I love getting compliments on my skin. It makes me so proud. Because I know how long it has taken me to have clear skin- over 20 years. Yes. I am 36. And my skin started breaking out when I was 14. I tried thousands of dollars worth of products to treat my skin. And nothing worked. Until I changed my diet.

I learned:

Our skin is our biggest organ of our body. It detoxes everything we put in it and on it. If the foods you are eating are creating inflammation, your body will use your skin as an outlet. Creating rashes, hives, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

When I changed my diet when I was 20.  I first started with cutting out sugar and processed foods. Then over the years I shifted my diet away from the inflammatory foods. For me that is gluten, dairy and spicy foods. Now I know changing your diet can seem challenging at first.

Focus on the results- clear skin, healthier body, more energy.  You look good hence you feel good.

Common inflammatory foods/ drinks are: caffeine, alcohol, sugar, peanuts, nightshades- tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplant, as well as eggs, soy.

You may not have reaction to all of the mentioned foods. To figure that out which ones, you would need to do an elimination diet. And you want more information on that. Please leave a comment below and I’ll be in contact.

Foods you can include in your diet are ones that have high in antioxidants.

• Wild blueberries.- all berries. strawberries, blackberries, raspberries
• Pineapples
• Oats
• Spinach
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Beets

These are all high in antioxidants. But guess what all plant based foods- fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, seeds are filled with them.

Externally, you should avoid products that contain any chemicals or toxins. Move towards products that are natural- and you can read every ingredient. The less ingredients the better.

My products now are very simple and are all plant-based. Everything I put on my skin is edible. It would taste gross, but it can be eaten.

Simplicity is key.

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.

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

The heat of the summer months tends to dry out our skin. Top priority is to stay hydrated, by drinking a lot of water and eating hydrating foods.

Here are some Chinese Medicine Tips:

Summer is a time of expansion, growth, activity, creativity, connection. Being outside, travel, play are all summertime joys. This is also the time of year when the fruits and vegetable are plentiful and colorful. Take advantage of this abundant time of year to enjoy food and the people in your life. It is best to eat raw fruits and vegetables, or lightly cook your foods by steaming. Cooking with more water than oils will produce lighter meals.

True radiant skin, stems from the root of your internal organs. They keep your skin glowing.

Of course, acupuncture sessions will bring more blood and healing to your skin. As well stimulate collagen production, helping to keep your skin tight. Acupuncture treats your whole body to address the root cause of your health condition.

For a pdf of the foods that specifically nourish your Lungs and Large Intestine.

Email me at: info@carinecamara.com

With Love,

Carine

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