At this point you’ve probably heard the story of my healing journey, and so you’ll know that I suffered for years with cystic acne all over my face, chest, and back. It was not pretty and it certainly didn’t make me feel good to look in the mirror or go out in public without caked-on layers of makeup.
I spent lots of money and time trying to solve this issue, until I finally discovered how to naturally clear up my skin by addressing my diet and hormones.
And that lesson is exactly what I’m going to share with you today!
In this video I’ll take you through the essentials of skin care, the FLO way:
-
what products you’re putting ON your body that are contributing to your breakouts
-
what foods you’re putting IN your body that affect your skin
-
the 3 key micronutrients essential for clear skin
Check out the skinny on your skin here:
Good things come in threes:
I want to hear from you!
First: Have you struggled with acne?
Second: Share your #Flobeauty experience – follow the steps and let us know how you feel.
Third: You know every one you know is hormonal – spread a little good ovary karma and share this article on social by clicking the buttons below 
Need more Hormone Help?
If you’re needing some health upgrading, it’s time you started you looking into what’s going on with your hormones.
I’ve designed a quiz to help you understand exactly what’s out of whack and how you can start getting back to balance so that your hormones no longer have to suffer.
Thanks so much for your insights and suggestions. I have been really struggling with skin, stress, adrenal issues and probably hormonal issues as well and this has helped. However, I have a question. I’ve been adding Barlean’s “The Essential Woman” Evening primrose and flaxseed oil to my prebiotic green shakes, per my naturopathic doctor for two months until I saw an article stating flax is toxic to the liver on one of my favorite sites;
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9636/is-your-liver-toxic-foods-to-avoid-how-to-cleanse.html
What do you think? I’m sure I’m a case of toxins being released through my skin due to gut/liver issues, but I don’t know if I should continue using the oil and ground flax seeds or not.
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Jessica,
the thing with flax is that you have to be super good about preventing it from oxidizing (aka storing it in fridge) and in general the whole form (seeds that you grind) are better than the oil. Now, in your case, if you are dealing with an overal depleted system, you may want to start with a gentler approach. Try greens instead for your fiber and try fish oil instead for your EFA’s. let me know how you do!
supporting your FLO,
Alisa
Thanks Alisa! I am diligent about keeping the flax oil in the fridge.
Also, today I just found out my progesterone level is low and was told to take 200mg of Vitex daily. Is that a good plan? I also don’t absorb B12, so Thorne methyl guard?? And an iron complex. Should I take these? Nothing is ever really explained to me. They just take my blood and a medical assistant leaves a message with things for me to add to my already 20 supplement list–ah!
Martha Heredia was arrested late Wednesday as she was about to board a plane to New York, said Frank Duran, the National Drug Control Agency’s director for the city of Santiago.He said police found 2.9 pounds (1.3 kilograms) of heroin in the heels of three pairs of shoes packed in her suitcase. Police also ordered Heredia to undergo Xray tests to determine whether she had any drugs hidden inside her body, but none were found.Duran said police are interrogating Heredia to determine whether she was working as a mule for a drugtrafficking organization.Prosecutor Luisa Liranzo said Heredia does not yet have an attorney. If found guilty, she could face more than 10 years in prison.The 22yearold had become a star in the Dominican Republic after she won the final “Latin American Idol” contest in 2009. The show, which ran for three years, was a Spanishlanguage version of the popular British “Idols” franchise.On the night Heredia vied for the title, thousands of Dominicans gathered in public plazas to watch her sing on huge TV screens, and thenPresident Leonel Fernandez urged Dominicans to vote for her.The country was paralyzed as Dominicans watched the show, prompting Fernandez to quip, “It was said the country came under curfew without the need of a presidential decree.”Miguel Vargas, president of the main opposition party at the time, had donated thousands of prepaid phone cards the night of the final contest so citizens could vote for their compatriot.”Martha’s tenacity and creative capacity are an example, and the least we can do is support her efforts,” Vargas