You might not even have noticed, but I started this series on part two. Part one is half written in my drafts. It’s been like that for weeks, and weeks. And until I can find the right words to put down, I won’t publish it. As a result of that post though, there were topics that I wanted to cover because although I’m not certain, I think I’m not alone.
In My Skin ||
Over the past couple of months, I’ve noticed a few blog posts come out about how to cure acne / blemish prone skin. As someone who has suffered with spots for as long as I can remember (i.e since primary school) I always eagerly click the link to learn what is new. The last couple of posts have said the same thing… I took this drug, with so many side effects but it cured my skin. I’m so happy it’s worked for those individuals but I don’t think that’s for me.
I spent over 6 months on antibiotics at one stage. Then I spent, I can’t remember how long, using a cream that needed to be refrigerated and basically made the skin on my face fall off. Both methods worked well until I stopped.
The best period of clear skin I can remember was when I did a five day juice cleanse. But the moment I started eating again, the spots came back. Thinking about this makes me feel that my skin issues are linked to the food that I eat but I really don’t eat that badly; I’m lactose intolerant so I avoid dairy as much as possible and my diet is in no way similar to that of me as a 7 year old, a 15 year old, or even me at 25 years of age.
I’ve tried every single spot product on the market I think. I came to the conclusion that products for spots actually give you spots. I mean, if they truly did clear up your skin then they would be putting themselves out of business, huh?! And we all know, a turkey never votes for Christmas!
My Skin Commandments
1. Use the Oil Cleansing Method each morning and evening to cleanse my skin
I came across this randomly {via this article} and instantly started doing it using organic extra virgin olive oil. I then added some tea tree oil and a blending oil mix I picked up. Within a couple of days, I ordered a specific oil mix for cleansing your face made from all natural oils. I instantly felt like this method made a world of difference to my face.
I use a flannel to wipe my face and wash it after each use. I recently got my hands on a muslin cloth for oil cleansing and it felt great the first time I used it as it gently exfoliates my skin at the same time. I still use a moisturiser but eventually I’m hoping to find a more natural product that I can use after cleansing.
2. Keep my hands away from my face
When you think about all the things you touch in a d ay …then you touch your face. I feel this contributes somewhat to any skin issues we have. I read somewhere years ago that if you must touch your face, use the back of your hand as that has had less contact with areas of bacteria etc. Makes sense.
3. Drink as much water as I can…
To hydrate my skin from the inside out. I put a glass of water on my bedside table each night and usually drink it when I wake up the next morning. I tried drinking apple cider vinegar for a couple of weeks but I wasn’t too fond of the taste and I didn’t really feel like I could see any huge benefits.
4. Use mineral based make up
I recently switched all my make up for mineral based products. I previously used an oil based foundation but from what I’ve read it seems this can block your pores. Mineral based makeup is supposed to be unable to get into your pores which is better for your skin.
These days, I rarely go anywhere without putting on foundation and mascara. If I have the time, I’ll add eyebrow pencil and blusher, sometimes lipstick if I’m going out, out! In my younger years, I wore much more make up but then I also exercised a lot less too!
My name is Elle and I wear make up in the gym.
What’s your confession?! What products do you swear by for your face and skin?!
Elle
I too have used many spot fighting harsh chemical products on my face to try and clear up spots. I remember when I was in secondary school…I used my brothers clearsil face wash… It took some my skin off. Lol It really does come down to what you eat, but what about those people who eat crap and their skin is flawless!! "I woke like this" some peeps are just blessed and some of us have to work hard for it. One day Elle, one day. ☺️ I wash my face with homemade natural soap, exfoliate once a week and slap some coconut oil on afterwards. I do the whole cleanse & tone now and again too when I'm not feeling lazy. Lol Thanks for the great post Hun.x
I guess we've been blessed in many other ways, right?! …I've been doing well with the oil cleansing method. I need to add in a weekly exfoliation and commit to not touching my face! I've been using the coconut oil at night and my skins looks and feels so much better each morning! Less really is more! 🙂 x
Hi Elle! I have had spots since I was 12. Face, back and chest. It was horrendous when I was a teenager- now it's less but still constant. I thought it'd be sorted by my 30s and makes me feel like crap so often. I was in dianette for 2 years and it cleared it up… And then they take you off it because of a whole host of serious side effects. Right now- I cleanse, tone, moisturise, use a strong spot cream an take B6 and zinc. My skin's better than they have been for a year or so- but still a problem. I think- for every dewy skin model, there's a girl in her 30s wondering why she's still using clearasil- so thank you for being so honest and open about your issues. Xxx
Thanks for sharing Carly 🙂 It's "nice" to know we are not alone! My story is pretty similar to yours! As far as my mum says, my dad also had problem skin so I think it is hereditary! Here's to making the most of the skin we have 🙂 xoxo
I 100% never would have said you had trouble skin! I've always thought you had a lovely even tone and complexion! Just goes to show how big our own concerns seem to us, and how small they seem to others 🙂 Having said that, I am totally with you on the "stop touching your face" mark – I am so guilty of this… I seem to make habitual circles around my mouth with my fingers (all day long!). Such a hard habit to break though! I've also recently tried the oil cleansing method with some coconut oil I got in the Caroline Hirons for Cult Beauty box. There's a brilliant cleanser in that that I think you'll love, and it comes with its own muslin cloth! I'll link it to you when I do my blog on it 🙂 Stay beautiful, you know you are, right?! xx
Well I guess knowing you have the habit is the first step to breaking it huh?! …Thanks love 🙂 absolutely right, your problems / issues always seem bigger and more noticeable to you than to others!! I always try to be aware of them when people share their stuff with me too 🙂 I got an Elizabeth Oil Cleanser thing with the muslin cloth I got so will use that too and will defo check out the Cult Beauty Box. …and Thank YOU 🙂 I am indeed!! 🙂 xoxo
I'm a big fan of muslin cloths for exfoliating instead of using pre-made scrubs, which I've found can be too harsh for my skin. I also started using BioOil for my facial moisturiser about two years ago and have never looked back! It takes very little but seems to keep my combination-skin hydrated and not too oily in all the right places, especially in winter when the dry patches could often be really bad! xx
I must buy a couple more muslin cloths asap! and I am a fan of bioOil, just never got round to repurchasing when mine ran out!! Glad to hear its a good option for the face!! xoxo