Lily here! I’m the newest member to the Kindred team and I’ve enjoyed meeting so many of you over the past few months as I settle in. One of my biggest skin challenges, and one that I know many of you share, is dealing with acne-prone skin. I’ve had acne since my early teens and now as a skincare therapist and qualified nutritionist I know the link to looking at what’s going on inside is just as important as what we apply outside.
The five things I’ve done to treat my hormonal acne? Read on…
Eliminating trigger foods
For me, dairy and high glycemic index (GI) foods are two key culprits for acne to appear. Dairy affects us on a hormonal levels and often contains testosterone precursors and other steroids that increase oil flow on the skin which triggers cells to rapidly reproduce around surrounding hair follicles. And yep, you guessed it, the formation of pimples. Other foods that trigger acne flares for me: sugar, soy, wheat/gluten, vegetable-based oils. I can’t stress enough that everyone is different and I’m only talking from my personal experience. I’ve also been tested extensively (as I’ll mention below).
Embodying a toxin-free lifestyle
I’ve noticed a remarkable difference in my skin and a lesser frequency of acne breakouts since embracing a as toxin-free as possible lifestyle. A few things that have worked for me include:
- Dry body brushing before having a shower to help stimulate my lymphatic system and releasing toxins from my system
- Drinking plenty of water - a minimum of 2L a day
- Avoiding xeno-oestrogens (known to mimic and disrupt our natural oestrogen). These are often found in BPA, plastics, and preservatives. I’ll use glassware instead of plastic to store food and I
- Switching my deodorant to a natural one like Erica Brooke’s Him & Her
- Using certified organic mineral makeup. Some of my favourite brands are Inika and Lily Lolo. Making sure to replace sponges and clean makeup brushes regularly to avoid spread of bacteria is one of the easiest ways to avoid an acne breakout.
Nourishing my skin using natural, small batch, handcrafted skincare
Just as important to what I’m putting in my body is what I’m putting on my skin. In the morning I cleanse with a warm bamboo facial towel to remove dirt and excess oil and then use a light moisturiser like Erica Brooke Ultra Light Day Cream. At night, I use Miskin Smooth Oil (yes, an oil cleanser!) to break down excess oil, soften and lift congestion. This is also a great cleanser for breaking down and removing makeup and grime from the day. I remove with a bamboo facial towel and follow with a second cleanse with Erica Brooke’s Honey Cream Cleanser and leave it on as I shower to activate the honey - it is a great antibacterial and anti-inflammatory product.
If I’m experiencing any break outs I’ll dab the Erica Brooke ‘The Spot Stick’ on any and then once a week use a mask. I alternate between a few depending on seasons and how my skin is overall. For example, if my skin is feeling inflamed or I think a break out is starting to happen I’ll use Miskin's Honey Apple Mask.
Seeking support from other modalities
I’m a big believer in seeking support from allied modalities for treatment of my acne and wellbeing. Just as I make sure to eat well, move and keep myself as healthy as I can, I have found a few extra additions from Kinesiology and Acupuncture in particular, has given my acne a whole new level of treatment.
Kinesiology has been a way for me understand what strengthens and weakens my body and eat according to what I need to maintain wellbeing. Similarly, acupuncture and naturopathy have been helpful to understand my skin and reactions to certain foods.
Food is medicine
I’m a big advocate for caring for your gut with bone broths (to protect, restore and strengthen the gut lining), prebiotic foods like stewed apples to help feed the good bacteria in our gut and probiotics to replenish and restore the good bacteria in our guts. I’m loving the Kehoes fermented beetroot cashew cheese dip right now! Similarly, I look for extra zinc in foods like sunflower and pumpkin seeds for healthy skin and cell renewal and repair. Good fats (ghee, salmon, avocado) are essential as are liver supporting foods like cauliflower, broccoli, and bok choy.