This is not going to be an article about all of the topical treatments one can apply to maintain a clear complexion. The articles that I’ve written like that have only shared one side of the story. The skin is an organ just like the ones we don’t see inside the body. The skin protects us yet also shares all of our internal body issues with the world.
It is so important that we minimize stress as much as possible.
When we face severe life stresses, the results usually show in wrinkles, discoloration in the skin, and also acne. Stress comes in many forms, yet one form of stress that we don’t usually consider is with what we put into and on our body. If we have suddenly stopped eating nourishing foods or have consistently chosen to eat in unhealthy ways by eating comfort foods (sugar, dairy products, breads if allergic to gluten, processed foods, etc), drinking alcohol or high amounts of caffeine, smoking, and using toxic beauty products, all of these things put a stress on our body and in many cases will show up through our skin.
Our bodies try to assimilate everything that we put into it, then purge everything that it can not use for nutrition or healing.
If our digestive system isn’t in tip top shape, our skin is used as an outlet for purging impurities and it’s not pretty. Drinking lots of water tremendously helps, yet being mindful of how we are treating our bodies from the inside out makes the biggest difference. When we are going through hard times which we can’t control, self nurturing by getting rest when we can and putting healthy foods and drinks into our bodies are crucial.
Many times we may do the opposite then get even more frustrated when our skin doesn’t look as vibrant and clear as we’d like. We may not be able to control all of our circumstances at all times, but we can control what we eat and how we nurture ourselves. As magnificent as our bodies are, it still depends on us to take care of it.
Life is constantly changing and to think that we may not have to change with it wouldn’t make any sense. Sometimes we have to change our habits and skin care regimens.
I’ve been recently getting questions that a natural skin care regimen that was once working is no longer providing the same results. This happens to everyone. I used to think that I needed to keep the exact same skin care regimen to have consistent results. Although I am very consistent with my beauty regimen, yet I’ve learned to use my intuition more with it and not be rigid.
When I was using raw honey as a face wash, my skin was relieved with the simplicity of this healing skin care regimen. At one point my skin started breaking out so I started oil cleansing with jojoba oil and essential oils. (Update… I now only use high linoleic oils though). I have noticed that it is the essential oils that keep my skin in check. Essential oils balance sebum, nourish the skin at a very very deep level, aid with fading scars, and add healing aromatherapy to our skin care regimen. I still use raw honey every once and awhile with my weekly treatments or when I feel like it. I have gotten the best results from using jojoba oil with essentials oils and keep that as my main skin care method.
Creating our own simple beauty products with essential oils to use with jojoba oil or our favorite carrier oil will aid our skin in finding balance and allowing it to heal itself. We can use our essential oil and carrier oil blend as a cleanser, serum, or moisturizer. We must do what is best for our skin and use our intuition.
One myth that I am constantly fighting myself on is that there is such a thing as “perfect” skin.
With the world of airbrushing and good makeup by amazing artists (I’ve been in their chairs), we have tweaked notions on of how we should look. Instead we can think of our skin as a compass as to what is going on inside of our body. If we have a break out, we can see it as impurities not being able to eliminate in other ways such as the digestive or lymphatic system. Although I am vegetarian, I still have to stay on eating healthy by getting in the right amounts of fresh fruits and veggies. Our bodies gives us signals to what it needs if we would only learn to understand the signs.
Our body is designed to heal itself. Taking the steps to align our body with healing is where we tend to fall off.
Along with essential oils, doing weekly facials masks and treatments have made a big difference for my skin. (See my beauty regimen for a few masks/treatments that I use.) Exfoliation and using clays to draw impurities out of the skin help the skin to detox. I again suggest using intuition on what to use and when. Definitely consider detoxing the body from the inside as well. Consult a nutritionist or naturopathic doctor to see what would be the best method for your body. Also it is important for us to continually do our own research.
Eating well, resting, keeping our life as simple as possible, using our intuition on which products or natural ingredients will serve us the best with our skin care, while finding time to relax and play are the best things we can do for our life and for maintaining clear skin. There is no such thing as beauty in a bottle although we have been persuaded to believe it to be true. There is no one thing that can do it all for us.
Beauty is a multifaceted system of nurturing ourselves on all levels.
