For the past few months I have been facing a difficult battle with my skin. Which I mostly thought was due to stress since I have had an extremely difficult and emotional year but that has only been one factor in a number of underlying issues. Which led me to a lot of research, discovery and experimenting with products, nutrition and speaking to a lot of Naturopaths, Dermatologists, and Aestheticians and reading a great deal on the internet from people who took the holistic approach rather than treating it cosmetically, which in turn is for temporary relief and doesn't get to the root of the problem.
In my discovery, I have gone through an obscene amount of products and spent a great deal of money testing things and becoming overzealous trying to treat and fix everything immediately which actually worsened my condition and caused more of an issue but I believe you learn a lot from your mistakes.
I wanted to share my discoveries with some of you in case they can be of any help to anyone that maybe suffering from the same issues with their skin or even have an occasional breakout here and there. Having poor skin can be really damaging and can cause a lot of isolation, depression and emotional suffering. The most important thing to remember is that it will eventually go away and even more importantly YOU ARE STILL AN AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL PERSON despite the skin issues you see when you look in the mirror. Try to keep a positive outlook as hard as it can be sometimes this will definitely help in your aid to recovering the beautiful healthy skin below the surface :)
I wanted to share my discoveries with some of you in case they can be of any help to anyone that maybe suffering from the same issues with their skin or even have an occasional breakout here and there. Having poor skin can be really damaging and can cause a lot of isolation, depression and emotional suffering. The most important thing to remember is that it will eventually go away and even more importantly YOU ARE STILL AN AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL PERSON despite the skin issues you see when you look in the mirror. Try to keep a positive outlook as hard as it can be sometimes this will definitely help in your aid to recovering the beautiful healthy skin below the surface :)
One of the greatest things I've learned is that acne or skin issues stem from a number of things disagreeing with our bodies amongst all the other oil/bacteria/clogged pores etc... It is extremely useful to be aware that our diets and our lifestyles 100% play a role in all of it. If you've ever heard the expression "you are what you eat" well this is true especially when speaking about the skin. What we put in our mouths will/can effect your appearance and skin conditions. Everyones bodies react differently, so what can be causing one persons issues may not at all effect some one elses but it's important to experiment with your diet and find out what allergies or what foods can be inflaming your skin. Below is a list of foods and tips that you should avoid or try for a trial period of 4-6 weeks. Depending on your medical background you should always check with a doctor before making any changes to your diet. You may find that eliminating them one at a time for a week or two might be helpful to find out what food maybe causing the concern. Wheat and dairy are a big issue for some people dealing with acne since many people seem to have an allergy to one or both. You may even want to get some allergy testing done before or after you change your diet to see if some thing else can be avoided or if you are avoiding the correct food.
Helpful Tips
Helpful Tips
Sugar
Eliminating sugar is extremely important in clearing up your skin. Cookies, cakes, breads, anything white in general will definitely play a role in inflaming your skin and causing you to break out. If you have a sweet tooth try replacing sweets with a healthy fruit smoothy made with almond milk, an organic apple and some raw almond butter or any other combination of a fruit low on the glycemic index and either water or almond milk. Do not use soy milk or any dairy products which I will address later on.
Eliminating sugar is extremely important in clearing up your skin. Cookies, cakes, breads, anything white in general will definitely play a role in inflaming your skin and causing you to break out. If you have a sweet tooth try replacing sweets with a healthy fruit smoothy made with almond milk, an organic apple and some raw almond butter or any other combination of a fruit low on the glycemic index and either water or almond milk. Do not use soy milk or any dairy products which I will address later on.
Wheat
Wheat has been known to be a huge allergen in our digestive tracts. Our digestive tracts have a big effect on our bodies, including our skin. It effects the amount of nutrients our body absorbs and it can also cause a great deal of skin aggravation if our bodies do not agree with wheat. Try to limit the amount of grains you consume as well. Things like cereals, oatmeal and other grains like couscous or quinoa. I do eat Brown rice and Quinoa on occasion and oats a few times a week - make sure it is the close cooked oats.
