My Acne Journey
I have suffered from facial acne since I was 14 years old. I have used various products, topical creams prescribed from my dermatologists, and got facials from estheticians. But they never got to the root of the problem. At its worse during my teenage years, I asked these skin experts could it be my diet. The overwhelming response was no.
As a teenager and into my twenties my acne was a major source of pain and insecurity. I never really saw myself as beautiful because every time I looked in a mirror all I saw were my whiteheads, blackheads and blemishes. I was desperate to figure out a way to heal my skin. And now I consider it a blessing because it forced me to look within. Beauty shines from your heart not your face.
At 20 I learned about the power of food as medicine. I stopped eating all processed foods and sugars, and there was an amazing shift that happened to my skin. This picture to the left is me at 24 years old, at this time my skin had improved. However, as you can see my skin journey was far from over.
The picture to the right is me now. And over the last 21 years on my acne journey, I have learned a few things.
Food is everything. The health of your body reflects on your skin. If you face is inflamed by acne or another skin disorder, it is possible you are eating foods that are causing the inflammation.
Along with acne, I suffered from chronic digestive issues with constant bloating. I know when my digestive system feels good, my skin looks good.
For me, I started with removing sugar and processed foods. This helped. Then for most of my twenties, I did no dairy and no gluten. This made a huge difference, and I thought that my skin would really start to heal. I went to estheticians, try new natural products and took some supplements. Sigh, I still had breakouts.
By the time I reached my thirties I was pretty frustrated. Being a holistic health care provider and an acupuncturist, I felt like I should be able to figure this out. With the help of a fellow acupuncturist, I realized that for me the inflammation was due to nightshades. This food group potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers were the cause of my bloating. Since eliminating these foods my digestion and my skin have improved. Food sensitives change as we do. Now small amounts of dairy and wheat are okay. However, I closely monitor my skin and its reaction to my diet.
Presently my skin still has a bit of more healing to do. But this is the best it has EVER been.
I have a simple skin routine I use natural products that are made for sensitive skin.
Internally I saw the biggest shift when I started increasing the amounts of antioxidants I consume. Eating large amounts of fruits and veggies. My skin has never looked so good!!! And drinking lots of alkaline water is always important.
I write this all to say: if you suffering from acne, there are ways to heal it!!! This was my journey and yours may look different; however, the one constant is DIET.
Want to learn about your body and the best foods for you to avoid and consume for your skin? Schedule a free 15 min health consultation, email at info@carinecamara.com or call 925 310 5317.
Much Love,
Carine