(The winner of the Vapour Organic Beauty Stratus Instant Skin Perfector GIVEAWAY was chosen with random.org and is…
Renee C. )
(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)
Nikole says
I just wrote about my love/hate relationship with cosmetics. Even the All natural kind. Covering the skin is covering the skin. It cannot breath as well, which means it cannot recover as well. Sometimes I fall into the trap of wearing makeup up to cover up my lack of sleep for a couple of days or my day or two of a not so great diet. After I do it for a day or two, I start to think I look better with make up on than off, and I have to fight myself to keep from putting it on, that is when I am not going through my ridiculous lazy phases. Right now I am battling this ridiculous need for lipsticks. I have no idea where it came from. No cosmetics, stay away from me, your just a lie! Even if it does have it’s fun days, it’s a trap to easy to fall into. I keep telling myself Health and skin care first, Makeup second (if I feel like it). Love your post.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Nikole,
I completely understand! After two weeks of being makeup free (except concealer)I have found so much more peace with looking at myself in the mirror without being fully made up. Since then I realized that if I were to only have one makeup item it would probably be black eyeliner. At least for now I’ve gotten my makeup routine down to concealer and eyeliner. It is usually when I haven’t gotten enough sleep or am poorly hydrated that I reach for the concealer. I always love your comments btw!
~Dawn Michelle
Marisa says
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for this article! I definitely think you are right in taking a holistic approach to skin care. I have slowly been trying to modify my diet, drink more water, and have started taking Vitamins E and Zinc.
And I’ve been taking more active measures to balance my stress.
I’m not sure which article or where would be an appropriate place to ask this, but do you have any thoughts on what I could do (or shouldn’t do) for all of these occasionally itchy small bumps on my forehead. I thought they were pimples, but they unlike the other pimples on my face, they are almost itchy, if that makes any sense? I’m struggling to determine what I should or shouldn’t use on my forehead.
I’ve been using jojoba oil, honey, rosehip and vitamin e oil (mind you on different parts of my face to kind of gauge what might work and what breaks me out) and recently tea tree and lavender oil (spot treatments).
I went cold turkey on using topicals (Duac and TretinX in September…my face was slowly going down at that anyways. But my face is SO broken out these days. Is my skin detoxing? Aside from stopping my use of these topicals (that slowly seemed to stop working anyways) I can’t think of anything that has changed that could be causing this breakout over my WHOLE face.
Ok, I’m sorry for the novel. I just miss the days of having clear skin. Love all of your articles and really want to go completely natural with my skin care (I’m proud to say I’ve been going “no poo” since June).
Thanks!
Marisa
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Marisa,
When I’ve experienced small itchy bumps or rashes it has usually been an allergic reaction to something for me. I’ve switched to all natural cosmetics, soaps, laundry detergent, etc. a long time ago because I am very sensitive to chemicals. I’ve also experienced excessive break outs from detoxing from a cleanse or during times I was juice fasting. Sometimes the body is trying to get rid of toxins or is even irritated by chemicals or pesticides in fabrics or chemical ingredients in beauty or cleaning products.
It can take some time to pin point where the irritation may be coming from. Taking notice to avoid whatever the product or item is will be helpful in the future. If you are not able to figure it out, it is best to go to a naturopathic doctor or acupuncturist who can tell you more about what is really going on. Also congrats on going no ‘poo! My healthy lifestyle began with beginning to use natural products on my hair years ago and then trickled over to all other areas of my life. It really becomes a lifestyle.
Best wishes!
Houda says
Very well rounded advice! I wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for the tip on Rosehip oil. (Btw I came to your website after surfing the web on articles for minimalism.)
This is a thank you from someone who has battled “bad skin” for more than 15 years and used everything there ever was (Accutane, Retin A, natural treatments, natural oils, diets). In the end and after a lot of trial and errors, I found out it is really what you sum up so well in your article: chronic stress (the biggest factor), the food I eat, and not abusing the skin with too many chemicals. I thought I had things under control but only after a week of using Rosehip oil, my skin is so noticeably calmer and more clear looking. I can’t believe I never heard of it before in all those years. I’m throwing out all the ridiculously expensive Vit. A anti-age creams.
I’m in the midst of a major declutter-and-simplify-my-life project, and this tiny bottle of Rosehip oil is the only luxury I’ve bought myself in the last few months, it was a good call though!
Cheers all the way from Germany 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Houda,
It’s so awesome that rosehip seed oil has been a solution for your skin! It looks as if your well rounded approach to skin care and overall health is making a big difference and it is good to hear. There are so many simple solutions to so many things, yet it always seems as if we need to do more. That’s my current lesson with some things that are going on in my life. I’m also so glad you found the site and are enjoying it.
One thing that I told my friend the other day is to take her time with her decluttering process. It is not something that can comfortably be completed in three months especially if you have a family with little ones. Some people do have to declutter quickly based on major life changes like moving though. It takes time to create new thoughts and life patterns around when and what you purchase and also how you view material possessions overall. Thanks for your comment!
Best,
Dawn Michelle
Lana says
Excellent advice! I totally agree, and after seeing an esthetician for more than a year and a naturopath, I can say diet has been a huge part of it. Though it seems really hard for me to control the stress I feel at times, my diet and skincare are much easier to control. Staying away from dairy and sugar has made a huge difference, although I’m still seeing some issues likely due to stress.
