What is Acne?

Acne is the appearance of blackheads, spots and pustules on the face, back and chest. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just teenagers who have acne. It affects 25% of all adult men and 50% of adult women at some time. No matter how severe acne is, it affects different people in different ways and many people with acne suffer from insecurities and depression.
Acne Vulgaris

Blackheads — are caused by partially blocked pores. The “black” appearance of them is not caused by dirt, but by the melanin pigment from the dead skin cells.

Whiteheads — are caused by completely blocked pores. The white appearance of them is caused by the bacteria inside the blocked pore turning the sebum to “free fatty acid”.

Papules — are small, red, tender bumps or spots.

Pustules — are larger, red and inflamed pus-filled spots.

Nodules — are large hard bumps under the skin’s surface.

Cysts — are similar to nodules, but can be deeply inflamed and infected.

Acne Roseaca

Acne roseaca is similar to acne vulgaris (oily skin, spots, pustules), but people with acne roseaca also experience skin flushing and a general redness of the area. These flushes can be set off by certain foods, such as spicy food and alcohol. People with acne roseaca rarely have blackheads (comedones).

Treatments

There are many treatments for acne, but I’m not going to discuss antibiotics here. If you have very severe acne and/or are very depressed, please discuss this with a sympathetic doctor or dermatologist. Prescribed oral antibiotics also destroy the healthy bacteria that live in your gut. A lack of heathly bacteria in your gut can, ironically, aggravate acne. There are also many related side effects, including thrush (candidiasis). If you do have to take antibiotics, take a probiotic supplement such as Nature’s Biotics to help restore the healthy bacteria and eat lots of garlic.

In my experience, it’s far better to clean the skin from the inside by eating healthily and drinking plenty of water. However, there are various treatments you can apply to the skin and herbal supplements that help.

Aromatherapy for Skin Problems

Use jojoba or almond oil as your carrier oil (dilute 5 drops essential oil to 10ml carrier oil). Jojoba oil is very similar to the skin’s own oils, has cleansing and anti-bacterial properties and promotes good skin texture. Coconut oil/butter is also good, look out for it in health food stores.

* Geranium oil to balance oily/dry areas
* Patchouli to improve texture
* Juniper to detoxify
* Tea tree to clear infections
* Lavender to soothe redness
* Sandalwood to nourish dry areas.