Acne begins when the sebaceous glands overproduce oil, or sebum, secreted through the pores. Sebum carries dead call debris away with it, but its overproduction blocks the pores with a sticky mass of oil and dead cells. When this happens, the bacteria normally present in skin convert the mass into compounds that irritate the rupture small glands, causing inflammation and unattractive pustules - spots.

Treatment

85% of people get spots in their teens, so it's nothing to be particularly embarrassed about. If normal treatments aren't helping then you could try going to your pharmacy and asking for stronger non-prescription treatments such as Quinoderm, or go to the doctor, who can prescribe antibiotics.

Eat plenty of shellfish, nuts, skinless poultry and lean meat for zinc (yogurt and skimmed milk provide smaller amounts). Eat fresh fruit and vegetables for vitamin C and whole grains and cereals for vitamin B and zinc. Vitamin A helps to maintain a healthy skin, and in abundant in liver and eggs, as is beta carotene, which is found in dark green or orange vegetables such as spinach and carrots, and in orange fruits such as apricots and mangos. Eat plenty of polyunsaturated fats, as these have been claimed to counter-act acne. Vitamin E, found in wheat- germ, avocados, eggs and cold-pressed vegetable oils helps to heal the skin.

You should cut down on the refined carbohydrates found in sugary foods, fatty and fried foods such as burgers and chips, highly salted snacks, soft drinks and confectionary, chocolate and added sugar.

You should avoid Iodine-containing supplements.