Spot On

Natural Lifestyle © Natural Lifestyle Magazine in connection with Natural Health Week

If you suffer from spots, there are plenty of natural therapies and remedies to choose from...

Try an antioxidant supplement containing vitamins A, C and E and minerals such as zinc and selenium. Zinc is necessary for healthy skin (low levels have been linked with acne), vitamin C is used by the body in collagen production, while vitamins A and E are anti-inflammatory and help protect skin cells from damage.

Nutritionists and naturopaths feel that there's a link between acne and sugar consumption - with studies showing that some people suffering from acne do not process sugar efficiently.

Tea tree essential oil is antiseptic and can help get rid of pimples, though it can dry the skin so you may want to dilute it with a base oil first or try a spot product containing tea tree among other ingredients. Essential oil of lavender is also anti inflammatory, soothing, healing and generally non-irritating - just dab on the affected area.

Of course, too much junk or refined food can also lead to a sluggish gut and constipation, which shows up in the health of the skin. Eat more fruit and vegetables and increase your water intake to keep your gut healthy and help your bowels empty regularly. Eating more wholefoods, fruits, vegetables, protein (for example from fish or tofu) and good fats from oily fish, seeds or nuts is a surefire way to fewer spots.