Spring has sprung! The warmer weather and longer days mean you’re getting out of the house more, which is great…that is, if you feel like being social.
Acne can make you feel anxious about skin revealing clothing.
I would know. I suffered from severe cystic acne for years until I resolved it using lifestyle, nutrition, and a specific skin care routine.
You don’t have to hide out this spring. You can clear your skin in as little as three months with simple lifestyle, nutrition, and supplement strategies.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting glowing, radiant, ACNE-FREE skin in 2019.
Why Acne Happens in your 20s, 30s, and 40s
Your skin shouldn’t sabotage your self-esteem. By learning why acne strikes adult women—and what you can do about it—you can regain control of your beautiful face and body. You can love your skin again.
Adult acne is hormonal. That’s why you’re likely to notice breakouts at certain times of the month, in particular when you’re moving from the ovulation phase (mid-way through your cycle) to the start of your period. That said, the four phases of your menstrual cycle are normal, natural, and inevitable… but breakouts aren’t. If you’re breaking out at certain times of the month, it signals a hormone imbalance. You may have too much estrogen relative to progesterone (called estrogen dominance) or high levels of androgens (male hormones).
Why do sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone affect skin in the first place? Research suggests that the oil-producing glands in the skin can act as their own independent endocrine (hormone) organs, responding to messages from hormones like estrogen and testosterone. When those hormones are in balance, they send an “all clear” message to your oil glands. When they get out of balance, that clear skin message goes sideways…and you’re left with unwanted breakouts.
Natural Remedies for Hormonal Acne
Here’s are the remedies I recommend for clear skin. These are the exact steps I took to heal my severe cystic acne:
Natural Remedy #1: Food. Clear, glowing skin starts with what you eat and when you eat it. That’s because hormonal healing starts on the inside. When you use the Cycle Syncing Method™ to align what you eat with your 28-day menstrual cycle, you can see changes in your skin in three months from just this step alone. Flax and cilantro are particularly good to help the liver and large intestine flush out excess hormones.
Natural Remedy #2: Exercise. The same phase-based self-care strategies that work for food also work for exercise. When you line up up how and when you move with the four phases of your menstrual cycle, your skin will glow even more.
Natural Remedy #3: Customize your skin care routine. Your skin goes through natural shifts in elasticity and oiliness/dryness every month, and how you take care of your skin during each phase of your cycle should reflect and support where your skin is at. Here is a week-by-week guide to skin care. This routine is a crucial step in putting an end to hormonal acne.
Day 1 – Day 6 (Bleeding). During menstruation, focus on restorative, soothing skin care. Think hydrating and calming masks, and collagen masks.
Day 7-12 (follicular phase). If you get facials with extractions, schedule one during your follicular phase. This is also the time to do any hair removal.
Day 13-24 (ovulation/first half of luteal). Facials are still okay during this time, but it’s best to go for masks, not extractions. Dry brushing will help the lymph offload the estrogen. You don’t need much in the way of products during this phase.
Day 25-Day 28 (the second half of luteal). This a perfect time for home care with your favorite products and using oil-based serum to reduce sebum production. Clay masks are also great during this time, and you can use products with lactic acid to shrink pores.
NOTE: Don’t have any extractions or hair removal during the second half of the month when skin is thinner and increased blood flow to your capillaries means more post-extraction swelling. Save facial appointments until right after your bleed is over.
Natural Remedy #4: Maximize your micronutrients. Make sure you are getting the essential micronutrients you need to support healthy skin. I take Balance Supplements every day of my cycle to optimize my hormonal health. Remember, clear skin starts on the inside. You can have the healthiest skin care routine in the world, but you won’t banish acne without considering what you eat and how you supplement.
…. and if you don’t have any idea where you are in your cycle, start tracking it now with the MyFLO app. You can only practice cyclical self-care when you know which phase you’re in!
Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you! You can do this – the science of your body is on your side!
BALANCE by FLO Living Hormone Supplement Kit
Because you’ve asked for hormone-friendly supplement recommendations, I created a solution that I am so thrilled to be able to offer to you on your hormonal balancing journey:
Balance by FLO Living Supplements are a complete package that work together to keep your hormone levels healthy. They include a 2 month (2 cycle) supply of the following formulations so you’re never caught short in any phase of your cycle.
When you take these 5 supplements daily, you’ll be giving your body excellent micronutrients to support healthier hormone levels. Which means that you’ll start to see your worst period symptoms get better… and even disappear after a while.
Click here to learn more about the BALANCE Bio-Hacking Supplement Kit.
I have issues with my skin since I was young. I will try to implement some of your tips.
Thank you.