
Your gut health is closely linked to your skin health. To improve gut health, naturopathic doctors might suggest:
- Probiotics: These can restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut and control inflammation and immune response
- Dietary changes: Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
6. Detoxification
Supporting your body’s natural detox processes can also help clear up acne:
- Herbal cleanses: Using gentle herbs like milk thistle and burdock root to support liver function.
- Cold plunges: Promotes elimination of toxins through via the skin and lymphatic drainage.
MAKING LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Small lifestyle changes can also make a big di erence in managing acne:
- Sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep to help your skin heal and regenerate.
- Skin Care: Use gentle, natural skin care products and avoid harsh chemicals.
CONCLUSION
Acne can be frustrating, but naturopathic approaches o er gentle and e ective ways to manage it. By focusing on diet, stress management, hormonal balance, gut health, detoxification, and lifestyle changes, you can improve your skin and overall well-being. If you’re considering these approaches, it’s best to work with a qualified naturopathic doctor to find the right treatments for you. Learn more at: hydratewellness.com
Urban Sauna Houses: A New Social Hub
ooking
Lultimate social scene. They’re giving traditional pubs and bars a run for their money with their unique blend of relaxation and connection. A big part of this trend is the rise of the sober curious movement, where folks are embracing socializing without the buzz. Saunas are the perfect answer to
Curious about who you’ll
sauna? The sauna scene has evolved, but one thing remains constant: it’s all about community. Whether you’re a social butterfly or a quiet soul, saunas foster a sense of belonging and openness. With memberships and discount passes making regular visits easy and a ordable,
this shift. They provide a space where you can unwind, chat, and engage in wellness practices all in one go. Plus, they’re in tune with values like health, sustainability, and meaningful interactions. And let’s not forget the perks: saunas boost circulation, detoxify your system, and help melt away stress. You might find yourself hopping between warm-up and cool-down sessions, enjoying some tasty snacks and drinks, and chatting away with fellow saunagoers. Many sauna houses, like RITUAL in downtown Victoria, are designed with community in mind, o ering cozy communal areas where conversations
SILVER THREADS SERVICE
What’s New this Fall
At Silver Threads Service we are enjoying the last bit of summer and are also looking forward to the Fall. Our Fall Program Guide is now available at our centres and online at www.silverthreads.
ca Registration is well underway and you can sign up in person, by phone or online. Most of our popular programs are o ered again along with some new and unique activities to try. The Choose to Move Program o ered in partnership with Beacon Community Services is a free Community Program to help older adults become more active. It is not a fitness program but is a social group to help you set goals and connect with resources to make it happen!
From the Ground Up will teach you how to get up from the floor and over 8 weeks will build your strength and mobility. Both Choose to Move and From the Ground Up are o ered at the Victoria Centre. A complementary Speakers Series to From the Ground Up is the
Strength & Balance presentation on October 29th at the Saanich Centre. Over the 90-minute session you will learn techniques related to preventing ending up on the floor!
Returning to the Saanich Centre is T’ai Chi for Beginners which is a good activity for balance as well.
If crafts and arts are more of interest, the Victoria Centre will have a 6 week Line and Wash Watercolour that combines pen and watercolour. At the Saanich Centre Sashiko Japanese-Style Embroidery will teach you the techniques over 4 classes, you will finish a piece of your own in the class.
During the Fall, Creative Arts for Gifting will teach Card-Making at the Victoria Centre and Gift Making at the Saanich Centre. We will help you get ready for the holiday season with special handmade gifts for the special folks in your life.
Silver Threads membership is valid at both Centres, however, is not required to participate. We have 53 di erent weekly registered
BRAIN POWER CHALLENGE
If you are ready to amp up your cognitive function and take a proactive approach to your brain health, Silver Threads Service o ers programs that can support you in this health practice. Our Fall Programs start in September and include Brain Games and Dynamic Discussions. These programs are for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting.
Call 250 382-3151 or visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information.
THE CHALLENGE THIS MONTH IS TO UNSCRAMBLE THE LETTERS FOR THE NEW PROGRAMS.
WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWERS
Giftmaking
NATUROPATHIC SOLUTIONS FOR CLEAR SKIN
NEW SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
Following are the dates and times of the new programs, for complete descriptions see our Program Guide.
