Pimples on the face, neck, 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 percent of teenagers in Western countries A blackhead’s dark color 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 ball.

Certain medications – for example, some types of contraceptive pills, corticosteroids, and drugs for epilepsy – can make 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. Most surveys show that food has no effect on acne.

However, it may be 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 chocolate is a problem just before menstruation. Acne sufferers tend to have lower than normal levels of vitamin A in the blood, so make sure that you are getting enough of this vitamin. Some essential oils help regulate sebum production. These include juniper berry (avoid during pregnancy) and Atlas cedarwood (avoid during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy).

Lavender and germanium have antiseptic and healing properties, while Roman chamomile and petitgrain help reduce skin inflammation. Add two drops of each of juniper berry and Atlas cedarwood oilds to half a 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 with a cotton wool ball. Add two drops of petitgrain and Atlas cedarwood oils to five teaspooms of jojoba oil. Also add these essential oils to five teaspoons of an unscented skin lotion. Use the oil each night, and the lotion each morning.