Most people at some stage have to deal with some kind of acne problem and it is particularly common in teenage boys and girls. It is usually not a serious issue but it can be severe and cause big problems for some unfortunate people.

Acne is usually caused by a hormone disorder in the skin and can create ugly pores and spots on your face, forehead and neck most commonly. There are basic things you should adhere to as part of your skin cleansing and hygiene regimen that can help keep acne at bay.

• Wash your face twice a day, in the morning and then last thing at night. Use a good quality cleanser or acne sulphur based soap that is suitable for your skin type and then wash with water. Be very gentle with your skin so avoid scrubbing
• Do not over wash your skin as this can stimulate the sebaceous glands which can produce more sebum which can cause acne
• A dermatologist can recommend specialist acne products that are suitable for you. Use them as instructed and allow a few weeks to see the results
• Take care when applying cosmetics because they can aggravate acne problems. Certainly use oil-free make-up. Use water based make-up and be sure to remove it thoroughly at the end of the day as remnants left on the skin will clog your pores which means more pimples, blemishes and blackheads!
• Eat a nourishing, well balanced diet with lots of vitamins. The most important vitamin for skin is vitamin E and is found in green vegetables. You can always purchase vitamin E capsules from your local health food shop
• Eat foods that are rich in zinc as it has antibacterial properties and it is an essential element in the oil-producing glands of the skin. In some cases, a low zinc diet can cause acne breakouts
• A good quality multi-vitamin is recommended as healthy skin requires the correct balance of nutrients. If you neglect the largest organ of your body; your skin, then it has a tendency to fight back by producing too much sebum which in turn causes blocked pores leading to spots and blackheads
• A Chromium supplement is also recommended if you suffering from acne as it is really good at healing skin infections
• Eat more carrots because they are full of beta-carotene (Vitamin A) which strengthens the protective tissue of the skin, reduces sebum production so can actually prevents acne! This vitamin is necessary for the preservation and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes consist of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins. A vitamin A deficiency can cause acne!
• Drink plenty of water as this will flush out toxins. Recommended amount is 1.5 litres a day
• Keep your hair off your face as hair contains oils that can aggravate the skin on your face. You may need to wash your hair every day and certainly after exercising
• Use a clean pillow case each night if you are suffering from acne because the dirt and oils will come off on the fabric and then transfer back onto your skin if the pillow is unwashed
• Once or twice a week apply your own made honey mask (directions at bottom). The antibacterial properties in honey are perfect for healing and disinfecting spots and blemishes even on sensitive skin

What you need:

• One tablespoon of organic honey
• One tablespoon of olive oil
• Yolk from a raw egg

 
Eirian Hallinan has written numerous articles in the natural health field. She believes in healing naturally, first, especially when it comes to infant colic.