Achieving Clear and Radiant Skin: My Journey and How You Can Get There Too

Achieving clear, glowing skin is a journey many embark on, often facing numerous trials and errors with various products and treatments. My journey to clear skin was no different, but I found success through a holistic approach that not only transformed my skin but also my overall well-being.

During the pandemic, I chose to enroll in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) to become an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. At the time, I was working as a clinical art therapist and yoga instructor at a military hospital. Patients would often ask me physical and nutritional health-related questions, but I’d direct them to the professionals in the relevant fields since it wasn’t technically my wheelhouse. However, I wanted to gain the education needed to confidently answer the types of questions that came my way, so I enrolled in IIN in early 2020.

I had used Proactiv since I was a teenager, and it had kept my skin clear, but when I wanted to come off of it as an adult, I was in for a rude awakening. My skin was angry, and I could not calm it down. I tried a slew of acne-focused products that were supposed to be less harsh, but no matter what I tried, my skin remained upset and constantly irritated.

I was pleasantly surprised when I learned several new strategies through the IIN modules that I could apply to clearing my skin. Additionally, a benefit of the pandemic was that I could be at home more and was able to a) experiment more with my food routines and b) experiment more with changing my skincare routine. I had been terrified to trust that using pure essential oils on my face, as opposed to chemicals marketed toward clearing skin, would actually work.

I had heard Nadine of Living Libations interviewed on the Shaman Durek podcast, and the information they discussed gave me the confidence to at least order some new skincare products to try. I started with the Best Skin Ever Rose line and was shocked when my skin cleared within days.

Additionally, I followed everything I learned through my health coaching course and started to grocery shop differently, eat a bit differently, and even learned what I needed to curb my sweet tooth and cut sugar. This was an absolute game-changer for my skin.

I wanted to share my story with you, and now I’ll outline specific changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle, as well as some of my favorite products at the moment. Cheers to clearer skin you can feel confident in!

Five Key Changes for Clearer Skin

1. Cutting Out Sugar

Sugar is a notorious culprit when it comes to skin problems. High sugar intake spikes insulin levels, leading to inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can trigger acne flare-ups and exacerbate other skin conditions. By reducing sugar in my diet, I noticed a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of my breakouts. Instead, I turned to natural sweeteners like honey and fruits to satisfy my sweet tooth without compromising my skin health.

2. Saying Goodbye to Processed Foods

Processed foods are often loaded with artificial additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that can wreak havoc on your skin. These foods can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and skin issues. By eliminating processed foods and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense options like fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, I nourished my body from the inside out, which reflected positively on my skin.

3. The Dairy Dilemma

For many people, dairy can be a major trigger for acne and other skin problems. Dairy products contain hormones and growth factors that can increase oil production and clog pores. After removing dairy from my diet, I saw a dramatic improvement in my skin’s clarity and texture. I opted for dairy alternatives like almond milk, coconut yogurt, and plant-based cheeses to maintain a balanced and varied diet without compromising my skin health.

4. Ditching Chemical-Laden Face Products

Many acne treatments and skincare products on the market contain harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its delicate balance. Instead of these products, I switched to Living Libations Best Skin Ever Rose, which uses the healing power of nature’s purest botanicals. This change allowed my skin to heal naturally without the harsh side effects of chemical-laden products.

5. Shopping More Carefully

I became more mindful of the products I bought, ensuring they didn’t contain added sugars, seed oils, or other ingredients that can cause inflammation. These harmful additives are often found in replacement products but can wreak havoc on your system in other ways. By carefully selecting products, I was able to reduce overall inflammation and promote healthier skin.

Lifestyle Changes for Better Skin

1. Hydration

Drinking plenty of water is crucial for maintaining healthy, clear skin. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin plump and radiant.

2. Stress Management

Stress can significantly impact your skin. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises helped me manage stress effectively, which in turn benefited my skin.

3. Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for skin repair and rejuvenation. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to give your skin the time it needs to heal and regenerate.

4. Exercise

Regular physical activity boosts circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. It also helps manage stress and improve overall health.

My Current Skincare Routine

My skincare routine changes from time to time but this is what I’m currently using:

MORNING ROUTINE:

• Gua Sha: Daily facial gua sha with OSEA Day Glow Face Oil (before I work out)
• Cleanse: OSEA Ocean Cleanser.
• Moisturize: OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream.
• Light Makeup: CC+ Illumination It Cream for SPF and light coverage.

EVENING ROUTINE:

• Pre-Cleanse: Cleansing towelettes makeup remover wipes, generally by 365, Simple, or Burt’s Bees, the ones I can find without paragons, phthalates or other chemical disruptors
• Cleanse: OSEA Ocean Cleanser or Living Libations Best Skin Ever Rose
• Serum: OSEA Hyaluronic Sea Serum.
• Serum: Evan Healy Sanctuary Nectar Serum.
• Moisturize: If needed: Living Libations Rose Glow Crème.
• Spot Treatment: Living Libations Zippity DewDab for clearing spots.

WEEKLY ROUTINE:

• Mask: Tata Harper Floral Mask once a week for an extra boost of hydration and nourishment.

I am not affiliated with most of these brands, I am just sharing what I honestly use right now since people ask me often! However, I am an affiliate for Living Libations. If you would like to purchase any products from Living Libations, please consider using this link . I will receive payment of a small percentage and I will be greatly appreciative!

Conclusion

Clearing my skin was a holistic journey that required changes in my diet, skincare routine, and lifestyle. By cutting out sugar, processed foods, dairy, chemical-laden face products, and shopping more carefully, I achieved clear, glowing skin and improved my overall well-being. If you’re struggling with problem skin, consider adopting these holistic practices to transform your skin and health. Remember, every skin journey is unique, so be patient and kind to yourself as you find what works best for you.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is struggling to achieve clearer skin please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact Jackie or book a free call to discuss in real time the services that would best suit you.

In the meantime grab a free resource that will begin to support you on your own time. Subscribe to our newsletter for insights, tips, and resources that can help you flourish in mind, body, and spirit.