Because our skin is our largest organ, when other areas inside our body are not eliminating waste properly, our skin becomes the trash can for toxins. There are various causes for acne such as hormonal imbalance (acne appears along the chin and jawline), issues with gut health from poor diet and dehydration, and toxic build-up in the blood. Another cause of acne is literally from the chemical ingredients in cosmetics which is called contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis can show up in the form of rashes, eczema, blisters, and itchy or burning skin from allergens, solvents, metals such as nickel, poison ivy, etc. Acne created by contact dermatitis isn’t always considered. The toxic chemicals in many cosmetics are also skin irritants. Fragrance is a commonly known skin irritant, but there are many others chemical ingredients that need to be avoided as well which you can find here. Many times when irritating chemical filled skin care products are eliminated completely, the skin clears up and there is no more contact dermatitis or acne caused by it.
In the article How I Cleared My Skin & Acne Scars a reader asked…
“I’ve been trying different products to heal my skin, nothing works. My skin is oily and sensitive. I tried going to a dermatologist/foundation/castile soap/oil cleansing etc., but this gives me dermatitis/acne. All clays are also really drying to my skin. I tried hiding under foundation but it gave me a bad rash and bumpy skin. During this time, I cleaned up my mostly vegetarian diet a lot, no milk or milk products or processed foods at all. I still have hypigmenetation and little scars. I currently have hives/red bumps from makeup. What suggestions do you have?”
My reply…
If literally everything is irritating your skin, your best bet may be to give your skin a complete break from all of it or almost all of it. It definitely sounds like you are experiencing contact dermatitis from skin care and makeup products. Try cleansing your face with just distilled water on a cotton pad. It is important to use distilled water versus tap or just purified water as distilled water is 100% mineral-free and also is soft water. This will give your skin a much needed break and the space to balance and heal itself.
If there is a carrier oil that does not irritate your skin, use it as your moisturizer otherwise just use distilled water. Applying an oil to your skin with wet hands helps it to absorb into the skin with ease. You can see a list of carrier oils specifically for acne prone skin here. Pumpkin seed oil has been one of my favorites as well as rosehip seed oil, yet it is important to find what works for you.
Find a concealer, preferably a natural product with few ingredients, to cover hyperpigmentation. You can effectively use a microfiber cloth with distilled water to gently remove the concealer from your skin at night. If you are an avid makeup wearer focus solely on eyes and lips, and keep your skin makeup-free aside from spot concealer. You can use the same oil that you moisturize with to gently remove eye makeup and wipe away with a wet microfiber cloth as well. If you love blush try this DIY Beet Cheek Stain or just the juice from a beet slice. I also created a list of makeup brands for acne prone skin as well. You can see other DIY makeup recipes here. (Please do a patch test for any new products that you may try to ensure that there is not further irritation).
In general I find that less is more with skin care. Having extremely sensitive combination skin myself, I have learned that my skin is much happier and healthier the less I do to it, or apply to it overall. Definitely read the ingredient labels of ALL of the cosmetics that you own (skin, hair, fragrance, etc.) and stick with minimal natural products with few ingredients. Also make sure that your hair care isn’t irritating your face. You can read more about ingredients to avoid here as well as a list of other natural beauty brands.
Lastly if you think about how long you may have eaten one way, when you do change to a better diet it takes time to correct the weeks, months, years in which you may not have been conscious about healthy foods. Be patient with the process of detoxing your body with diet changes and the effects that it has on your skin. Our skin completely renews itself every 28 days. If our skin is being cared for in a favorable way for that duration of time as well as eating well and minimizing stress, improvement and healing will definitely be the result.
Best wishes and I hope this helps!
