Skin “issues” are the arch-enemy to many—acne, dry skin, oily skin or skin breakouts affect approximately 80% of all Americans ages 11-30.
In fact, 1 in 2 women (older than 25) have some degree of facial acne, and about that same amount (44%) of all people report having “sensitive skin” (dry skin, Psoriasis, bumps or breakouts).
According to WEB MD, the common explanations for these conditions include triggers like: hormonal fluctuations, medicines, stress, harsh chemicals, increased oil production, heat, friction and humidity.
The answer to treat them?
More harsh chemicals in topical creams and washes, prescription skin care lines, nutrition and moreover, digestion are rarely discussed.
Get this: Your skin health is a byproduct of your gut health.
Our skin eats what our body eats—rather, we feed our skin.
However, if we are not absorbing or digesting our nutrients appropriately, then our skin health takes a hit. In addition, if we are under a little more stress than normal (i,e, not sleeping as much, training a little harder, or eating more sugar than usual), OR we are missing some essential nutrients in our diet, more often than not, this affects our gut health as well.
If you’re experiencing break outs, acne, dry skin or chronic oily skin, the first question you should ask is:
How is my gut health, stress and my nutrition?
That one question alone will more than likely point you to your answer.
EXHIBIT A: MY DRY SKIN STORY
Skin “issues” have never really been a “thing” for me (knock on wood).
So recently, when dry scaly skin began taking over my face, I was flabbergasted.
Me? This never happens!?
With a little investigation and reflecting into the bigger picture, I realized I was missing out on some key nutrients, as well as had fallen off the “bandwagon” with my usual gut-health routine (probiotic, digestive enzymes and fermented foods) during a recent move, as well as experiencing more constipation than usual.
Couple this with a new powder from Laura Mercier I had tried—and a skin reaction to Talc (a harsh carcinogenic chemical in many beauty mainstream products) in the formula and…BINGO! It all began to make sense!
As soon as I realized what was up, my own self-hacking began:
- Kicking my digestive supportive protocol back up
- Ensuring I was drinking ENOUGH clean, filtered water (half my bodyweight in ounces)
- Throwing out the Talc-based powder and replacing it with a more natural skin-loving formula
- And “getting back to the basics” with a skin-care routine of simple ingredients that my skin recognized as food—not a toxic substance
(Pictured here):
1. Jason’s Exfoliating Skin Scrub
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Scrub gently exfoliates and polishes to wash away dead skin cells and reveal a smooth, glowing complexion.
Go to: Jason’s Exfoliating Skin Scrub
2. Jojoba Oil
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Organic Moisturizing Oil – For Skin, Hair & Body.
Go to: Jojoba Oil
3. Fat Co Apple Cider Vinegar Toner & Face Cream
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Julia discovered FATCO while looking for a local Christmas gift for her mother. She was impressed with the quality of the customer service and her mom instantly fell in love with the Myrrhaculous face cream.
Go to: Fat Co Apple Cider Vinegar Toner & Face Cream
And, in a matter of 24 hours, my skin was well on its way back to normal (i.e. not dry and scaly).
HACKING YOUR SKIN
Your turn.
Suffer from acne, breakouts, dry skin or super oily skin on the regular?
Tried birth control, Proactive, Rodan & Fields, Beauty Counter and everything in between to clear it up?
Ask yourself: How is my gut health, stress and my nutrition?