Wheat has been known to be a huge allergen in our digestive tracts. Our digestive tracts have a big effect on our bodies, including our skin. It effects the amount of nutrients our body absorbs and it can also cause a great deal of skin aggravation if our bodies do not agree with wheat. Try to limit the amount of grains you consume as well. Things like cereals, oatmeal and other grains like couscous or quinoa. I do eat Brown rice and Quinoa on occasion and oats a few times a week - make sure it is the close cooked oats.
Dairy
Dairy is extremely important!!!! not only is it rich in fat it also contains a male hormone androgen which can lead to an imbalance of hormones especially if your acne stems for hormonal issues to begin with (based on the chin and jawline). It is crucial to avoid all cheese, eggs, milk, sour cream, cream cheese and butter. Do not use soy substitutes either. Try replacing butter with olive oil and if you must eat eggs make sure they are organic, grass fed, local farm raised which means they are free of antibiotics, added hormones and pesticides which can cause a number of problems in the body.
Dairy is extremely important!!!! not only is it rich in fat it also contains a male hormone androgen which can lead to an imbalance of hormones especially if your acne stems for hormonal issues to begin with (based on the chin and jawline). It is crucial to avoid all cheese, eggs, milk, sour cream, cream cheese and butter. Do not use soy substitutes either. Try replacing butter with olive oil and if you must eat eggs make sure they are organic, grass fed, local farm raised which means they are free of antibiotics, added hormones and pesticides which can cause a number of problems in the body.
Meat
I have never been much of a meat eater, even when I was younger I used to hide my steak in my napkin and flush it down the toilet when no one was looking so this came naturally to me being a veg for almost my entire life, cutting out meat again was a no brainer. This is really about preference. Eliminating meat all together is up to you, if you choose to stick with the meat try to cut back on your intake of red meat and chicken and always make sure they are organic, grass fed and local farm raised!
I have never been much of a meat eater, even when I was younger I used to hide my steak in my napkin and flush it down the toilet when no one was looking so this came naturally to me being a veg for almost my entire life, cutting out meat again was a no brainer. This is really about preference. Eliminating meat all together is up to you, if you choose to stick with the meat try to cut back on your intake of red meat and chicken and always make sure they are organic, grass fed and local farm raised!
Increase your greens
Eating greens have amazing effects on your skin your bodies overall. It aids in repairing the skin and giving it a really healthy glow. It's also full of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants that are crucial to getting your skin back on track.
Eating greens have amazing effects on your skin your bodies overall. It aids in repairing the skin and giving it a really healthy glow. It's also full of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants that are crucial to getting your skin back on track.
Increase your omegas
Although I don't eat any animal fat I do in fact eat wild fish such as salmon etc... These are full of omegas and good fats that are really good for the skin and are a great source of protein if you aren't eating meat. I also take a supplement of Omega 3/6/9 which helps support your skin and immune function. I also try not to eat too many nuts, seeds or avocados which are high in omegas but can also have reverse effects on your skin if you consume to many. If you have a huge craving for some nuts only have a handful. I do have raw organic almond butter for lunch or breakfast on millet bread which is made from millet flour as well as zucchini flour or Ill have a tsp or 2 of it with an organic apple or in a shake.
Although I don't eat any animal fat I do in fact eat wild fish such as salmon etc... These are full of omegas and good fats that are really good for the skin and are a great source of protein if you aren't eating meat. I also take a supplement of Omega 3/6/9 which helps support your skin and immune function. I also try not to eat too many nuts, seeds or avocados which are high in omegas but can also have reverse effects on your skin if you consume to many. If you have a huge craving for some nuts only have a handful. I do have raw organic almond butter for lunch or breakfast on millet bread which is made from millet flour as well as zucchini flour or Ill have a tsp or 2 of it with an organic apple or in a shake.