One week, I tried all the products I had because my skin was breaking out badly. It was a mess! Finally, one night I decided, whatever, I’m going to wash my face and just go to bed, no products. It was clearer the next morning! Ever since then, and after reading your helpful blog posts (THANK YOU!) my skin has looked a lot better. If only I could make it happier and totally clear it up. There always seems to be 2 or 3 pimples on my face consistently 🙁
Why is it that you prefer jojoba oil cleansing now over honey cleansing? I tried the honey/sugar/lemon juice mask last night and it was seriously awesome! My skin cleared up a lot and was so soft, even in one day.
I’m still trying to decide how to incorporate jojoba oil and honey into my daily cleansing routine (2x a day with one or the other, or one for morning and the other for evening?). What would be best for me to mix with the jojoba oil considering my constant acne? I’m 26, extremely fair skin (yes I wear sunscreen, Eco brand for face). Any advice you have is appreciated. I’m sorry this is long! But you are awesome. 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lana,
With the mix of jojoba oil and essential oils my pores appear smaller so I feel more confident to not wear foundation any more. My husband loves using raw honey and his skin looks so much better since he started using it. I think it all just depends on the person. I still do mix raw honey in my facial masks.
The DIY Gentle Exfoliating Mask is pretty awesome and I’m glad it worked well for you. If you want to use both the raw honey and jojoba oil cleansing, use the honey in the morning and oil cleanse in the evening. See how that works out for you. It really is trial and error.
I still get blemishes too sometimes. I am doing research on gluten which sometimes correlates with acne and a bunch of other ailments. I will probably be going gluten free. If you Google it you will find lots on info on gluten and acne.
Best wishes!
Lana says
That makes sense that it just works better for you, and I like the suggestion of using the honey in the morning and the oil at night. Now I’m just debating what to mix it with: sea buckthorn, tamanu, helichrysum, or cypress.
I’ve heard about the gluten-acne connection as well. There are a lot of things that we can digest just fine but still inflame our skin (sugar, for me) and I have found it’s on a sliding scale of how much I can have before I have a breakout. A dairy-free burger bun is generally not a problem, but that huge bowl of pasta with bread I had a few days ago may explain the breakout :/ Usually I stick to rice; I prefer it anyway. At any rate, I’ll have to do some research and talk to my naturopath as well. Luckily going gluten-free, you’ll still have lots of options!
Thank you for your fast and helpful response! 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lana, When trying to formulate your jojoba cleansing oil, start with mixing 1 oz of jojoba oil with 10 drops of essential oils and see how that combination works out for you. You can try one essential oil at a time to know if your skin responds well to it before adding something else. Once you find your combination you can create a bigger batch. Enjoy your weekend!
Maryuri says
Hello Dawn,
I found you page last week and I couldn’t been happier! I am going to Whole Foods today to buy some of the products you mentioned that had helped you with your blemishes. I have been using vegan skincare for the past year but this brand is expensive and I love the fact you use cheaper alternatives. I read an article on Cosmo about oil cleansing and that’s how I found your blog. I have been using your oil cleansing method for the past two days and my skin is looking better.
I need some advise from you. I get ingrown hairs along my bikini line and I want to know if you can recommend something that would get rid of them without irritating the skin even more.
Thank you!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maryuri,
Welcome and thanks for your comment! Oil cleansing is AMAZING especially when using oils high in linoleic acid and a microfiber cleansing cloth if you are acne prone. The microfiber cloth also helps with blemishes. As for ingrown hairs I am still searching for a 100% consistent solution. I have less when I am consistent with dry body brushing. I also prefer sugar waxing versus hot waxes used at salons for hair removal. I hope this helps a least a little bit.
Best wishes!
Maryuri says
Thank you so much for replying! I have been doing oil cleansing with grape seed oil and a microfiber cloth (I use those to remove excess water from my curls before I let my hair air dry) and my husband asked me last night what I was putting on my face, he said it look lighter and my skin was glowing! He tried oil cleansing last night and he loved it!
I will try your dry body brushing and see if it helps with ingrown hairs.
Thank you!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maryuri,
I love that your husband is oil cleansing with you! How awesome! I’m also glad that you already seeing the benefits! The dry body brushing is also great for the lymphatic system so will serve as benefiting the body in multiple ways. I wish you the best!
Tia says
Hello love your website found so much informative info. I need to know how much tamanu oil to use and do I use it by itself for oil cleansing? I am going to try tye route for dark scars try the tamanu oil see how that works first then try seabuckthorn oil and then rosehip those oils was for my face issues hyperpigmentation dark scars want rejuvenating etc. But I don’t know what amount of oil to use for OCM if you can give me some suggestions please. Thanks. Also are now brands good? Being that I’m by a vitamin shoppe I’d rather go in the store to purchase instead of waiting for a online purchase unless I have no choice.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tia,
If you are interested in oil cleansing, you can get details on how here. If you are acne prone in the least you may actually want to consider only using oils high in linoleic acid. Rosehip seed oil is high in linoleic acid and a wonderful regenerating oil.