Check out Chemical Sensitivity is A Good Thing! as it also relates to this topic! <3
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Kayla says
This is SO true. It’s amazing how all of those anti-acne product commercials (and/or dermatologists) get in our heads. Based on information received from both of those sources, I needed to layer on the anti-acne creams and potions and dry, dry, dry out the acne! My skin was incredibly dry and looked terrible (and looking back, I know I was reacting to some of the face washes, as it felt like I had a permanent rash across my forehead). The only time my skin (sometimes) looked OK was when I was on antibiotics, but I still had to check in with my derm every 3-6 months (with a copay, etc.). Amazing how that works and that no one ever questioned my diet. I’ve been off my antibiotics (and haven’t seen a derm) for about 9 months now, and started taking probiotics (my poor gut has been contending with antibiotics for 10 years). My skincare is VERY simple. I started off only using Aquanil (and a Konjac sponge) as facewash and Vaseline as my moisturizer. I tried Waxelene to replace Vaseline, but I think it was too thick of a consistency for my skin to like. I tried the OCM with castor and jojoba oil, but it was disastrous — broke me out like crazy. I tried an organic skincare line that was supposedly created for acne-prone people, but again, it broke me out like crazy. I reverted back to Aquanil and Vaseline (better the devil I know) until I discovered your blog, Dawn. For the last few months, I’ve been washing my face with hemp seed oil, and I moisturize with rosehip seed oil. My skin still has some pigmentation (it’s healing), but overall skin health has vastly improved. The only time I break out is when I’m stressed or if I fall off the wagon food-wise and eat dairy or a large amount of sugar in one sitting. I now know that MOISTURIZED skin is happy skin. Funny how all of those anti-acne medications, creams, etc. only made my skin worse while the simplicity of using OILS made my skin way better. Thank you so much, Dawn, for posting information like this. I wish everyone would read your blog (and that I had found it sooner!), as I know how awful/embarrassing it is to have acne and how frustrating it is that all a derm does is prescribe drug after drug and the problem doesn’t get fixed.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kayla,
I’m so glad that your new routine of just using hemp seed and rosehip seed oil is working so well for you. Yes moisturized skin in happy skin and I have no idea why acne products are formulated in a way to dry out skin. As if dehydrating the skin could actually make things better when pretty much all living things thrive on water and hydration.
I’m really glad that you also mentioned that your dermatologist never considered your diet as a possible cause and had you on antibiotics which messes up the good bacteria balance in your gut. You can never heal any aspect of your life without looking at the full picture. The solution is never isolated. Thanks so much for sharing all of this!
Sandy says
I’m a user of oil cleansing such as you’ve explained on your blog. Thank you for all the in depth information on how to choose the correct oil.
My skin now glows.
But I do have an issue of darkness or a shadowing that appears around the mouth. It’s a combination of fuzzy hair and also,I think, part of the aging process(darkening of the skin in some places).
I wonder what is the best way to deal with slight excess hair which occurs on the face.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Have you tried rosehip seed oil for evening out the skin tone? I’m not to sure about slight excess facial hair so will have to see what I can find out.
aladrin brundage says
Hi dawn i know thus doesnt refer to this article but were do you buy your unscented vegetable. Glycerin soap and what product name,etc.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Aladrin Brundage,
The unscented vegetable glycerine soap that I buy is actually from Whole Foods and is the Whole Foods brand. This soap does not contain weird ingredients although it does contain coconut oil. Surprisingly it doesn’t irritate the skin on my body nor does it break me out despite that it has coconut oil. I do alternate this soap with other natural body care though so I’m not sure if that makes a difference too. Hope this helps!
Megan says
I agree with all the above. It’s so true that less is more! There are two other things that have been immensely helpful for my acne-prone skin:
1. Manuka honey, UMF12 or 15 (gently washing my face with it, applying it as a mask, using it for spot treatments, etc).
2. Diluted tea tree oil in carrier blend for moisturizing at night
Clay can be pretty drying but it’s not as bad if you add a bit of ACV and vegetable glycerin to the mix. Also, the time you leave it on for makes a big difference. Generally, shorter is better I find. I’ll use it in just along my jawline and chin maybe once a month or as spot treatment, when and as needed.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Megan,
Thanks so much for your comment and for sharing what is working for you! Clays can be drying if used too much. I used to solely wash my face with rhassoul clay and do other clays masks as well. Clays were a great transitioning facial cleanser to natural skin care for me. Now I know that the more my body detoxes the less I need to do with skincare overall.
June says
Hi Dawn,
What was your regimen as you transitioned to natural skin care products?
Thanks in advance,
June
Dawn Michelle says
Hi June,
I used to use expensive organic skin care lines from natural grocery stores before going the simple DIY route. I never had the results I wanted until I learned more about what my skin needed. Using raw honey as a face wash then later learning about high linoleic oils and focusing on a whole foods high raw diet changed things completely for the better.
Frances says
Hi love,
I know I posted in the comments a couple of times before about my acne struggles and have been adopting your suggestions. I’ve been using pumpkin seed oil for over two months now. I love it much more than the avocado oil and black cumin seed oil. On its own, it doesn’t seem to break me out, but I still suffer from the occasional cystic acne and whiteheads and hyperpigmentation (all over). I don’t know what to do /: My mom always tells me to not use oil anymore (she thinks it’s the culprit), but I’m trying my best to stick with this oil high in linoleic acid. I’ve been eating fairly healthier than before also. Do you think putting the PSO on areas of my face where I have bad acne or ruptured skin/popped pimples makes it worse? Should I avoid putting oil on those areas? Do you think my skin is still like this because it’s going through a transition period? My foundation does contain jojoba oil..and my
baby badger sunscreen does contain high oleic sunflower oil. I’ve been feeling discouraged ): I try my best not to stress.