said at the time.Dozens of fans greeted Heredia when she returned to the Dominican Republic after her win, and Fernandez invited her to the National Palace. In February 2010, he gave her the National Youth Award.”The politicians are lucky you’re not running for president because you would beat them all,” he said at the time.But Heredia, nicknamed “La Baby” because of her penchant for calling people “baby”, disappeared shortly after all the fanfare, drawing speculations including that she was pregnant.Then her name was back in the news for different reasons.In December 2010, Heredia hit and killed a teenage Haitian boy with her car as he tried to cross a highway by foot. She was later ordered to pay his family some $275,000 as part of a lawsuit. The boy’s relatives were angered that she did not meet with them to offer her condolences.”That’s not right,” Elvys Vandredi, the victim’s father, told a local TV station in a 2011 interview for a feature on Martha Heredia called “What happened to Martha Heredia?”The TV station also featured an interview with Heredia, who said she granted the interview because she was tired of the rumours surrounding her disappearance from the local show business industry.Heredia blamed her manager at the time for not scheduling concerts or public appearances.”I need a person who barely sleeps, someone who is constantly connected to social media,” she said.In late 2011, she produced her first album titled “Lose or Win,” which she recorded in Mexico under the Sony Music label. The first single did not do well.Heredia’s name disappeared once again and resurfaced last month when she filed a domestic violence complaint against her husband, Manuel Varet Marte, a hiphop singer known as Vakero. He was ordered held in prison for three months as police investigate the case.General Prosecutor Francisco Dominguez issued a statement saying Heredia’s situation was unfortunate.”It’s very sad that young people who have so much promise, who were bestowed by life with all the grace in the world and an unquestionable talent, because of ambition, bad advice or simply to obtain money see themselves in situations like this,” he said.
Awesome information! Thanks. Don’t forget us older ladies who are post-menopausal or perimenopausal. We still have break outs, too. And this is good information for us.
jacqueline – working on some fun things for this phase of hormonal vitality too 😉 hang tight! xo
curious if you had info for perimenopausal women as well.
I have been taking a natural progesterone and doesn’t seem to completely help breakouts
Looking at YOUR skin, if you told me to go out to the yard, twirl around thrice, and rub handfuls of dirt on my body, I’d do it.
I’m gonna try that evening practice with the hot water and towel. I’m gonna make it my practice for the next 30 days (i’ll check back in with ya then!)
xx
Mishel – how i love you! xx
I have been following your work since i found your ted talk on youtube. Love your work! I got the book and it really helps. I am now thinking cyclically and in partnership with my body. Still working on achieving flow. Thank you so much for giving us these videos. You’re awesome.
KIMBER – you are a WOMANCODER!!! i want to hear your before and after story – email it to us at [email protected] – inspire me!! xo
Alisa you glow!!! Loved the insights on your personal favorites. Any chance you would be willing to share your skin routine? Interested to know what brand of Aloe you use? Also wanted clarity on the hot towel scrub. Is this something you can do on your face or just your body. Was considering buying the Clarisonic brush but this sounds like a great alternative. Thanks for the feedback! Loved your book!!
Thanks Sherri! for the face you simply PRESS the hot towel to the skin – no need to scrub – for the rest of your body however, scrub away 😉
Oh Alissa, you are just so amazing! I’m an IIN grad and I always learn so much from you! You are just a never ending wealth of knowledge! You have no idea how much I wish you would come out with a certification program of your own for the Health Coach community. Talk about a MAJOR ripple effect! But for now I just drink up whatever I can from all of your vids, emails & of course your book. As someone currently suffering from an ovarian cyst & endometriosis and being told my only option is to be put into menopause at the age of 32, you are a godsend! Thank you so much for all that you do!!! <3
hey Christy – um LOVE sparkles & spinach – adorbs!
what a fun idea you are proposing – we’ll get on that.
As for you my dear – we need to get you on the WomanCode Online System STAT! i want that ovarian cyst and endo RESOLVED! email us please [email protected]
love to your ovaries!
