Q: Is acne contagious?

No, acne is not contagious. This means that if you have a date, do not worry, you can still kiss or touch your partner without developing acne.

Q: If my parents suffered from acne, does this mean I will also suffer from it.

In a study published in the March 2009 issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the incidence of acne increased if the mother had acne at any point in her life.
Source: http://acne.about.com/od/acnedevelopment/f/AcneCausesHeredity.htm
Unfortunately, there is an increased chance in the child developing acne at a later stage in life.

Q: Does eating or drinking certain foods cause acne?

There are a whole range of factors which cause acne. This can be pollution, weather conditions and even food such as fried foods, sugars and oils. To be fair, you know your skin better than anyone. If you feel that your skin reacts in a bad way to certain foods or food groups avoid them.

Q: Skin Care Hygiene and Acne?

Healthy skin = Hygienic practices. There is no right or wrong in how many times a day you have to wash your face or how many showers you need a day. Again, it all depends on your body type. Some people who over wash end up irritating the skin and are then more prone to infection. It is all about finding the right balance.

Q: Acne and Stress?
If you are already suffering from acne, stress can certainly make it worse. We all get stressed from time to time but managing it is the key to not only keeping acne in control but also keeping your overall health in check.

Q: Can acne come back in the later/twilight years?

The answer to this is yes. It can come back in your 40s , 50 and even 60s.Therefore, looking after your health is vital throughout your life.

Q: Can sunscreen make acne worse?

If you are already prone to acne, it is recommended that you use oil free products and always try a little on a patch of skin to ensure that it does not cause a reaction to your skin.

Q: Can exercising affect my acne?

In certain people, the sweat produced from vigorous exercising does make the acne worse. It is important to be hydrated by drinking lots of water after exercising.

Q: Can a facial help reduce acne?

The bottom line here is that anything; whether a store bought product or a fancy facial at an expensive spa which can cause irritation on your skin can definitely make acne worse.

Q: When is acne classified serious?

For some teenagers and adults, acne comes and goes and leaves little scarring. For some, they develop acne and then severe scarring. At this time, it is strongly recommended to visit the GP for a full check-up as there may be other underlying problems.

Another cause of concern is when along with a severe case of acne, people also complain of lethargy and fever. This may indicate an infection which needs to be looked at immediately.

If you have any more inquire regarding skin care or need more tips for healthy skin you can check our Skin Care Tips Category for more information.

In the next few weeks, we will be providing more information on FAQ on acne skin care related matters. Watch this space.

Eucalyptus oil is a popular insect repellent used for skin treatment and also used as aromatherapy oil.

A word of caution though, whilst eucalyptus oil is effective, bear in mind that it is a potent remedy and can cause severe side effects if used excessively or combined with the wrong types of oils.
Always read the brochure which comes with the product as there are clear instructions on what will and what will not work with the Eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus oil is an important component of aromatherapy treatments

Adding a few drops to your bath can be very relaxing and rejuvenating but some people have complained of drowsiness and difficulty in breathing. This could be a combination of factors such as taking a long, hot bath with the oil. Also, too much use of the oil can cause skin irritation.

It is best to start with a limited time in the bath with minimal Eucalyptus oil to ensure your safety.

Some people recommend that you should apply eucalyptus oil directly to the skin for a range of skin issues. Remember that Eucalyptus oil is very strong and can cause severe reactions especially if your skin is very sensitive or you are prone to eczema or even if your skin is blistered or burnt.

Skin care is important to everyone and especially if you are a fan of natural skin care, there is no denying that it is worth trying eucalyptus oil. However, try some on a healthy part of your skin first to ensure that you do not develop a rash.

Skin care is a topic we can never get tired of reading about or writing about. These days, the buzz is all about natural skin care and avoiding harsh chemicals. So, where does one begin?

Nutrition plays a large part in protecting the largest organ which covers your whole body. Below are a few things to consider stopping or reducing if you wish to protect your body from acne and enjoy smooth, glowing skin.

Natural Skin Care – Sugar, Oil and Fats Reduced or Made Redundant!!

Okay, this seems a little harsh but this is your skin we are talking about. By reducing the intake of the above, it can visibly reduce acne on your skin. The thing to remember is that this is not an instant result and can take weeks or months to show

Natural Skin Care – Go organic

To change your diet also means that you alter what you eat and probably develop some new tastes along the way! The key to all of this is the addition of wholesome foods. For those who have run out of options for acne cure, try organic foods as they do not carry and preservative, chemicals or potential toxins that can affect your skin.

A diet which is surrounded by fresh fruits and vegetables is necessary as it contains vitamins which are essential for the well-being of your body and in turn, your skin.

Natural Skin Care – Hydration

A dehydrated body can lead to a lot of nasties and as such keeping your body hydrated should be on your high priority list every day. If you find that your skin is dry, flaky, itchy and dull looking; the answer is the lack of water.

Hydrated skin feels fresh and there is a glow on the face. Avoid sugary, syrup drinks which are a waste of time with their excessive sodium and sugar content. They may taste good on the palette for a few minutes but do not offer any real health benefits.

Try to follow the above guidelines to a clearer more natural looking skin which is acne free. From time to time, we all suffer from acne or other skin related ailments; this does not mean that we use chemicals all the time to solve it. Instead, keep hydrated and eat a well-balanced meal.

Below are seven skin care tips for the week using all natural herbal skin care ingredients.  Many ingredients you may already have in your kitchen!  All are fairly easy to find at your local market and stores:

1. Oranges are high in vitamin C and when eaten helps to boost the immune system, especially from upper respiratory illnesses like colds and even allergies. The juice of oranges and dried orange peels can be used as a skin toner or a facial mask or scrub.  The blossoms makes a fragrant bath and helps control body odor.

2. Rosemary helps to lower blood pressure, and is good for the heart and liver.  Rosemary makes a great tonic for skin, and helps to get rid of wrinkles.  Rosemary flowers and leaves can be boiled in water to make an excellent facial cleanser.

3. Take beet root and cut up and grind into tiny bits.  Then squeeze the juice from the ground bits and use this as a facial massage / cleanser.  Rinse for around ten minutes in the shower.  Be careful not to stain clothing.

4. Roses make a wonderful fragrance to use in facial creams, lotions, masks and tonics.  Grind up rose petals and mix with milk cream as a nice moisturizing cleanser, rinse well in the shower.  Rose water can also be applied as a perfume.

5. Strawberries, in addition to being a good fruit to eat, are very good to treat serious skin conditions.  They can be very helpful in whitening teeth, just brush and clean the teeth with the strawberry juice.

6. Almonds are both good to eat and excellent as care for the skin.  Almonds can be used in creating facial packs.  Ground up it makes a good cleanser / scrub for the face.  The oil from almonds makes very good herbal skin care.

7. Lavender is widely known for its wonderful fragrance. Use it in a bath to open up the sinuses and ease stiff and sore muscles. It can be an effective mouthwash too. The oil can cure headaches.