As a teen, I suffered from acne on my forehead, the nape of my neck, and across my back. But what no one told me then, and what I would say to my 13 or 14-year-old self now, is this: your diet is everything. Yes, acne can be hormonal, but your diet is feeding the expression of those hormones.
So here’s my 101 for navigating hormonal acne and building healthy habits for your kids or the teens in your life, because that inflamed skin (spots are like a little red light saying “STOP”) is a reflection of what’s happening inside: in the gut, and at the cellular level.
We all know sugar and ultra-processed foods aren’t doing us any favours. I won’t hammer that home. What matters more is not just removing the bad stuff, but replacing it. If you offer a teen a replacement, they’re far more likely to stick with it.
Sweet tooth? Homemade baked goods sweetened with natural fruit sugars like apple, banana, pear, and dates can be delicious swaps. Even sweet potato and beetroot work beautifully in baking.
If your daughter’s period is irregular, don’t settle for the knee-jerk response of putting her on the contraceptive pill without asking why. Be her advocate. Take her to your GP and start the conversation that encourages her to be listened to, because, too often, women are silenced in medical spaces, especially younger women. Push to get their blood work tested and maybe a scan.
Many children and teens are dehydrated - busy lives, fizzy drinks, lots of running around and not enough proper hydration. Start them on a good, unflavoured electrolyte. I love Oshun electrolyte as it's free from sugars, sweeteners, flavours, fillers, and maltodextrin ( my pet peeve in supplements). As we’re made up of over 60% water. If a teen’s skin is dull, dry, or breaking out, the first step may simply be rehydration. This is especially true for conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, which are often worsened by dehydration and inflammation.
Your skin is your largest organ. That’s where probiotics come in. A basic daily probiotic can make a big difference. You’ll often notice the signs when a teen’s gut is off, bad breath, irregular digestion, and skin flare-ups. A probiotic supports detoxification from within.
Lastly, stress. Teenagers today are under more pressure than ever: exams, Muti forms of social media, peer pressure. This is where saffron truly comes into it’s own. Studies show that saffron supports the body’s stress response and improves sleep quality. Yes, teenagers can sleep for England, but it’s about how they sleep, not just how long. Good quality sleep supports hormonal balance and skin repair.
A 2020 clinical study from Bordeaux University showed that saffron supplementation reduced depression scores and improved social relationships in young men aged 18–25—just eight weeks in.
So instead of harsh chemical peels or aggressive beauty actives, start from within. Teach your teen to listen to their body. Skin redness is a warning sign. Inflammation is your body asking for help. The good news? Skin can repair.
And with the right support, it will, just like mine did!