Alisa
Hi Alisa
Love the video, BUT I am already doing 99% of what you suggest (not the hot washcloth though) and am sooooo frustrated with rosacea. Any further tips?
thanks!
Try some heavy metal detox for rosacea. Diet certainly helps too! I am in process of having amalgum fillings replaced. The difference is night and day with rosacea acne.
Hi Alisa!
Thank you for this great video–
I have a couple questions about skin care:
1. What is your opinion on retinoids? I have been prescribed a retinoid cream to help with my acne.
2. I have done so much to clear up my diet and skin care/product use already: I eat a vegan diet and get a huge variety of mostly organic fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, I never drink anything but water or green tea, and all of my skin care products are organic, natural, sulfate, and paraben free. And yet, even on the retinoid cream (which is highly exfoliating, plus I add baking soda to my cleanser as a natural exfoliant) I still break out regularly. What might I be doing wrong?
I so can’t wait to have skin as clear and beautiful as yours!
Thanks for all you do!
Sarah
Hey Sarah!
Great to hear from you. So sorry you’re experiencing this, I completely understand how frustrating this is. I’ve been there! Every product is different, so I’d definitely do some label investigating on your product, but from what I’ve read retinol creams are Vitamin A based, and Alisa recommends Vitamin A, so I recommend experimenting with it!
Another consideration to mull over is if your diet is giving you all that you need, being vegan. Vegan’s can very easily be deficient in vitamin B-12, Iron and Zinc all which can cause skin problems. So, I encourage you to do a little bit of investigating into your daily foods and see if you’re getting adequate amounts of these.
You can also add in your EFA’s if you’re not already taking.
Let us know how it goes!
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Alisa,
Loved the video, but what about super dry skin? I eat very clean and hydrate, take Vitamin C and E and a high potency multi, along with an EFA supplement and D3. In the last 8 months my skin, which is very sensitive, has become super dry. I have lots of tiny clogged pores. No break outs, but up close I can see the dirt under there. What are your thoughts for those of us out there with sensitive skin and dry skin?
Thanks,
Alex
Hi Alex!
Thanks for writing in! I can’t speak for Alisa specifically, but I would recommend not only checking out the quality of your water but also make sure you have a really good quality, deeply penetrating moisturizer. It’s amazing how much of the water supply is chlorinated , then we shower in it daily….it can lead to really, really dry skin. It sounds like you’re doing all the right things otherwise. I’ve also had incredible results with almond oil in my moisturizer. Let us know how it goes!
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Hi Alisa,
First off, I just want to thank you for all of the resources you have given us–the website, these videos, and your amazing book (I’m almost done!) After being on birth control for seven years because of problems with my period (I have PCOS and hypothyroidism), I finally got the courage to talk to my doctor about going off the pill. I’m anxious to see how my body reacts!
I have suffered with acne since I was 11, so I was extremely excited to see this post. My acne is definitely hormonal and I was on a progesterone based pill, so I have a feeling that contributed to the problem, too. I’ve been a Proactiv user for years, and I would love use more natural products for my skin. I usually use the products at night to wash my face (I just splash my face in the morning and put on sunscreen). Do you recommend using a cleanser or toner at all? And if so, how often? Or do you just do the towel steam at night and then put on aloe vera? I’ve grown up with the mentality that I MUST cleanse my face every night, use toner, a benzoyl peroxide, and a moisturizer of some sort. But I have a feeling this isn’t quite right 🙂
Thank you, thank you for all that you’re doing for women!
Hi Teri!
Thanks for writing in! I love hearing your enthusiasm in your message! It put a smile on my face. I can’t speak for Alisa specifically, but I’m pretty sure she still means to wash your face and moisturize. Even after washing your face, residue can be left behind, so the hot towel scrub will really open the pores and get all the rest out. Just be sure to find yourself some really clean, Flo approved products! Just simply follow the guidelines she shared in the video. let us know how it goes!
