Acne

Acne is a red, irritating skin rash primarily affecting teenagers and young adults. It can, however, occur at all ages. Typical acne appears in the oil-producing areas of the body—namely, the face, chest, and back. Acne can also occur on the neck and upper arms.

Acne can have a short-term, potentially lasting psychological effect. Decreased self-esteem and self-confidence can lead to social withdrawal and even depression . Left untreated, severe acne can lead to disfiguring scarring , which can be difficult to treat.

Causes of Acne
Several factors contribute to the development of acne. The primary problem is that the abnormal flaking of cells inside the hair follicle leads to the formation of a plug. The plug can enlarge and even rupture the hair follicle. A ruptured hair follicle spills its contents of oil and debris into the skin where it leads to swelling and causes redness ( inflammation ).

Bacteria
Bacteria that normally live on the skin also play a role in acne development. The bacteria known as Propionibacterium acne s are responsible for causing acne . These bacteria produce substances that cause redness and irritation ( inflammation ). They also make enzymes, which dissolve the sebum (oil from oil glands in the skin ) into irritating substances. These substances also make the inflammation worse.

Hormones
Certain hormones called androgens are an additional factor in causing acne . Androgens are male hormones that are present in both men and women, but are higher in men. Androgens do two things: First, they enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin . Second, they cause these glands to increase sebum (oil) production. The increased sebum leads to plug formation and serves as more "food" for the bacteria. Androgens surge at puberty, which is why teens develop armpit and pubic hair, and why boys develop facial hair and deeper voices. This hormonal surge also contributes to the development of acne in teens. Estrogens, which are the female hormones, actually can help to improve acne in girls. A woman's monthly menstrual cycle is due to changes in the oestrogen levels in her body. This is why acne in a female may get better and then get worse as she goes through her monthly cycle. A doctor may recommend acne treatment with birth control pills, which contain the helpful estrogens.

Genetics
We also now believe that acne can run in some families. This may be due to some genetic factor that has not yet been discovered.

Anatomy of the hair follicle:
Hair follicles exist on virtually all skin except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Inside the follicle, the hair extends up from the deep layers of the skin and comes out of a pore. Near the surface, the oil gland (sebaceous gland) enters the hair follicle where it empties oil (sebum) at a relatively constant rate. The sebum lubricates the skin and provides a protective barrier to prevent dry ing. Skin on the face, chest, and back has an especially large number of sebaceous glands. These are the areas where acne occurs.

Types of acne lesions
There are 2 major types of acne lesions: non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne lesions include blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones). Open and closed comedones along with papules and pustules are referred to as papulopustular acne —a form of inflammatory acne . Nodular acne is the most severe form of inflammatory acne .

Non-inflammatory acne:
Open comedones result from the enlargement and dilation of a plug that forms from oil and flakes of skin inside the hair follicle. The hair follicle pore remains open exposing a black plug (known as a blackhead). The dark colour is not dirt inside the pore. Instead it is the oil inside the pore, which has become exposed from the outside air. A closed comedo forms if the hair follicle pore remains closed. The plug in a closed comedo or whitehead is therefore not exposed to the outside air, and no black colour develops. The closed comedo simply appears as a tiny, sometimes pink bump in the skin.

Inflammatory acne :
Inflammatory acne lesions consist of red blemishes, pimples also called zits (papules, pustules), and larger, deeper swollen tender lesions (nodules). Papules are closed comedos, which have become red, swollen, and inflamed . Pustules are closed comedos, which become inflamed and begin to rupture into the skin forming pustular heads of various sizes. Nodules represent large, tender, swollen acne lesions, which have become intensely inflamed and rupture under the skin . If untreated, these can produce deep scarring .

Causes of skin Problems
Skin problems can be caused by a variety of physical and emotional factors which include poor diet, deficiency of oxygen from closed, overheated rooms, environmental and chemical pollutants, food intolerances, hormone inbalances, smoking, drugs, synthetic cosmetics, stress or emotional problems, working or exercise outside in the sun, wind or rain.