Here is my routine:
MORNING/NIGHT WITHOUT MAKEUP:
Cleanse – Rice water
Tone – Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar
Spot Treatment – Living Libatios Dew Dab
Moisturize – PSO
NIGHT WITH MAKEUP:
Cleanse – OCM with PSO + soft 100% polyester microfiber cloth
Rest – All of the above^
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Frances,
In terms of regimen try removing the toner and spot treatment and look at your skin as a whole. You may want to try using raw honey or even manuka honey to cleanse and see if that helps with the high linoleic oil to moisturize. Keep it simple with just two products/ingredients.
I found that when I was most obsessed with my skin spot treatments and intensive skin care regimens made me more obsessed and emotionally imbalanced about it. Because emotions play a huge role in our overall health being able to look in the mirror and have positive loving thoughts about ourselves helps to heal whatever the problem is. Sometimes taking a complete break from skin care helps. On a day when you don’t have to do to much just wash your face with water and stay out of the mirror. This article may be helpful.
Have you ever seen a naturopathic doctor? Getting allergy tests, finding out what imbalances your have in your diet or hormones, and creating a new whole foods regimen can be extremely helpful. Detoxing is a HUGE part of whole body health which a naturopathic doctor can also assist you with. “Taking out the trash” is crucial for overall health.
I recently found out that the foods that I was eating although whole foods, organic, and healthy were not the best thing for my body right now. The woman who I am working with who has studied Chinese medicine has me eating “cooling foods” right now to help my body find balance as this is what I need at the moment. What I realized is that just because your are eating healthy there are still so many other factors that sometimes need investigation. You sometimes have to experiment with different foods too to find what works best for your body. There is no one diet/lifestyle etc. that fits all. I hope this helps and don’t give up on healing your body completely.
Martin says
Hi Dawn, I have had a lot of hyperpigmentation before and I’ve been using glycolic acid to exfoliate. However I think I may have overused it as my skin has gotten very red and sensitive. Now whenever I exercise or am exposed to sunlight I get a stinging sensation. My skin has gotten very transparent and sensitive as a result. I’ve stopped using glycolic acid and stopped taking hot showers and the condition has gotten better but it is still there. From my research, I believe I have overexfoliated my skin or damaged the skin’s natural lipid layer or acid mantle.What do you recommend I do in order to repair my skin.
Thank you very much, all your articles have been very helpful.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Martin,
In general the best thing to do is leave your skin alone and allow it to heal itself. I would avoid washing your face with anything other than water, pure aloe vera, or use raw honey at the most. No facial cloths, exfoliants, masks, etc. Moisturize with a nourishing oil. If you are acne prone try a high linoleic oil. Also when using those types of exfoliants it is vital to use SPF. I prefer zinc oxide based sunscreen. I hope this info helps you.
Martin says
Hi Dawn, thank you very much for the reply I’d also like to ask another question about diet. I have been taking the antibiotic Minocycline for acne previously and I had a serious rash all over my body and neck after I stopped the dose early. Now I notice my skin and neck becomes very red and shows the rash like symptoms which I suspect are from the antibiotics. My diet right now is very clean and healthy with vegetables, fruits, nuts etc, but I feel like there is something wrong internally which may have been a result of the Minocycline. What do you suggest I eat in order to restore my skin back to it’s natural state? Sorry for the long post and thank you very much.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Martin,
I’m not a naturopath or homeopathic physician but I do know that antibiotics take our natural healthy bacteria out of balance. Incorporating probiotics as well as seeing a specialist such as a naturopath or homeopathic physician would be able to further help you. Also even when we begin eating a clean diet we must still heal the many years in which we may not have been eating healthy. You may find the info in this articles and this one helpful as well. Best wishes!
Nic says
I just burned myself with benzyl peroxide trying to get rid of acne which was stupid because it’s so sensitive. My skin is red and peeling I had an ice pack on it all morning so it’s a bit better. My mom told me “less is more” and here you are saying it too. Maybe I should heed that advice.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Nic,
I’m sorry this happened to you. I hope your skin heals quickly. I do feel that less is more especially with skin care. I also feel that our internal health is everything. I shared this article on what I feel the cause of acne stems from. I hope it is helpful!
