I'm a 28-year-old who still suffers from spots. I feel like a teenager! The problem seems partly hormonal, as they flare up just before my period.

Adult acne has been found predominantly to be due to hormone imbalance. An excess of male hormones in both sexes increases the size of sebaceous glands and stimulates production of sebum, allowing the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (which is increasingly resistant to antibiotics) to thrive. Acne has to be treated from the inside with a diet high in nutrients and fibre. Probiotics strengthen the immune function of the gut, particularly after antibiotic treatment. To balance hormones, include B vitamin foods and phyto-oestrogens (found in most vegetables, and to a greater degree in tofu and soy). Many adults with acne also have an inability to digest unsaturated fats, so eliminate all dairy products and red meat. Drink two litres of filtered or mineral water a day.

The area under my brother's eyes is puffy and he has blocked tear ducts. Is there a way to unblock them?

Blocked tear ducts can result in dry, itchy, gritty and generally uncomfortable sensations of the eye. The usual treatment is hypromellose, or Artificial Tears, but I recommend Bioforce Euphrasia Tincture (£7.99/50ml, from most good healthfood shops), because euphrasia has astringent and circulatory properties, and would help by eliminating the compounds that contribute to the blockages. Puffiness under the eyes can indicate allergies or too much salt in the diet. Use 15 drops up to three times daily.

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions.

Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.