Tackling Acne
When tackling a skin problem the main long term solution is to try and find out the root cause for the disorder rather than just work out the symptoms. Our skin often just mirrors our inner health. Some possible treatments can include the following: Wash once or twice daily with soap and water to remove excess oil from the skin . Avoid scrubbing too abrasively because this can actually irritate the skin and cause acne to worsen. Over-the-counter acne medications can be used either at bedtime or during the day. Always follow the directions on any acne product. Many cover-up products are available without a prescription to improve the appearance of blemishes while they have a chance to heal. Most work well and should not worsen acne . Some cosmetics and other skin care products, however, can cause acne to worsen. Look for make-up, cosmetics, and skin care products labelled with the word noncomedogenic. This means that it does not cause or worsen acne .

Treating Acne with Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy treatments can also help to treat acne sufferers. It is well worth consulting a trained aromatherapist for help but many essential oils can be used to treat the skin externally. There are quite a number of different essential oils which may be used to help this condition. Some of these oils include Lavender , Tea Tree , Bergamot , Geranium , Rosemary , Neroli Carrot Seed , Cinnamon , Clove Bud , Chamomile Roman & Chamomile German , Cedarwood , Frankincense , Grapefruit , Juniper , Lemon , Lemongrass , Lime , Litsea Cubeba , Mandarin , Manuka, Palmarosa , Patchouli , Rosewood , Yarrow, Ylang Ylang essential oils whilst Evening Primrose and Jojoba carrier oils can either complement these essential oils or be used on their own. Massage may help to stimulate the circulation .

To try to help we have separated the oils below into rough groups as to how they made aid acne conditions:

Essential Oils to help clear the body´s toxins: Geranium , Juniper , Lemon , Rosemary

Essential Oils to reduce and help to heal scarring : Carrot Seed , Frankincense , Lavender , Mandarin , Neroli

Essential Oils to promote the growth of new cells: Carrot Seed , Frankincense , Lavender, Neroli , Palmarosa , Patchouli , Rosewood

Essential Oils to balance and reduce sebum: Clary Sage , Cypress , Frankincense , Geranium , Lavender , Lemongrass , Yarrow , Ylang Ylang

Essential Oils as antiseptic and astringent: Bergamot , Cedarwood , Tea Tree , Yarrow

Essential Oils to soothe inflammation: Chamomile Roman & Chamomile German , Yarrow Lavender  and  Tea Tree essential oils can be used undiluted on individual spots. A facial steam bath and help. Facial oils can be applied daily. Dilute essential oils in either of the recommend carrier oils and massage gently into the skin.

Read More about Acne

Jojoba Carrier Aromatherapy Oil 50ml

Golden colour and the oil which is most rapidly absorbed into the skin and is not sticky. Good for hair care and all skin types and can be used on its own.

£6.00

Evening Primrose Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 50ml

Suitable for diluting essential oils. Evening Primrose also has many of its own properties and is an excellent carrier for essential oils to treat chest problems.

£6.00

Bergamot Essential Oil - Citrus Bergamia (10ml)

Bergamot is a valuable oil for tension and anxiety. It can help with conditions such as cystitis and urethritis as well as being great for skin conditions such as acne.

£6.80

Cedarwood Essential Oil - Juniperus Virginia (10ml)

Cedarwood has a woody scent and is very good in helping with skin conditions such as acne and dandruff. It can help with catarrh and has a tonic effect on the body so try it for stress related conditions.

£5.00

Chamomile German 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Matricaria Recutica

Fantastic oil for so many purposes including skin care, inflammed tendons and swollen joints, digestive prolems especially where related to stress.

£4.25

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£5.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile (10ml)

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£14.50

Cinnamon Essential Oil - Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (10ml)

Cinnamon can be used for digestive problems and stomach cramps, is good for rheumatism and can help to relieve the aches and chills of flu and colds.

£5.00

Clove Bud Essential Oil - Syzgium Aromaticum (10ml)

Clove is an excellent antiseptic and as many bacteria have become resistant to modern antiseptics it is worth burning at home to help prevent epidemics or viral infections.

£5.20

Frankincense 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Boswellia Carteri (10ml)

Offered here as a diluted oil Frankincense is wonderful for mature skin complexions to help with scars, wrinkles and wounds. It can help with coughs and bronchitis and is a generally calming oil for people suffering from stress.

