For many years in my twenties I had acne which has definitely gave my self-confidence a hard knock. It came to a point where I didn’t want to go out or see people. I would talk with little eye contact because I knew they were staring at my skin. I made a decision to change it but then a huge blessing came my way…
My MooiMaak journey…
I was part of the biggest make-over show called MooiMaak. There the dermatologists educated me how to heal my acne. All steps were followed, my skin was 100% clear and I was myself again. Then I became pregnant and my skin has been in the worst condition ever! Hormones and unhealthy eating (you know, pregnancy cravings and all that) played a big role.
After Mooimaak…
At this point I had no expensive treatments, products and supplements to help me fight my acne. I had to jump on the research wagon and here is what I found…
Everything that happens in the gut comes out on the skin. That means, I first had to check my diet. Common triggers for acne are dairy, processed foods, gluten (bread, pasta, rice, etc.) and sugar. Some people can eat all of these and still be fine, but maybe…. They don’t have a leaky gut. Leaky gut has a direct link with acne. After all this I had to keep a food diary. I also included fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi and kefir to help with the good bacteria that my gut needs.
“Do not forget to drink water throughout the day. I usually drink 3litres maximum per day. ”
This food diary thought me exactly what triggered my acne and it was really hard to cut out certain foods. I miss those milky teas and cappuccinos. It took sacrifice and tears (I literally cried at times because of craving those foods). But the results were great motivation to curb it and make this my new lifestyle.
My skincare routine…
Topical I used a range of organic products until I couldn’t afford it anymore. I then used raw black soap and shea butter (this stuff is magical) only until I slowly incorporated other products into my skincare routine. I now use Portia M skin products (it is affordable and works great for my skin) and a strict anti-blemish approach that includes vitamin C serum, derma-rolling, SPF50 sunscreen and a AHA/BHA peel 3 times a week at home.
Below is the anti blemish mask that I use daily and it works wonders:
Anti-blemish mask:
*1 teaspoon turmeric
*1 teaspoon honey
*1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
*1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Mix all together and put on clean, dry skin. Leave for 20minutes and wash off with a dark cloth (turmeric stain badly).
My face has been clear for more than 6 months all because of simple changes. No expensive products, supplements or treatments were needed.
In conclusion: see what triggers your breakouts, what triggered my acne might not trigger yours. Cut out what you need to and try to eat 80% wholesome foods daily.
Let me know how it goes and if you need anymore info please. I am always happy to help.
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Very true, what we eat has a direct impact on our skin. I noticed that I broke out whenever my sugar intake went up, therefore I now limit how much sweet stuff I eat to keep my skin healthy. Keeping a food diary like you mentioned helps identify the triggers which can later be managed.