Glow Up: Your not so secret guide to clear skin!
Acne: The Diabetes of the skin!
I have spent what feels like my entire life, but is actually closer to 10+ years trying everything under the sun to heal my skin. You see, I suffer from hormonal acne along my chin and jawline and while it’s not exactly cystic, it is concerning nonetheless. Outside of the self consciousness that comes with not wearing makeup, therein-lies the impeding issues that are often associated with adult acne: hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, liver damage and more. The American Academy of Dermatology says that, “Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, plaguing tens of millions of Americans every year.” With that many people suffering with the same issue, you’d think there would be a regimen that actually works, but yet we are stuck with misleading products ridden with creepy chemicals and more environmental toxins that we can count. While there is no one size fits all when it comes to healing your skin, there are a number of underlying commonalities to consider in your journey to glow!
I know you are eager to read all the secrets, but it helps to first understand a little background…
Let’s begin by breaking down what acne actually is and what you can do to control it from the inside out. According to Dr. Axe, “Acne vulgaris is the term for a group of skin conditions that cause most acne pimples. Acne vulgaris is further broken down into two main categories: non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. You’re probably thinking…cool, cool, cool, but how do I know which one I have? Dermatologists use this terminology simply to describe how inflamed or non-inflamed the skin eruptions are. The vast majority of people fall under the non-inflammatory umbrella, which is typically made up of whiteheads and blackheads (when the pore is closed, it is called a whitehead; when it is open, it is a blackhead). In either case, the pore is blocked with oil creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Inflammatory acne means that the clogged pores are infected with bacteria and have turned into papules (pimples that don’t contain pus), pustules (pimples that contain pus), or cysts (inflammatory nodules). When the bacteria multiply and the immune system fights back, the affected skin tissue often reddens and swells awarding it the title inflammatory acne.
We have all likely heard that inflammation is the root of all diseases, but how does inflammation play a role in the health of our skin? The body becomes inflamed for a number of reasons, all of which stem back to STRESS! Stress has become this blanket term used to describe anything from traffic on the freeway to a loved one in the ICU, but what we often don’t associate is the impact that stress has on us physiologically. Our bodies respond to stress in the same way, whether we are being chased by a bear or receive an emotionally charged email from our boss. Nonetheless, when stress happens, inflammation follows. Inflammation is meant to act like a signal to us on the outside, alarming us to stop doing whatever it is that we are doing that puts the body at risk, but we have become accustomed to our inflammation, making it a way of life. We don’t know how good we can feel, because we haven’t ever felt it! While these are vital and protective elements of human life, when we are in a chronic stress induced inflamed state, the body cannot heal properly, as the priority is simply to keep us alive. (I could monologue about the impact stress has on our daily lives, but we will save that for a separate write-up)
OKAY, so what in the H do we do about it, yo?
Below you will find common causes of Acne Vulgaris and my regimen to help get your skin looking as good as you feel, can I get an AMEN?
Keep in mind, that what worked for me, may not work for you!
If you are seeking more personalized advice, book a FREE 30-minute consult HERE
COMMON CAUSES:
Clogged pores:
This one is pretty self explanatory… Clogging can be caused by things like excess oil production and dead skin cells. Sebum, which is the type of oil released into hair follicles, can become trapped beneath surface of the skin and ultimately clog pores as well.Bacteria:
Erm, hello… DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE! Your hands are a festering pool of bacteria that you likely picked up when you touched anything at all throughout your day. Did you know that there is 270x more bacteria on an average grocery cart than on a toilet seat? I’m not saying bring gloves with you to the market, but don’t you dare put that ish on your beautiful baby skin!Hormonal fluctuations / imbalances:
This is a BIG category and the primary cause of acne in most adult women! I have a whole separate blog post dedicated to balancing your hormones naturally. It includes smoothie recipes for each phase of your cycle and a detailed look at how the hormones function! Check it out HERE!Poor diet, such as the “Standard American Diet” that includes heaps of refined grains, sugar and unhealthy fats:
Processed foods, chemicals and preservatives OH MY! Stick to a mediterranean-plant-based diet and watch your body heal like magic! (Stay tuned for a blog post highlighting the ins and outs of “plant-based” eating)High amounts of stress and related problems like psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Like I said before, I could monologue about the impact of stress on our daily lives, but just go meditate, mmkaymm?
HERE is my teaching schedule. Let’s make it happen!Use of certain medications, including corticosteroids, androgens, birth control pills and lithium:
These synthetic pharmaceuticals mimic our bodies naturally occurring hormonal patterns, which masks what is truly going on and “symptom treats” a much bigger underlying issue. Contact me about how to come off of these drugs safely without pushback from the body or your doc.Sleep Deprivation:
We live in a time where sleeping less to get more done awards you a badge of honor…. Check out my blog post on How to Biohack your Sleep Routine to optimize your sleep and become more productive with your time!Use of certain products ridden with creepy chemicals and sneaky ingredients:
Don’t trust it just because it’s on the shelf and it says it’s “natural”. You have to be your own regulator! Look at the ingredients label and watch out for these top 12 culprits:ALUMINUM, DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine), DMDM HYDANTOIN & UREA (Imidazolidinyl), MINERAL OIL, PARABENS (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl), PEG (Polyethylene glycol), PHTHALATES, PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG) & BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SILOXANES, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES), FRAGRANCES, & TRICLOSAN
Genetic predisposition:
These are harder to pin down, but usually call for the same type-o-regiment. We have the power to turn on or off genetic markers with our diet and lifestyle habits, so put down the diet coke and let's talk about how we can develop a sustainable diet specific to your needs by clicking HERE!Smoking and other causes of inflammation:
Smoking and drinking are you prerogative, but the more you partake, the more it will show on your face! These actions create inflammation in the body via the release of free radicals, which are essentially loose cannons that can and will cause damage unless dealt with.
YOUR NEW CLEAR SKIN REGIMEN AWAITS: Trust me, you’ll never go back once you see how good you can feel with a few simple changes.Download the PDF below and start to feel and look better like yesterday!
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