Problem skin needs special care. For chronic acne and eczema sufferers it's an even bigger concern. The latest remedies that offer hope are herbal creams made by former nurse Elizabeth Somapala, a Harley Street aromatherapy specialist. The products are based on medicinal oils from plants and trees like lavender, chamomile, and calendula, and have been receiving good reviews on the

dailies' health pages. The Aromatic Garden Essence Super-Sensitive Skin Lotion also contains jojoba oil, shea butter, and

thyme.
Although these creams haven't been through clinical trials they have been scrutinised by Elizabeth and her team. Alison Dudley of the Acne Support Group says there is no harm in trying such creams if you do a patch-test first, but the Eczema Society warns that anyone trying complementary therapy with a serious skin condition should first consult their GP.
Aromatic Garden Essence Super Sensitive Skin Cream £29.95; Super Sensitive Skin Lotion £15.95. From Human Nature health shop, 13 Malvern Road, NW6. Tel 020 7328 5452.