I suffer from an itchy, dry scalp. I've tried several shampoos, but none has helped. When I was young, my mother washed my hair in green soft soap: is there a product like it today?

Early soap making was based on the reaction of fat (animal or vegetable) with an alkali such as caustic soda or potash. This saponification produces a mixture of soap and glycerol. Commercially, the glycerol is removed to make a harder, longer-lasting soap, but home-made ones (and traditional green soft soap) retain the glycerol, which is an emollient. The Natural Soap Book, by Susan Miller Cavitch (from Baldwins, 020-7701 4892) has some lovely recipes. It is often sodium lauryl sulphate that causes itchy scalps, so try naturally nourishing 'free from' brands such as Green People's Moisturising Shampoo (greenpeople.co.uk) or Barefoot Botanicals SOS Hair And Scalp Rescue Shampoo (0870 220 2273).

I'm a 31-year-old male who has had greasy facial skin since my teens, making my face red and prone to spots. I've tried every (expensive) treatment with little or no effect.

High testosterone levels - more specifically, excessive dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - encourage sebum production. Stress adds to the problem because the adrenaline stimulates production of male hormones, and so more sebum, making the skin greasy. This sebum then blocks pores, allowing dirt and infection. Poor hygiene and diet, constipation and sluggish liver function allow a build-up of toxins. Zinc deficiency increases the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Vitamin A and zinc boost immunity, control inflammation and facilitate skin repair. Take them daily, as well as essential fatty acids (Biocare EPA, say), which are important for good skin and balancing hormones. Reduce sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine and saturated fats. Adopt a wholefood diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and drink eight glasses of spring water daily. Take daily fresh air and exercise to stimulate circulation and eliminate toxins. Work to reduce stress, optimise liver, digestive and immune function, and improve diet would have more lasting benefit than topical treatments. See a naturopath or nutritionist: for a local practitioner, contact the General Council and Register of Naturopaths (01458 840072) or the British Register of Nutritional Therapists (bant.org.uk).

· 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.