Real Talk About My Skin Journey
I’ve been skincare obsessed since I was a young teen and started struggling with acne.
I remember working jobs and hearing people whispering about me that they felt bad for me because of my skin, or that I would be so pretty if it weren’t for my skin. I avoided going out in public because I was embarrassed by my breakouts and wore makeup to bed whenever I stayed over somewhere so no one would see what I truly looked like. I had severe cystic acne for years and am still trying to recover from the scars of my youth.
As I got older, I learned more and worked to treat my symptoms from all angles. My sister went to school for Ayruveda and I learned a lot about self care from the inside out that really changed my perspective.
#1
The first big change I made was switching to an organic diet.
Of course when I’m out in public I have less control about what I’m served and consume, but everything in my house is organic and I do my best to avoid chemical laden and processed foods. I’ve spent a lot of money on food since before I even had money. It’s been an expense I prioritize because food is cheaper than medicine and I know that if I eat foods without pesticides I am getting more vitamins and nutrients that fuel and treat my body.
#2
Next I adapted a clean skincare routine.
Our skin is our largest organ, so if we are putting harsh ingredients onto it, we are absorbing that into our bodies. I am careful of the brands I use and only want to put products on my skin that are gentle and free of harsh chemicals. Some of the brands I love are CocoKind, Sonya Dakar, Tatcha, Tata Harper, Summer Fridays, Kora Organics, Skin Worship, and Caudalie.
I’m linking a few of my favorite products below!
![Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606145713790-LP5EF1W4EUDXIJL60BF3/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.35.04+AM.png)
![KORA Organics Turmeric BHA Brightening Treatment Mask](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606145762128-RN61F3HL3X1G7S4LBHWY/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.35.51+AM.png)
![KORA ORGANICS Noni Glow Face Oil](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606145798359-8AGQ8ZSIHA00MSO3E1P6/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.36.31+AM.png)
![TATA HARPER Resurfacing Mask](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606145660766-7AQPEEGCE5OYBVFX6ZL0/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.34.14+AM.png)
![Tata Harper Regenerating Exfoliating Cleanser](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1607634932832-7JV15CN2RHWC0IN8QJA3/Screen+Shot+2020-12-10+at+3.15.21+PM.png)
![SONYA DAKAR Organic Omega Oi](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606145495533-0VWK92ZONIA08G3QAZBE/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.31.27+AM.png)
![TATCHA LUMINOUS DEEP HYDRATION REVITALIZING EYE MASK](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606145530318-548E07QA27OLXPZS5HT3/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.32.01+AM.png)
![cocokind Rosewater Toner](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606145468277-2ZR6U4084HZKIMYWIDPX/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.31.00+AM.png)
![TATCHA THE SILK CANVAS Filter Finish Protective Primer](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606146264618-NQNTDBQ5E58SI6CGTQE9/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.44.00+AM.png)
![TATCHA THE RICE POLISH: GENTLE Foaming Enzyme Powder](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606145575971-OAEBK7HKXZSATQIFKGKQ/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.32.45+AM.png)
![cocokind Resurfacing Sleep Mask](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecfdcc5c5932e49d3ae7731/1606145343169-TWF69B5GQUULHERTCJIN/Screen+Shot+2020-11-23+at+9.28.50+AM.png)
#3
Hello stress and hormones…
A few years ago I discovered I had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (also known as PCOS). This is likely a big contributing factor to my hormonal breakouts as well as a slew of other symptoms I’ve endured since I’ve started menstruating. While I likely think I’ve struggled with this since my teenage years, it wasn’t until about 3 years ago (when I was busiest in my career, traveling constantly, and sleeping very little), that my symptoms worsened and I was able to get diagnosed by a healthcare practitioner. I think the severity I felt in my symptoms was a direct result of the stress I was feeling in my life. Even if I didn’t mentally think I was stressed, my lifestyle was one with little routine and put a lot of stress on my body.
Having a self care routine and making time to relax is key for managing any irregularities you may be experiencing in your skin, hair, and body.
I like to go on walks, disconnect from my phone, spend time with my dog and family, meditate, do yoga, exercise, and get massages to feel nourished and balanced. While I still experience the rare breakout, my skin is clear for the first time in my adult life.