£5.00

Frankincense Pure Essential Oil - Boswellia Carteri (10ml)

This is a non-diluted version of the oil. Frankincense is wonderful for mature skin complexions to help with scars, wrinkles and wounds. It can help with coughs and bronchitis and is a generally calming oil for people suffering from stress.

£9.50

Geranium Essential Oil - Pelargonium Graveolens (10ml)

Geranium is lovely floral oil which can help with a wide variety of skin conditions, poor circulation, cellulite and many menopausal problems as well as fluid retention and hormonal in-balance.

£8.50

Grapefruit Essential Oil - Citrus Paradisi (10ml)

Grapefruit oil is a sunny happy oil which has valuable anti depressant qualities. It can help with oily skin and hair as well as acne. Also use it to de-toxify and stimulate the circulation after exercise.

£5.60

High Alpine Lavender Essential Oil -Lavandula Angustifolia (10ml)

The most versatile and diverse of all the essential oils this High Alpine Lavender comes from the higher regions and is fiercer and more piercing and therefore needs to be used more sparingly.

£6.25

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Abrialis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£3.30

Juniper Essential Oil (10ml)

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£5.90

Lemon Essential Oil - Citrus Limon (10ml)

This antiseptic and anti-bacterial oil will perform many tasks especially when blended with other oils, including treating verrucas, insect bites and tension headaches. It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system. It will aid slimming, help shift cellulite and smooth out those wrinkles

£3.30

Lemongrass Essential Oil - Cymbopogon Citratus (10ml)

Lemongrass will clear the mind and help some types of headaches. It has an anti-bacterial action and is good for skin complaints, athletes foot and sore throats. For the sports-person Lemongrass is the ideal cooler and deodoriser. Lemongrass will repel insects and help combat tobacco smells

£3.50

Lime Essential Oil - Citrus Aurantifolia (10ml)

Lime is valuable for many skin problems and can help to brighten dull and tired skin. Lime can help with feverish conditions and can stimulate the body against infection. It can be useful for certain respiratory conditions.

£5.00

Mandarin Essential Oil - Citrus Reticulata (10ml)

Mandarin is a very safe remedy for treating digestive problems. It can be used to good effect to aid the nervous system as well as having many of the benefits of citrus fruits in skin care.

£5.00

Palmarosa Essential Oil - Cymbopogon Martini (10ml)

Palmarosa is great in skin care and has antispetic qualities which make it valuable for acne and infection, scars and sores. Palmarosa oil is very active against bacteria responsible for intestinal infections such as Gastroenteritis.

£4.00

Patchouli Essential Oil - Pogostemon Cablin (10ml)

The main use for Patchouli is in the area of skincare and the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, cracked skin, exzema and allergies. It can also help with fluid retention and is used for depression and stress related conditions.

£6.00

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£3.50

Rosewood Essential Oil - Aniba Roseasdora (10ml)

Rosewood has an uplifting effect and can help to calm the nerves at times of excessive strain as well as being recommended for people suffering from M.E. glandular fever or other related conditions. Useful for sensitive or mature skin conditions. Rosewood is a special oil which seems to affect the very core of our being and has aphrodisiac qualities.

£5.00

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Melaleuca Alternifolia (10ml)

Tea Tree - the ultimate antiseptic which is a truly wonderful oil to keep in. Use it for veruccaes, thrush and warts, acne, rashes and dandruff. Try it for resipratory problems such as coughs and catarrh and use it to help with viral infections and increase the boxes immune system.

£4.00

Yarrow 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Achillea Millefolium (10ml)

All stress related conditions can benefit from the use of Yarrow but it is particularly applicable for hypertension and insomnia. Try it for circulation problems and varicose veins. It is also said to promote hair growth and help certain skin conditions.

£4.25

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil - Cananga Adorata (10ml)

Ylang Ylang has a calming and relaxing effect which can be used to break the circle of sexual inadequacy and is closely assoicated with this area. Useful for oily and dry skins and a tonic for the hair. It is good for over rapid heartbeat or breathing and can help with shock.

£5.60

Jojoba Carrier Oil 1 litre

Golden colour and the oil which is most rapidly absorbed into the skin and is not sticky. Good for hair care and all skin types and can be used on its own.

£72.00

Evening Primrose Carrier Oil 1 litre

Suitable for diluting essential oils. Evening Primrose also has many of its own properties.

£72.00