I tried literally EVERYTHING on the market. I spent probably hundreds and hundreds of dollars on everything from Proactiv, Murad, Neutrogena, and everything else offering clear, smooth skin. I even used Retin A micro and Tazorac (prescription creams) from a dermatologist. Don't get me wrong, my skin was NEVER horrible, even at it's worst ( If you have really bad skin, I recommend seeing a dermatologist first) but even one zit is one too many for me.
Despite buying all these expensive creams and potions, my skin got worse! Now, not only did I have breakouts, but my skin got very dry and flakey, drawing attention to the bad areas of my face. Also, the breakouts that I got were not the kind that dry up and go away in a couple of days. These were cysts (hormonal acne) that sometimes lasted WEEKS! After getting THREE cysts one day, I was seriously fed up and considering going to the dermatologist for something drastic. I decided to do some research and look up natural cures. After browsing the internet for a couple of hours I came up with a "routine" for myself. I've been on it for the past three weeks and since then I've gotten ZERO cysts and just one little zit (that popped up yesterday and is already almost gone!). I'm not saying this is a miracle cure, and I'm sure it won't work for me, but if you've tried everything and nothing has worked, it doesn't help to try. Also, it's CHEAP!!! It focuses on cleaning out your system from the inside, because I really believe that any skin problems are a result of bad diet or hormonal imbalances. Okay, so here it is. Please comment if you have any added suggestions, or if you're going to give it a try let me know your results!! I also have some natural skin recipes I'll post throughout the week.
1. The key is to drink morning and night an 8 ounce glass of hot water with either the juice of half a lemon or 2 teaspoons Bragg's organic apple cider vinegar with some RAW honey to sweeten. I let it cool a bit, and then drink it really fast with a straw, because the acid is bad for your teeth.
This is really good to add to your skincare routine because it helps detoxify your body and gives your skin a glow.2. Not only do I drink apple cider vinegar, I apply it to my face! I use the same Bragg's ACV and use it as a toner for my face. I dilute 1/2 apple cider vinegar with 1/2 distilled water and apply it to my face after cleansing. This really disinfects and helps fade old acne scars. Sometimes though, this is way too strong for me, so lately I've been using 1/4 apple cider vinegar with 3/4 water. I say test it out and see which one you prefer. If you have sensitive or dry skin, go with the 1/4. If you have oily or normal skin, go with the 1/2 ACV.
3. Next, If I do have a zit, or want to prevent it, I put on LOTS of benzoyl peroxide. I put a layer on and make sure it's completely rubbed into the skin and absorbed. Then, I repeat this about 5 or 6 times. After about 15 minutes, I apply pure jojoba oil on my face, so that the benzoyl peroxide will not dry it out. Even after using the benzoyl peroxide, my skin does not flake or dry out, and my skin is VERY sensitive! I also follow up with my regular moisturizer, since jojoba oil is not moisturizing enough for me.
4. I also made a few adjustments to my diet. I COMPLETELY cut out milk. I used to drink about 2 cups a day or organic milk. Now, I only drink soymilk or almond milk. Even organic milk has a lot of added hormones, and cutting off milk and replacing it with an alternative has not only helped my skin, but I believe is much healthier for me in the long run. I also limit my cheese intake and try not to eat as much cheese as I used to. If you can cut out all dairy though, and replace it with other calcium alternatives, it may be more beneficial.
5. Lastly, I've been taking a few supplements. It's important to always take supplements with food, and never on an empty stomach. The supplements I've been taking are ZINC (this one is REALLY good at helping skin out), fish oil (i take about 6 pills a day), evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, and Vitamin B12. I think that the zinc, fish oil, and evening primrose oil is the most important ones to take.
That was long, but I hope it helped someone! I've even gotten my brother to follow my same routine since he's seen my skin is so much better!