Here are 3 Steps to Get Healthy Skin—Naturally:
- Address Nutrient Deficiencies What is really missing? It’s probably not a skin care wash from Rodan & Fields.Check in with your own nutrition to see what may be lacking (or not absorbing) with these signs of nutrient deficiencies:
Dry Skin:
Vitamin A: Cod Liver Oil, Organ Meats (Liver), Pastured Egg Yolks, Pastured ButterVitamin D: Sun exposure, Supplementation (Cod Liver Oil is an excellent way to get both Vitamins A & D, try this one or this one)Vitamin C: Bell peppers, dark leafy greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kiwi, citrus fruits, strawberries; and fresh herbs (cilantro, chives, thyme, basil, parsley)
Bumps on your Arms
Omega 3 Fatty Acids:
Wild-caught, cold water fatty fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna, anchovies, and black cod), Raw soaked walnuts
Cod Liver Oil (Pure Encapsulations, Arctic CLO)Vitamin A: Cod Liver Oil, Organ Meats (Liver), Pastured Egg Yolks, Pastured ButterVitamin D: Sun exposure, Supplementation (Cod Liver Oil is an excellent way to get both Vitamins A & D, try this one or this one)
Acne & Skin Breakouts
Omega 3 Fatty Acids:
Wild-caught, cold water fatty fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna, anchovies, and black cod), Raw soaked walnuts
Cod Liver Oil (1, 2)
Zinc:
Animal Proteins—kidney and liver, red meat, & seafood such as oysters, scallops, and other shellfish (animal sources are better absorbed since they do not contain phytates like plants on their outer shell);
Pumpkin seeds & raw nuts (pre-soak them before consuming);
Zinc SupplementPsoriasis
Gut Imbalances (see digestive protocol below)Oily Skin
B-Vitamins:
Biotin: Pastured egg yolks and butter, Liver, Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, almonds, and walnuts
B6: Liver and other organ meats, turkey, chicken, sunflower seeds, avocado, tuna, pistachios, pinto beans (pre-soaked)
B-Complex https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=119Vitamin D:
Sun exposure & Supplementation (Cod Liver Oil is an excellent way to get both Vitamins A & D, try this one or this one)
- Address Nutrient Deficiencies What is really missing? It’s probably not a skin care wash from Rodan & Fields.Check in with your own nutrition to see what may be lacking (or not absorbing) with these signs of nutrient deficiencies:
- Support Your Gut Health
The gut is the gateway to health. While every body is different, and the state of your gut health is on a broad spectrum (i.e. some people MAY have bacterial overgrowth or SIBO, others gut dysbiosis, and still others, a “leaky gut” or low stomach acid), most every body with skin conditions can benefit from a baseline digestive protocol, including:Taking a daily probiotic (Prescript Assist , Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra )
Try a digestive enzymes to help break down food*
Drinking half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day
Eating Fermented foods (1-2x per day)
Bonus:
Add 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar to 2-4 oz. of water before meals
Drink herbal ginger, peppermint or licorice tea
Sip bone broth (not the boxed carton kind, but the real deal like this one or this one*use practitioner code LAURYNLAX to get access for this pharmaceutical grade digestive enzyme
- Overhaul Your Skin Routine—with Real Food
Your skin eats exactly what you feed it (BOTH inside and out). Feed it harsh chemicals, toxic ingredients with names you can’t pronounce, and chances are those harsh chemicals are going to do their due diligence on your skin.There are TONS of natural treatments out there that “do a body” (and skin) good if you give them a chance.Here are some of my fave natural remedies, as well as my hit list of brands and products for all your skin needs (dry, acne, wrinkles etc.):
Natural Skin Remedies
Oil Cleansing. Wet face with warm wash rag. Pour about 1/2 teaspoon of oil (castor oil, hazelnut oil, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or a blend—see below—in a quarter size amount) into your palm and rub hands together.Rub fingers gently over your face in small circles for 30 seconds to 2 minutes to allow the oil to penetrate. Concentrate on areas with blocked pores. (Great for: makeup removal, clogged pores, acne)
Oily Skin: 1/3 Castor or Hazelnut and 2/3 Olive, or Coconut oil
Combination Skin: 1/4 Castor or Hazelnut Oil and 3/4 Olive, Sunflower or other oil
Dry Skin: Use oil alone (no mix)Honey Cleansing. Raw honey is a natural anti-bacterial. Rub 1/2 tsp of honey on your fingers. Add just a few drops of water if necessary to make it spreadable. Smooth it gently on your face. Rinse off with warm water and pat face dry. Finish with apple cider toner. (Removes dirt; balances oily skin and moisturizes dry skin).Apple Cider Vinegar Toner. Combine 2/3 alcohol-free Witch hazel with 1/3 parts raw apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on face and wipe clean with cotton ball. (Great for tightening skin and polishing off your oil and/or honey cleansing)Tea Tree Oil. Great as a spot treatment for acne or pimples. Pour a few drops of tea tree oil onto a Q-tip, cotton pad or tissue. Gently dab the tea tree oil onto any pimples or spots.
Organic Jojoba Oil. Natural moisturizer. Pour a pea size amount into palm and dab onto dry face after cleansing.Body Butters. I love using ghee, tallow or coconut oil, and blending it in a blender with a dab of essential oils and some jojoba oil
My Top Natural Skin Care Products (You Can Buy):
1. Fatco Skin Care Line
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Go to: Fat Co Skin Care Line
2. Majestically Made Body Butter & Skin Scrub
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Go to: Majestically Made Body Butter & Skin Scrub
3. Mint Pear Daily Facial Cleanser & Collagen Serum
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Go to: Mint Pear Daily Facial Cleanser & Collagen Serum
4. Skin Foodie’s Natural Face & Body Cleansers
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Go to: Skin Foodie’s Natural Face & Body Cleansers
5. Mad Hippie’s Skin Care Products
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