This article shares ten natural solutions for hyperpigmentation which may be helpful for you. Patience is very important while healing hyperpigmentation too. Lastly I have used some NOW brand products before, yet prefer to use organic products. I haven’t seen NOW brand products that were organic in the stores near me.
Best wishes!
Norma says
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for this article, it is very interesting and helpful as all the other articles on this blog. I would like to detox my body and I heard about clay to use inside and out. Would you recommend that or maybe do you have other suggestions?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Have a wonderful day.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Norma,
I’ve also heard of detoxing with clay yet like to detox gently with raw foods and herbs. I feel that a great way to detox the body is to eliminate processed foods, white flour, sugar and all sweeteners (except fruit unless advised), as well as dairy, and in place add whole foods which consist of large amounts of raw fruits and veggies in the form of smoothies, fresh pressed juices, and salads along with eating light vegetarian proteins and possibly whole grains if eating grains is good for you. Here is a recipe for one of the detox smoothies that I enjoy.
It is very specific for each person depending upon your health needs and where you are starting from. I think it is best to detox the body with the assistance of a nutritionist, hydrotherapist, or other holistic doctor of your choice especially if its your first time. They are really able to create a specific regimen for you and advise you personally. Hope this helps and have a beautiful day!
Norma says
Hi Dawn,
Sorry, I had completely forgotten this post. Thank you very much for your answer as usual caring and complete. I am a quite thin and petite woman with a bit of curves, a bit like Andreaschoice but in thinner face and body, and I am trying to modify little by little my eating habit. I began since last summer and I lost so much weight that it was scary for my friends and family so I try to eat much more and go slightly to a greener and eating more raw foods but not changing too much my habits. Let say that before I could eat Mc Donalds almost everyday without gaining even a pound, but I can feel my skin and energy is better by eating more fruits and veggies. So I will continue like that.
So to sum up, I just want to be healthy inside and out, and at the same time keeping my weight or gain a bit, on the other hand I am exposed to a lot of stress with work and everyday’s life, so that’s why I thought a detox would help me. I do sports and meditate as well, if you can think of anything else to help me ease my everyday life and be happy and healthy I am open to any proposition. Maybe one day you could make a post about mental wellbeing and release anxiety or getting rid of it completely.
Enjoy your day, for us in France it is the evening now :-), and know that your blog is just so great about everything, you help me a lot with my hair, skin and life organization, you are a blessing Dawn. I come here almost everyday :-).
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Norma,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate it so much! When you switch to a whole foods diet especially mainly raw your body will drop weight extremely fast. One thing that helps me to maintain muscle and weight is hemp protein. Hemp seeds have a complete amino acid profile, good protein, and fiber. You can use the seeds to add to salads, cereals, etc. or hemp protein to add to smoothies. It does take time to figure out exactly what your body needs and we are all uniquely different. I feel it is important to listen to your body.
Best wishes always!
Norma says
Thank you Dawn for all the great tips ;-). Have a terrific day.
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks Norma for your comment and you are so welcome! Have a beautiful day too <3
Kate says
I have an DIY regimen for my face but what type of diy mask do you have for white heads that leaves marks. My marks fade from using acai butter but I was looking for a less heavy butter. I think I like French green clay the most. Do you have any recommendations.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kate,
I wrote this article about healing hyperpigmentation which may help you. Also here is a brightening mask with turmeric which will help fade scars too. Let me know what works out for you. <3
Fon says
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for all of your insight. I love your website and your articles about oil cleansing have been really eye opening. I was wondering if you knew whether adding tea tree oil to a facial steam helps with acne prone skin. Also, should a facial steam always be done before an oil cleansing?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Fo,
Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil so I don’t use it on my skin. I prefer lavendar essential oil as it is much more gentle. I don’t feel it is necessary to add essential oils to an herbal facial steam. Also adding essential oils to hot water will make them evaporate anyway. You are only to add essential oils to any DIY product once it has cooled.
Steaming can be done before a mask or any facial cleansing process as it opens the pores for a deep clean. Steaming should only be done on makeup free skin. I usually do it in the mornings. Hope this helps!
Jenn says
Just wanted to say how much I love your website! I have severe melasma all over my face which I’ve let change my life, not in a good way. Been working with a naturopathic doctor to try to get my body back into balance. I just found your site and love everything you have to say especially about hyperpigmentation. Great advice on here. You are amazing for responding to everyone’s comments…..there aren’t many bloggers who do the same!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jenn,
Kudos to you for working with a naturopathic doctor to heal your skin form the inside out!!! Wishing you the very best and thanks for the compliment!