Natural health: What can I do about my adult acne? 

Acne at any age can be very frustrating, but it can affect your confidence when it continues into adulthood. Fortunately, you have identified the link between hormonal fluctuations and skin flare-ups, which gives us a good indication of where to start.

I'm in my 30s but still get acne. It usually flares up around the time of my periods. Is there a herbal remedy that could help?

Acne at any age can be very frustrating, but it can affect your confidence when it continues into adulthood. Fortunately, you have identified the link between hormonal fluctuations and skin flare-ups, which gives us a good indication of where to start.

Agnus castus (also known as chaste berry and Monk’s pepper) is an excellent herb for balancing hormones. It is used to help balance out menstrual irregularities, manage PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) symptoms, and can also help with hormonal acne.

Other beneficial herbs when it comes to skin health include dandelion root, milk thistle, and burdock root - these all work by supporting the liver and purifying the bloodstream.

Gut health is closely linked to skin health, so it is important to note how certain foods and supplements affect your skin. Leafy greens and brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are important sources of nutrients and antioxidants.

Seeds such as pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower also contain essential nutrients for healing the skin - zinc, calcium and fatty acids, to name but a few. Make sure you add at least a handful to your daily diet, either as a snack, sprinkled over salads and meals, or as a cold-pressed oil in smoothies.

Given the link between gut and skin health, you would benefit from taking a high-quality probiotic. Probiotics help to increase and diversify the population of beneficial gut bacteria. Reducing sugar and junk foods is also essential, as these foods can disrupt gut bacteria balance. 

I find the run-up to Christmas very stressful, with the added pressure of work and family commitments. Is there a gentle remedy I could take? Or maybe there's an essential oil blend I could try?

You are certainly not alone in finding this time of the year stressful. As far as gentle remedies go, flower essences are a great place to start.

Two excellent flower essence combinations specifically developed to address stress and overwhelm are Rescue Remedy from the Bach flower range and Emergency Essence from the Australian Bush flower range.

Flower essences are very straightforward to use - simply take a single dose (four to six drops) under the tongue as needed.

One of the reasons I recommend flower essences as a gentle option is that they are non-addictive, physically harmless, and safe for all ages.

They also don’t interfere with prescribed medications.

You can also make yourself a calming herbal infusion. A single herb such as Tulsi (Holy Basil) makes a lovely nerve-calming brew, which blends nicely with uplifting lemon balm.

Or you can add in other adaptogenic nervous system herbs such as rhodiola root, ashwagandha root, and Siberian ginseng.

Just add 1 heaped teaspoon of dried herb(s) to a cup of boiling water, steep for five to 10 minutes, and drink two to four cups daily.

It is best to avoid drinking coffee whenever possible, as it stimulates the nervous system and tends to leave people feeling wired and tired.

Essential oils are a great way to balance mood via the senses. Some oils to consider for a calming, grounding blend include petitgrain, rose geranium, cedarwood, lavender, West Indian sandalwood, Roman chamomile, and tulsi (holy basil).

You can either find a blend, choose a single oil that resonates with you, or select a few and make your own combination. 

Add to an essential oil burner, diffuser, or even a tissue or handkerchief that you can carry with you to take a whiff when you need it.

• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.