Sue says
First of all, I love your blog! 😊My question is when you first started using the pumpkinseed oil, did you notice any purging? I’ve been using it for about three days and I’m noticing some purging and didn’t know whether that is normal or whether it’s clogging my pores? Other than that I love the way my skin feels using it!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sue,
Thank you! Sometimes your skin can have a slight purging effect depending upon your previous skin care regimen as well as what makeup you may use. Are you also using a soft microfiber cloth?
Jennifer says
Thank you for your blog. I have found it very helpful. I have been trying different things to clear up my face. I can identify with this lady who you talk about in the article here. Seems like lately I’ve been getting acne, hives and awful skin no matter what I do. Tried pumpkin seed oil but I wonder if oils are bad for my face all together. I used to use oils everyday and had great skin. Maybe just a change in my skin now that I’m in my thirties and after having babies. I read in one of your posts that’s evening primrose is one of the highest linoleic oils. I am currently taking 3 pills a day of Mercola’s Krill for women which includes evening primrose in it. Im hoping that even if I can’t use oils topically on my face, maybe they will make their difference internally. I have a habit being too harsh with my skin I think. I even tried simple things like colloidal oatmeal, witch hazel, rhassoul clay and Honey face washes but my skin doesn’t seem happy with any of them. Maybe I don’t stick it out long enough for any of them. If my skin seems worse after two or three times of using them I give up. Currently as in starting last night haha, I am using extremely diluted sea salt in distilled water as my face wash and no moisturiser (again hoping the oils internally will help). Also I had been using Aubry Organics Shampoo and Coditioner, but wondered if that was getting on my skin during my shower and clogging pores. So today I used Rhassoul clay to wash and ACV diluted to condition. My hair feels a bit drier than normal but at least I don’t have excessive oils in my hair from the sham/conditioner that could rub on my face (even in my sleep) . Saw your article on colloidal oatmeal for hair too. Since I already have some, maybe I will mix it in with the Rhassoul clay for a wash. I’m kind of tickled about my bottle I use for the clay wash. ..it’s an old spice container that has the pop off lid inside that has holes in it. So I mixed 1 TBS clay and the rest water, and when I showered it was a breeze to shake the liquid on various parts of my hair to wash it. My skin looks a little better today. I wanted to try water only washing but am afraid long term my pores will get too clogged. I wish punkin seed oil cleansing worked. So I was hoping the sea salt would help to counter act the bacteria. I think I have tried way too many things for my face this past year and maybe it’s just overly sensitive right now. Would love to have clear skin again and focus more on my beautiful babies and sweet husband again. Not really asking any specific questions but any thoughts you have are appreciated. Just nice to know someone out there has had similar struggles and cares enough to try and help others. Thanks Dawn!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you so much for your comment and sharing this. I used to focus heavily on skin care but now that I’ve been on my own healing journey for so long, I instead focus on healing any imbalances inside of my body. I shared this article on the causes of acne and this article on gentle detoxing. My skin is better than it has ever been since I eliminated processed foods including sugar and have incorporated more raw plant based foods into my diet. I hope this helps!
Jennifer says
Thank you so much for your empathy and all your advice. You are right. I should focus on internal stuff right now more than anything and de-stress!
Jennifer says
Thank you so much for your empathy and all your advice. You are right. I should focus on internal stuff right now more than anything and de-stress! Oh and I was reading the comments and you said your doctor who studied Chinese medicine had you eating “cooling foods “….could you please give me a little list of some of them? I have been getting what looks and feels like random hives on my face but hours later they turn into a pimple that continues to itch for a couple days. ..weird! I applied lavender to it but doesnt seem to help much. I actually talked to an allergist doctor about them but she said if it was food allergy related I would have lots of hives, not just one or two every now and then. Makes me wonder if my system is too acidic and causes them… I have severely limited my sugar, pretty much only do a little raw organic honey every now and then. But I’m interested to know the cooling foods you are talking about. Maybe I could eat just those for a while and see if that helps my system detox. I actually have only done water washing today and nothing else to my face and my husband actually commented that I looked nice and he was staring at my face haha. So maybe my skin just needed a break from everything for a little while. Maybe after a few more days I might try picking up manuka honey washing. Thanks again Dawn! You are one of the sweetest persons I’ve never met 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for your kind words! You can Google “cooling foods” “Ayurvedic cooling foods” “Chinese medicine cooling foods” online and find various lists. In general gentle detoxing is extremely healthy and if you have major sugar cravings like I used to, I shared this article which gives the scientific breakdown of the issues with sugar and how I stopped eating sugar. Definitely focus on internal health. Have a great weekend!
Jennifer says
Thank you!