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Thanks so much for your response, Shannon! I’m a little nervous going off of proactiv (especially because of the comment above me), but it’s worth a shot if it means I can reach FLO. I’ll keep you all posted–thanks again!
What’s up little ones, you all must watch hilarious movies, however remember that first study then enjoyment okay.
Thanks for the great info, Alisa! After following WomanCode eating for a couple months I decided to take the plunge and stop using Proactive and it has been breakout city for the last couple weeks! Although my back has actually cleared up recently, yay! I’m excited to the try the hot towel rub to see if that helps. I’m hopeful that my flo will be coming soon!
What kind/brand of Aloe Vera gel do you use?
Thanks for all of the support!!
Hi Brittany,
thanks for writing in! It can take some time for the body and skin to readjust to a new routine and a new, clean inner environment. Also when you upgrade your food, you can experience detox, often through the skin, which could certainly be part of what you’re experiencing. I’m not sure of the brand that Alisa uses, but I”m certain it’s organic and super pure. So keep those two things in mind when you’re on the hunt for your product.
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Hi Alisa!
I loved your vedio as always!
I want to try the hot towel and see how it works for me.
Thank you soooo much for all the information and support.
Thanks for writing in! You’re SO welcome. Let us know how it goes!
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Your web site does not display properly on my i phone – you might wanna try and fix that – http://goo.gl/qVyXm
What an amazing resource! I’m also an IIN grad, 2009, and found your info from the SexyBack conference. Such a great resource to direct clients and friends towards! I’m blessed w/ relatively clear skin (except for the first trimester of pregnancy), and have healed my hormones from no cycles to 5 beautiful healthy kids (pregnant w/ one while at IIN) but didn’t take the time on my entire healing journey to figure out what the changes were. So having everything put together and organized to direct people towards for step-by-step healing in these very basic but very hard issues is so wonderful!
Just emailed your site and info to a friend considering conceiving in the near future!
blessings and peace-
So wonderful to hear! And we always love hearing from our fellow IIN family! Thanks for sharing the Flo love!
🙂
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Thank u for awesome fido….i do wnt to know: What type of aloe do u use on ur face? Also, how did you heal the scarring from cystic acne?
Hi Stacey,
I’m not sure of the exact brand that Alisa uses, although I’m sure it’s organic and super pure! So keep that in mind when you’re on the hunt for your product! As for the scaring, I can’t speak for Alisa, but adding in a salacylic acid wash to your regime along with the Aloe could be really great for you. I know that Derma -E does have one, and she recommended that skin care line…you can find it at whole foods! It will slowly reveal a new healthy layer of skin.
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Hi Alisa! I’ve been dealing with cystic acne for years and years. Pills of all sorts (like you said) have made it worse and I’m finally living on a diet that is almost exclusively non-processed, organic, and REAL food! I’ve been feeling better in general for the last few months but I haven’t seen any improvement in my acne. After listening to your video I’m going to look into the natural skin care products you’ve suggested. But I’m wondering how far away that light at the end of the tunnel is!
How long did it take for your cystic acne to clear up once you changed your diet and skin care?
Hi Lauren,
great to hear from you and well done on all the amazing positive changes you’ve made. I can’t speak for Alisa, and seeing changes can vary greatly from person to person. A few more things I’d recommend if you haven’t already tried is eliminating dairy and coffee. You can sub your coffee for green tea, which is really, really good for the skin.
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Thank you so much for this video! Do you have any suggestions for lip balms, sunscreen, mosquito repellant?
Hi Sarina,
Great question. There are so many on the market that are great. I’d recommend you just start reading ingredients, look for purity, ingredients in their natural states, along with organics. One great bug spray that I love and is made of all essential oils Herbal Armor. I now Burts Beez also has a great one…
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Fabulous video Alisa. Keep up the fabulous work. I’m goin to implement the hot towel routine daily also. I’ve heard daily exercise/sweating is also beneficial for the skin. Do you incorporate this into your day to help with your skin?
