Question : I AM 20 years old and have been suffering from severe skin breakouts ever since I came to Kuala Lumpur to further my studies. In the past few months, I've cut down my food intake to reduce my body weight.

Answer : ACNE can be due to hormonal imbalance, toxin build-up, improper diet and emotional stress. Identifying the underlying factor may be helpful. It is a chronic skin disorder caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands in the skin.

Ensure adequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Bright-coloured fruits and green leafy vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, beetroot and spinach are rich in antioxidants and fibre. Beta-carotene, vitamins C and E are important components for skin repair. Vitamin C is needed to form collagen. The mineral zinc and vitamin B2 help to normalise oil production from sebaceous glands and prevents scarring.

Essential fatty acids (EFA) are needed for the formation of the lipid layer of the skin. Evening primrose oil and spirulina are rich sources of the omega-6 fatty acids. They contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which helps strengthen skin cells, correct hormonal imbalance and boost moisture content.

Wash your face with a cleanser formulated with Tea Tree oil, St. John's Wort and Calendula. Tea Tree oil has remarkable antiseptic properties while St John's Wort and Calendula are soothing for the skin. This combination cleanses deep into the skin and controls an oily complexion. It also brings down inflammation. Avoid over-washing as it may increase oil production and aggravate the problem.

Stay away from highly refined carbohydrates and processed foods such as sugar, chocolates, pastries, junk food and white bread as these may trigger flare-ups. Avoid trans-fatty acids in soft margarine, milk, fried foods and those high in iodine. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily. Get adequate sleep and learn to manage stress which can be a triggering factor.