CHOOSE TO MOVE
Victoria Centre
Dates: Thursdays, October 3rd to December 5th
Time: 11:30am to 1:00pm
Cost: No Charge
Leader: Anne Casey
FROM THE GROUND UP
Victoria Centre
Dates: Mondays, September 9th to November 18th
Time: 11:15am to 12:15pm
Cost: 8/ $72 members, $104 non-members
Leader: Roz Beddall
SPEAKER SERIES: STRENGTH &BALANCE Saanich Centre
Dates: Tuesday, October 29th
Time: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Cost: $2 members, $5 non-members
T’AI CHI Saanich Centre
Dates: Wednesdays, Part 1: September 11th to October 16th Part 2 October 23rd to December 4th
Time: 2:00pm to 3:15pm
Cost: 6/$54 members, $78 non-members
Leader: Lee McLeod
LINE AND WASH WATERCOLOUR
Victoria Centre Dates: Thursdays, September 12th to October 17th, October 24th to November 28th
Time: 10:00am to 11:30am
Cost: 6/ $63 members, $87 non-members Leader: Sonia Wang
SASHIKO JAPANESE-STYLE EMBROIDERY Saanich Centre
Dates: Tuesdays, October 1st to October 22nd, November 5th to November 26th
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Cost: 4/$28 members, $42 non-members
Leader: Mary-Jane
What’s New Word Scramble
Fun and Healthy Ideas to Beat the Dog Days of Summer
With August, comes the dog days of Summer. You know, after what seems like endless hot days laying about. Cold drinks and popsicles by the pool starts to feel kind of ho hum, maybe the laziness and lack of motivation the summer heat can bring has set in. Time for some fresh infusions of ideas, whether you try these on your own, with a partner, a friend, or use these to make the last bit of Summer active and fun with the kids before they head back to school!
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
HIKING: Explore local trails or national parks early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Maybe you challenge yourself to climb a mountain, or hit up a trail to a good swimming hole for a cool reward.
CYCLING: Go for a bike ride along shaded path or near water bodies to stay cool. Bring a packed lunch and see what you find along thew way. There are so many great biking trails around the Victoria area.
SWIMMING: Visit a local pool, lake, river, or beach for a refreshing swim and get some of the full body exercise swimming has to offer.
GO FOR A PADDLE: Taking out a kayak, canoe, or paddle board on
the water paddling and enjoying nature and exploring the lakes or beaches. If you fall in, you’ll get a nice cool off.
CREATE A FAIRY GARDEN: It may be late in the season for planting a garden, but it’s never too late to get creative and make some magic with a fairy garden. Kids and creative adults will love this project of making a tiny whimsical landscape in the yard, or even in a flower pot. Spend time scouring for supplies such as pinecones, twigs, and leaves… or hit up your local craft store for little objects to set your scene.
HEALTHY PICNIC LUNCH OR DINNER: Plan a picnic with fresh salads, sandwiches, and plenty of water. Find a nice shaded spot in a park or by the beach to enjoy your meal to change up the hum drum routine.
BEACH YOGA: Take your yoga practice to the beach for an elevated experience and then relax and enjoy the ocean breeze after.
FUN IN THE YARD WATER BALLOON FIGHTS: Organize a water balloon fight with friends or family. A thrilling way to cool off, plus awakens a competitive and playful spirit.
SLIP ‘N SLIDE: Set up a slip ‘n slide in your backyard for some fun and cool exercise.
RUN UNDER THE SPRINKLER: Your inner child will be thrilled at this nostalgic way to cool off.
BACKYARD CAMPING: Set up a tent in your backyard for a fun camping experience without leaving the comforts of home! Plus, it can help you keep cool on hot summer nights and encourage connection with your camping partners.
HEALTHY SUMMER TREATS
FROZEN FRUIT POPS: Blend your favorite fruits with a bit of juice and freeze in molds, so you don’t have to wait for the ice cream truck.
INFUSED WATER: Create refreshing infused water with combinations like cucumber-mint or strawberry-basil as an alternative to sugary juice and sodas.
HIT UP LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS: Explore the abundance of fresh produce available during this season of end of summer harvest and use your finds to create fabulous eats.
WELLNESS PRACTICES MEDITATION: Practice meditation outdoors to connect with nature
and promote relaxation. Challenge yourself to 10 minutes a day of sitting in silence and just breathing. You’ll be amazed how this shifts your whole perspective on life!
MINDFUL WALKING: If sitting still isn’t for you, try going for mindful walks, paying attention to your surroundings and the sensations of walking and the sounds of nature around you.
SUPPLEMENT YOUR SUMMER B COMPLEX: Adding a Vitamin B complex can help you boost your energy and beat that sluggish end of summer feeling.
VITAMIN D: Even though you’re out in the sunshine a lot more in the summertime, most Canadians still
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