Much love. Vanessa
Hi Vanessa,
Thanks for writing in!
I can’t speak for Alisa, but I’m sure she probably does, as exercise is a key component of the Flo Protocol!
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Excellent advice! Excited to try the hot towel scrub tonite. Thanks Alisa!
Great!
Let us know how it goes!
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Great advice, thank you:)
I would like to share what has helped me surpass my acne :
I started with a anti parasitical supplement (parasites are a number one cause of disease in the body), followed with a benzolite clay detox while taking a liver support supplement containing milk thistle and a probiotic from the brand HEALTH FORCE as well as starting my day with a green smoothie, eating vegan diet, exercising daily and reminding myself to choose positive over negative thoughts;)
Beautiful Minky! Thanks for sharing!
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Hi,
I’ve been following the Woman Code food protocol for 3 cycles and it has helped with my skin a good 60 percent – thank you! I will definitely try the aloe vera. I still have a ways to go and wondered what you thought of this acne type analysis.
http://www.skinacea.com/acne/acne-face-map.html#.Ubael79Mi5c
As an aside, the first two months on the protocol, my cycle went from a steady 30-33 days to 24, then 25 and now month 3 it’s at to that magic 28. I’m still tired and a bit bloated, and but I do feel substantially better and this cycle I have had no depression, which is huge for me. Thank you!
Hi Jess!
Congratulations!! It never gets old, hearing women’s stories of healing!! Thank you for sharing!!
Absolutely, yes! We do often discuss this with our clients in the Flo Living program, skin mapping is really interesting and does open our eyes to what’s underneath and what parts of our bodies may need special attention.
Thanks for writing in!
In support,
Shannon
The Flo Living Team
Hi!
Thanks for the good info. Was just wondering whether there’s a difference (in effect) between a hot shower and a hot towel scrub?
Thanks for the effort!
Hi Alisa, Thank you for the great video! What Aloe Vera brand do you use? I looked around for a pure product but the closest I could find was by Lily of the Desert. That particular product has Carageenan in it which I have heard mixed reviews about. Please advise : ) Thank you!
Hi Alisa, is there anything that helps reduce the look of large pores? You have great advice!! Thanks so much!
Fantastic video, Alisa! Due to various “sensitivities” inside and out, I’ve ditched most commercial bath products – I still use toothpaste (for now) and I still use (sandalwood) soap to wash my hands, but that’s pretty much it. Although those things did help somewhat with my skin (it’s much less dry now), you’re right – diet is the biggest factor! When I quit eating sweets & sodas, new pimples almost completely stopped forming. There aren’t many processed foods left in my diet (Chex cereal and a little high oleic oil from organic frozen dinners are about it) and I’m hoping to find a convenient way to remove those as well. For those who are recovering from breakouts, I’ve found that a gelatin supplement really helps the skin to repair itself amazingly fast! I take a tablespoon a day with fish or meat to improve absorption. I’m excited to start working on increasing my intake of whole grains. I’m gluten sensitive, but have just discovered quinoa, which is just phenomenal. I’m also interested in giving amaranth a shot. And the idea about the hot cloth in the evening – great idea! Thank you so much!
It really is an awesome along with practical item of information. I am satisfied that you just embraced this useful info along with us. Make sure you continue to be all of us up to date this way. Appreciate revealing.
Keep &X74;his going pleasе, great job!
It’s really very complicated in this active life to listen news on TV,
thus I just use internet for that reason, and take the hottest news.
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for supplying this info.
Feel free to surf to my blog; Selena Gomez Songs
Good to have a young woman speaking to this generation about inside and outside issues via hormones. Not enough out there about how what we take in effects not only the skin, which is a superficial but crucial reflection of what is going on inside. Also, emphasis on hydration would be good. Helps alot.
Start now and it will help your balance continue throughout your life.
Mary Sue
This sounds like great information. What are your recommendations for us struggling with the acne but also wrinkles and sagging skin that comes during the peri menopausal stage?