Get your but in gear
Exercise is key to clearing up your skin. Not vigorous amounts but about 45 mins to an hour of exercise a day is vital to get your circulation moving in your body and to release all the toxins that are causing your skin conditions. I suggest doing yoga, walking with a friend or riding your bike.
Exercise is key to clearing up your skin. Not vigorous amounts but about 45 mins to an hour of exercise a day is vital to get your circulation moving in your body and to release all the toxins that are causing your skin conditions. I suggest doing yoga, walking with a friend or riding your bike.
Hydrate
If there was only one tip I could give you to clearing up your skin, this would be it. Drinking a ton of water is absolutely the most important thing you will need to do to release the toxins in your body, to flush your system and to hydrate your skin. Especially after you exercise and if you live in colder climates 1-2 liters a day. If you drink a lot of herbal teas that also counts but make sure they are caffeine free. I also loooove coconut water, it's extremely hydrating and has a lot of potassium which is a lot better for you than the sodium packed sports drinks that are full of artificial ingredients and coloring.
If there was only one tip I could give you to clearing up your skin, this would be it. Drinking a ton of water is absolutely the most important thing you will need to do to release the toxins in your body, to flush your system and to hydrate your skin. Especially after you exercise and if you live in colder climates 1-2 liters a day. If you drink a lot of herbal teas that also counts but make sure they are caffeine free. I also loooove coconut water, it's extremely hydrating and has a lot of potassium which is a lot better for you than the sodium packed sports drinks that are full of artificial ingredients and coloring.
Caffeine
This was one of the most devastating changes I had to make in my lifestyle. I was a coffee junkie, I lived at starbucks, I still dream of my vanilla lattes which are now a recipe for disaster. However I have become extremely fond of tea! Eliminating caffeine from your diet will be very beneficial. Caffeine actually stimulates the stress hormone in our bodies which can cause our oil glands to act up and release more oil, pore clogging gunk. So stick to ORGANIC decaf green tea, yogi is my favorite they have a number of different kinds, I like the detox one too. Make sure it is organic green teas especially have a lot more pesticides than any other tea.
This was one of the most devastating changes I had to make in my lifestyle. I was a coffee junkie, I lived at starbucks, I still dream of my vanilla lattes which are now a recipe for disaster. However I have become extremely fond of tea! Eliminating caffeine from your diet will be very beneficial. Caffeine actually stimulates the stress hormone in our bodies which can cause our oil glands to act up and release more oil, pore clogging gunk. So stick to ORGANIC decaf green tea, yogi is my favorite they have a number of different kinds, I like the detox one too. Make sure it is organic green teas especially have a lot more pesticides than any other tea.
Alcohol
This is a difficult one as well. Especially after a stressful day of work or a bad week there is nothing better than releasing a little steam with a cold beer or a glass of wine :) But beer and wine contain a few ingredients that can cause a lot of stress on our organs, skin and digestive system. For starters beer contains wheat, barley and yeast which are all terrible for your skin. Especially since a lot of acne can be caused by an over production of yeast in the body and allergens to wheat not to mention alcohol can cause an overproduction of oil and reck havoc on our sleep. Wine although it is packed with antioxidants in small quantities, it does contain a lot of sugar. So drink on occasion and in small amounts. No need to pray to the porcelain gods.
This is a difficult one as well. Especially after a stressful day of work or a bad week there is nothing better than releasing a little steam with a cold beer or a glass of wine :) But beer and wine contain a few ingredients that can cause a lot of stress on our organs, skin and digestive system. For starters beer contains wheat, barley and yeast which are all terrible for your skin. Especially since a lot of acne can be caused by an over production of yeast in the body and allergens to wheat not to mention alcohol can cause an overproduction of oil and reck havoc on our sleep. Wine although it is packed with antioxidants in small quantities, it does contain a lot of sugar. So drink on occasion and in small amounts. No need to pray to the porcelain gods.
