Real Talk About My Skin Journey
I’ve been skincare obsessed since I was a young teen and started struggling with acne.
I remember working jobs and hearing people whispering about me that they felt bad for me because of my skin, or that I would be so pretty if it weren’t for my skin. I avoided going out in public because I was embarrassed by my breakouts and wore makeup to bed whenever I stayed over somewhere so no one would see what I truly looked like. I had severe cystic acne for years and am still trying to recover from the scars of my youth.
As I got older, I learned more and worked to treat my symptoms from all angles. My sister went to school for Ayruveda and I learned a lot about self care from the inside out that really changed my perspective.
#1
The first big change I made was switching to an organic diet.
Of course when I’m out in public I have less control about what I’m served and consume, but everything in my house is organic and I do my best to avoid chemical laden and processed foods. I’ve spent a lot of money on food since before I even had money. It’s been an expense I prioritize because food is cheaper than medicine and I know that if I eat foods without pesticides I am getting more vitamins and nutrients that fuel and treat my body.
#2
Next I adapted a clean skincare routine.
Our skin is our largest organ, so if we are putting harsh ingredients onto it, we are absorbing that into our bodies. I am careful of the brands I use and only want to put products on my skin that are gentle and free of harsh chemicals. Some of the brands I love are CocoKind, Sonya Dakar, Tatcha, Tata Harper, Summer Fridays, Kora Organics, Skin Worship, and Caudalie.
I’m linking a few of my favorite products below!
#3
Hello stress and hormones…
A few years ago I discovered I had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (also known as PCOS). This is likely a big contributing factor to my hormonal breakouts as well as a slew of other symptoms I’ve endured since I’ve started menstruating. While I likely think I’ve struggled with this since my teenage years, it wasn’t until about 3 years ago (when I was busiest in my career, traveling constantly, and sleeping very little), that my symptoms worsened and I was able to get diagnosed by a healthcare practitioner. I think the severity I felt in my symptoms was a direct result of the stress I was feeling in my life. Even if I didn’t mentally think I was stressed, my lifestyle was one with little routine and put a lot of stress on my body.
“Having a self care routine and making time to relax is key for managing any irregularities you may be experiencing in your skin, hair, and body.”
I like to go on walks, disconnect from my phone, spend time with my dog and family, meditate, do yoga, exercise, and get massages to feel nourished and balanced. While I still experience the rare breakout, my skin is clear for the first time in my adult life.
