The underlying cause of acne is 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, abnormal reaction of the lining of the sebaceous ducts makes the lining cells too sticky. Instead of being shed when they die, these lining cells build up and block the duct. The dammed 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 (nodes) or fluid filled cysts. The following general advice is helpful for anyone who tends to get acne and it may be all you need to do control mild acne.

For more severe cases, try some of the treatments recommended on the facing page. Wash your face with an oil free soap that doesn’t over dry the skin. If you need a moisturizer, use a product that is light and non-greasy.  Ultraviolet rays can help relieve acne, so expose affected skin to daylight for a maximum of half hour each day, but not when the sun is at its most intense (usually 10 am to 3 pm) Choose your sunscreen with care. Buy products that are oil free or non-comedogenic (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 iodized 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 often. 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.