Diet is K-E-Y for clear skin, so is your relationship to food.

Your body wasn't designed for what we find on the supermarket shelves these days. Some have been graced with good genes so their skin is less reactive, some not so much; count me in that group of (un)lucky girls.

I was around 13 when I started having skin issues that made me feel really insecure. It only got worse in my late teens and in my 20's. I missed many parties or even days at school because I didn't want to be judged.

Throughout the years I went on the pill, antibiotics and special diets so particular that I got teased. I think my skin issues largely went away in my 30's when I started healing my relationship to food. I've always been skinny but thanks to my metabolism I've been able to hide my disordered eating most of my life; first anorexia which later converted into emotional over-eating. My body did not dig that at all and my skin rebelled in the worst ways.

What really helped me clear my skin was a balanced, cleaner eating with standardized meal-times. Stress and sleeping patterns are huge too but my view is it has more impact on the quality and glow of your skin; at least for mine. Remember, it's very personal.

Be aware, acne is an inflammatory skin condition that responds surprisingly fast to changes in diet and lifestyle. It also gives you much less negative side-effects vs. taking prescriptive meds such as antibiotics that will wreck havoc on your microbiome/gut health. And that can have a nasty ripple effect. (immunity, stomach sensitivity, mood)

I wouldn't put much money on expensive skin-care or treatments. I'm not saying that it's not effective, but maybe not necessary if you want to clear up your skin. I'm also terrified of someone squeezing my face too much so I'm hesitant to get a facial/laser, etc.

Also, you can find the most affordable solution by adjusting what you eat on a daily basis.

On top of diet, I'd say it's key to clean your skin properly morning/evening and not to use too harsh products. I have a sensitive mixed-combination skin so it shrieks at the thought of strong anti acne treatments. I tend to opt for pharmacy products and ones that are charcoal based since it cleans out any impurities nicely.

So bottom-line, watch out for make-up that clogs up your pores, that can lead to breakouts. Try Bare Minerals for example, I used to use it but later swapped it to a more hydrating BB cream which I linked below. Hello 30's and dryer skin...

Here's my skincare products:

Wash

Hydration

Serums

Make-up

I spend a bit more on my collagen cream but that's it. I've also added a retinol serum to my repertoare this week that I'm trying out for the first time. Wish me luck!

Feel free to reach out to me for more tips! I'd be happy to chat about this in detail with you.