How to get clear skin naturally
The top five causes of breakouts:
1. Make-up
Foundation is the probably the worst thing you can put on your face if it’s sensitive and prone to breakouts. Many cosmetics contain irritating and harmful ingredients. The ingredients in cosmetics are not regulated, and if they fall under the category of perfume, parfum or fragrance, they can include any number of harmful substances that cause damage to our skin and our DNA.
When I use foundation, which is rare, the brand that I found that doesn’t cause blemishes, is Laura Mercier’s Flawless Lumiere Radiance-Perfecting Foundation. This one-ounce bottle is pricey at $48, which I purchased from Nordstrom https://www.nordstrom.com/s/laura-mercier-flawless-lumiere-radiance-perfecting-foundation/5159291
Blush can also cause breakouts, just like any other cosmetic you put on your skin. If I want to add “blush” to my cheeks, I use Mac’s pink eyeshadow, which is the only powder that doesn’t cause blemishes on my cheeks.
2. Hair products
Hair spray and hair gel is sticky and can easily get on your face. Make sure to cover your face when using hair spray (see video below on the technique I use). Apply as little hair gel as possible and keep gels away from your forehead and cheeks so your hair gel doesn’t touch your skin.
3. Skin products
Skin products such as cleansers, toners, and moisturizers can cause havoc to our skin. Many cleansers are too harsh and strip the oils from your face, making it dry, and creating more acne. Try using a gentle cleanser and adding a moisturizing toner.
A good face toner will eliminate any residue the cleanser didn’t remove. Select a face toner that adds a little bit of moisture to your skin to counteract the drying effect of the cleanser.
I’ve heard people claim that everyone needs to put a moisturizer on, even if they don’t have dry skin. If you have oily skin, it doesn’t make sense to add more oils to it. Only add moisturizer to areas that are dry.
Some moisturizers are too heavy and can cause blemishes, even on dry skin, so pick a moisturizer that best fits your skin type.
4. Sunscreens
If you have sensitive skin and are prone to breakouts, sunscreens will probably cause pimples. Pick a thin, easy-to-apply sunscreen, since thick sunscreen blocks pores even more. Take sunscreen off as soon as you can with a gentle cleanser and use toner to get rid of any leftover residue.
5. Certain foods
Pizza. If your pizza contains cheese, pepperoni and/or sausage, you may get what’s commonly heard of as pizza-face. These greasy foods cause your skin to act up.
Dairy products contain natural and synthetic hormones. Excess hormones can cause acne, among other health problems.
Fried foods. You’ve heard the term, “you are what you eat,” which means what you are consuming has an effect on your health and can show up on your skin.
This vegan pizza is absolutely delicious, even without cheese or meat!
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Some good news: there is no conclusive evidence that chocolate causes breakouts, but for some people, omitting cocoa powder does make a difference. Typically, the sugar in chocolate chips and chocolate bars is what causes inflammation. If you want clearer skin, limit sugar as much as possible.
Sugar is in practically everything, and sugar is terribly addictive, I know how hard it is to give up sugary desserts; I used to eat candy daily, but after I was diagnosed as a type-1 diabetic, I had to change my habits. My sweet tooth wouldn’t go away, so I found ways to be creative in the kitchen to get my sweet cravings satisfied with a combination of different sweet fruits and healthy fat from nuts and nut butters.
You can take a peek at my whole-food, dessert cookbook below. Most of the recipes are oil-free and can be made vegan. Order a copy for yourself and another as a holiday gift:
If you love chocolate like I do and need your chocolate fix, I’ve included links below to three of my favorite dairy-free and sugar free chocolate recipes:
Chocolate-licorice smoothie recipe: https://realdiethelp.com/2019/10/15/dairy-free-high-protein-chocolate-licorice-smoothie-under-250-calories/
Chocolate & Liquor Protein Pops: https://realdiethelp.com/2019/06/27/chocolate-liquor-protein-pops/
Coconut Chocolate Cookies: https://realdiethelp.com/2019/06/06/coconut-chocolate-cookies-healthy/
Bonus tip:
One more thing that causes breakouts is touching your face. Try not to touch your face. Your fingertips contain natural oils, and if your fingers aren’t clean, they can add bacteria to your delicate skin.
Watch this short video below that covers these tips.
If you have any questions, please write to me below, and/or let me know what causes you to breakout, and what has worked for you.
Please share this post with anyone that would find this helpful.
Top 5 causes of breakouts:
- Make-up: foundation and blush
- Hair products: hairspray & blush
- Skin products: drying cleansers & toners, heavy moisturizers
- Sunscreens
- Certain foods: dairy, sugar, fried & greasy foods