Pro-biotics
Or if you don't already take them you should go to your local health store and ask them what they suggest will be most helpful to you. A pro-biotic is a supplement that replaces the good bacteria aka flora in our intestines. This aids in immune system support, is really great for your digestive system and will help your skin. If your condition is caused by yeast than this is definitely beneficial to you!
Or if you don't already take them you should go to your local health store and ask them what they suggest will be most helpful to you. A pro-biotic is a supplement that replaces the good bacteria aka flora in our intestines. This aids in immune system support, is really great for your digestive system and will help your skin. If your condition is caused by yeast than this is definitely beneficial to you!
Supplements
A lot of Dermatologists recommend vitamin A and B6 to aid in clearing your skin because it effects the oil production in our glands, however taking large doses of these vitamins can be extremely toxic to our systems and cause dangerous effects on our kidneys and liver. It is better to take a water soluble vitamin such a beta carotene which is a derivative of Vitamin A but even in excessive amounts can not be toxic. I take a few different things, vitamin c, vitamin d3 1000 mg, and sometimes a beta carotene. I also take a supplement from Eminence skin care for clear skin which contains two different pro-biotics, zinc and borage seed oil which works together to reduce acne and calm the skin. I love all eminence products. They are all organic and all natural and have a number of different products for whatever skin condition pertains to you.
A lot of Dermatologists recommend vitamin A and B6 to aid in clearing your skin because it effects the oil production in our glands, however taking large doses of these vitamins can be extremely toxic to our systems and cause dangerous effects on our kidneys and liver. It is better to take a water soluble vitamin such a beta carotene which is a derivative of Vitamin A but even in excessive amounts can not be toxic. I take a few different things, vitamin c, vitamin d3 1000 mg, and sometimes a beta carotene. I also take a supplement from Eminence skin care for clear skin which contains two different pro-biotics, zinc and borage seed oil which works together to reduce acne and calm the skin. I love all eminence products. They are all organic and all natural and have a number of different products for whatever skin condition pertains to you.
You may also want to speak to a Naturopath that can come up with a few blends of herbs that can regulate your hormones or clear up your skin. Make sure they have a good reputation and have been in the business a long time and always research the herbs before you take them, make sure you don't mix them with certain medications that can be harmful.
These changes may be the slower approach then taking antibiotics or Acutane or skin topicals but having patience and sticking with it will definitely give you the results you are looking for. I chose to do this method bc I really believe that antibiotics can do more harm then good, they can destroy your digestive system and build up yeast in your body which can cause a lot of other problems along with skin conditions and acutane is extremely dangerous as well as harmful chemical topicals that strip the skin of its natural oils and use harmful ingredients such as parabens and synthetic ingredients. These are all cosmetic fixes to the skin and they are not curing the problem but rather temporarily treating the external condition and not the internal.
If you feel that you still want to use those other methods that is fine, to each there own, but you should still incorporate these natural methods so that when you stop whatever cosmetic fix you are on that the cause of the issue is still being addressed.
As far as skin care is concerned, there are so many products on the market, each one effects everyone differently. I personally had a bad reaction to a lot of the all natural products I tried mainly because I switched my entire routine at once. One suggestion in changing your skin cleansing routine is to keep it simple and to also incorporate one new product at a time. DO NOT change everything at once. Your skin will go into shock and can have opposite effects, causing inflammation and more breakouts. I find that a gentle organic cleanser and moisturizer (yes it's ok to moisturize if you have acne prone skin as long as it has no skin clogging/synthetic ingredients). A product I'm obsessed with and highly recommend is the organic Ubtan Clarifying Face Scrub by Skin Apotheke. It comes in a powder that you mix with water. It's really good for gentle exfoliation and if you are using other harsh products on your skin that are drying and cause your skin to flake then this is a really good product for you. Also contains neem which is great for clearing up skin!
Well I hope these are helpful.. good luck and smile :)
No comments:
Post a Comment