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The underlying cause of acne is an oversensitivity to normal levels of the sex hormone testosterone .This oversensitivity makes the sebaceous (oil-producing ) glands in the skin produce an abnormally high level of sebum, the oily secretion that lubricates and protects the skin.

At the same time, an abnormal reaction of the lining of cells too sticky .Instead of being shed when they die, these lining cells build up and block the duct. The dummed-up sebum solidifies, forming a blackhead or whitehead . bacteria that are normally present on the skin can then easily multiply in the trapped sebum, leading to the typical redness and swelling of an acne pimple. In severe cases these pimples, or pustules , may develop into hard lumps (nodules) or fluid-filled cysts.

Certain medication—for example , some types of contraceptive pills , corticosteroids, and drugs for epilepsy---can make the acne WORSE. In some women , acne is a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome , a hormonal disorder that can also cause missed periods , infertility, excess body hair and weight gain.

Pimples on the face, back , and /or shoulders characterize acne. The disorder often begins during adolescence. The very time when appearance becomes especially important. Although it can cause considerable distress , acne poses no risk to health.The malady is more prevalent in boys than girls and affects 80 per cent of teenagers everywhere around the globe.

The following general advice is helpful for anyone who tends to get acne , and may be all you need to do to control mild acne . Did you know ? A blackhead’s dark colour is caused not by dirt but by the effect of oxygen on the plug of sebum trapped in the sebaceous gland.

Do not pick or squeeze pimples as this can cause scarring . Make sure your hands are clean before applying herbal teas or essential oil remedies with a cotton- wool ball.

• Wash your face with an oil-free soap that doesn’t over –dry the skin.
• If you need a moisturiser, use a product that is light non-greasy.
• Ultraviolet rays can help relieve acne , so expose affected skin to daylight for a maximum of half an hour each day , but not when the sun is at its most intense (usually 10am-3pm.)
• Choose your sunscreen with care.Buy products that are oil-free or non- comodogenic (free of ingredients that clog the pores of the skin.)
• Avoid getting very sweaty or spending long periods in a humid environment . Many people find that this makes their skin condition worse.
• Iodine –containing food supplements and iodised salt may exacerbate acne , so avoid these.
• Apply tea tree oil to blemishes with a cotton bud or piece of gauze once or twice a day , if you prefer , dilute the oil with water.
• Keep your hair off face , especially if it tends to be oily , and try to avoid touching your face too aften .
• If you use hair gel or mousse and have acne on your forehead , do without these products for a couple of weeks to see if this helps.

Some essential oils help regulate sebum production . These include Juniper berry (avoid during pregnancy) . And Atlas Cedarwood (avoid during first 20 weeks of pregnancy) Lavender and Geranium have antiseptic and healing properties , while Roman Chamomile and petitgrain help reduce skin inflammation. Try the following treatments.

• Add two drops of juniper berry and atlas cedarwood oils to half cup of water . Use a cotton-wool ball to apply this solution to your skin every two hours during the day.
• Add two drops of juniper oil to a tablespoon of jojoba or sweet almond oil. Mix this and apply gently to the problem areas as above.
• Add two drops each of petitgrain and atlas cidarwood oils to five teaspoons of an unscented skin lotion each morning.

Most surveys show that food has no effect on acne . However, it may worth keeping a food diary – a record of what you have eaten each day –to see if any foods appear to cause breakouts .Some women find that chocolates is a problems just before menstruation.

Acne sufferers tend to have lower normal levels of vitamin A in the blood , so make sure that you are getting enough of this vitamin. Vitamin A is present in milk , butter , eggs and liver . Do not take supplements except on medical advice , because of the risk of overdose.

• Combine equal amounts of dried dandelion root , burdock, nettles , yarrow cleavers and enchinacea , and make an infusion in the usual way. Drink one to two cups a day .
• Boil two to three teaspoons of dried basil in a cup of water. Cool , strain , and apply with a fresh cotton-wool ball to clean skin.
• Clean your skin once a day by steaming your face over a bowl of very hot water for 5-10minutes with a towel over your head. Dry your skin, then apply rosewater , distilled witch hazel or strained calendula tea. Alternately , use warm water containing a few drops of calendula. Caution for safety concerns.

Dandelion root, burdock, nettles , yarrow, and echinacea help reduce acne, possibly by making the skin hostile to bacteria.

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