Foolishly, as a teenager I applied deodorant not just to my armpits, but all over my chest. My chest is now covered in blackheads.

Dry skin brushing removes dead skin, unclogs pores and stimulates the flow of lymph to nourish new layers of skin. Take a clean, dry natural bristle brush and with small circular movements brush dry skin, moving up the legs and arms towards the trunk, all over your back (with help if available) and over your stomach and chest. Follow this with a hot shower using a good tea tree cleanser such Jurlique OPC Tea Tree Exfoliating Gel (£15.75, 125ml, 0870 770 0980 or jurlique.co.uk). Supplement your diet with essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil and/or evening primrose oil). They help to dissolve fatty deposits that block pores. Try cleansing the blood with 'green superfoods' spirulina, chlorella and wheat grass (from xynergy.co.uk). Drink three cups a day of Spring Clean Tea by Paul Hambly Herbal Dispensary (£5.50, 125g, 01892 783027).

I am a 75-year-old male suffering from varicose eczema. The nurses who deal with this are very good but have never achieved a cure. They say this is due to 'fragile skin'. Do you know of any remedy?

When circulation is poor, with varicose veins and thinning skin, it is difficult for nutrients to be delivered to, and toxins to be carried away from, skin sites. Go for a gentle walk daily to stimulate blood flow, don't stand for long periods and when resting raise legs above hip level to relieve pressure on the veins. For any type of eczema, I would recommend essential fatty acids internally (OmegaCare fish oils by Biocare, 0121-433 3727). Also , silica is important for connective tissue and stores tend to diminish as we age - CT 241 by Biocare (as before) contains a good amount of silica; take one twice a day. Food intolerances aggravate skin complaints, so avoid wheat and dairy for a month to see if there is an improvement. Also try bathing in Dead Sea salts. They are excellent for dry skin complaints and help strengthen skin - from health shops and chemists. Healing and soothing topical treatments are calendula or viola cream (40ml Calendula Cream, £20.50, and 40ml Viola Cream, £20.50, from Jurlique, as before).

· 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