Hello luvs,
I know what an unique title. You are probably wondering what do I mean? I will explain down below.
It has been awhile since I have mentioned anything about my face. I have been dealing with troubled skin (mainly my face area) for a year now. Ever since I went off birth control I have been one of those people who broke out with acne. Not everyone who goes off the pill gets acne but some do. And I was that person (Michelle suffered from it as well).
My battle with clearing up my skin, to get it back to where it used to be, has been very difficult. My acne prone skin led me to depression. I would go through stages where I never wanted to leave the house because I was so embarrassed of my face. Michelle has dealt with both acne and depression so luckily for me she was experienced and was able to keep my spirits up. She was constantly telling me that I will get through this difficult time.
On my ‘good’ days I would get frustrated with myself as why I would get so sad. I knew I would get through it, I just have to be patient and let my body work everything out. And I knew I was doing everything that my body needed to heal because I was providing it with all the nutrients it needs to heal. Though my biggest issue besides depression was stress. I would stress so much over my face and my hormonal problems. It was good to have friends (Lori, Gena, Liz, Jennifer) to keep me positive and keep me going. Thanks girls!
So where am I now?
Acne is under control now dealing with scars. I still get little breakouts here and there but nothing like it was before. My depression is much better.
I actually go outside now, especially since my vitamin D levels are so low.
10 Things that have helped me with handling my depression:
- eating foods that make me feel good
- reading self-care cards
- mediating more and giving myself some personal time and yoga
- having a low sugar diet
- exercise
- sitting down to eat all my meals with no TV on (helps me really focus on my meal for me to enjoy the food)
- taking one day at a time and not thinking to much of the future
- being surrounded my loved ones who love me and support me no matter what
- smile every time I saw myself in the mirror and say that I AM BEAUTIFUL to myself
- and finding a great product, Rodan and Fields to help control my acne
My New Face Product:
My good friend Lori (BTW she has the best name) is the one who brought this product to my attention. Thanks Lori!
I have been using these face products for over 2 months now. During my first two weeks of using the anti-blemish products my face broke again and worse! I know when you try new things sometimes it gets worse before it gets better but it was sill VERY HARD to accept. But as I got closer to using the products for one whole month my face started to calm down and the products really started to work!
I use the products now morning and night. Sometimes my face gets a little red or dry, pelly looking but overall my skin is much better. Now I am just working on clearing my scars 
That is a whole other battle in itself.
I would recommend the Roden and Fields products the Anti-Blemish line for anyone suffering from acne and breakouts. This product has given me hope that my face will be healed and my breakouts are much more controllable now. Please contact Lori for more information about these products. She is great to work with and a wonderful person! Thanks again Lori!
Now I know some of you might be thinking… these products are not ‘natural’ but I was in need of a product that would help control my acne! I am not sure if I will be on these products for the rest of my life, but I do plan on continuing to use them for awhile. The past year before I tried these products, I was using and trying every ‘natural’ remedy out there and nothing was working. Not saying that natural skin care products and regimens don’t work, they just were not helping me at this specific moment in my life. I still believe in many natural skin care products and will try them again one day.
Thoughts? Have any of you suffered from acne and depression? If so what has helped you?
What skin care products do you like and use, why? When you use a new face care product did you notice your skin get worse or better?
Till next time, getting ready for a blog meet-up tonight!
Lori
Pure2Raw Twin
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
Acne is the worst. But I went to an allergist and she tested me. And it turns out I’m basically allergic to everything. And it effects your face immensely. Everyone is different, but I’ll share with you some things that I noticed caused huge breakouts:
-Sweat
-Rice and Qunioa (Even though it’s gluten free – you may be allergic to it)
-Tomatoes (very inflammatory on the face)
-Wheat – even sprouted wheat
-Beans – chickpeas and lentils are safe beans for the face
-Dairy – even Kefir – tear – was my fave in frozen yogurt treats
-Spinich is very inflammatory on the skin
-Green tea – believe it or not – but it causes breakouts
I could go on – but every one is different and just be mindful with the list and see if you react to it the next day in the morning.
Thanks Ashley for all this information. I will take a closer look at my diet and see how I react to them. Thanks! And yes everyone is different.
Hi Lori, great post! I am going through the exact same thing. It’s been 10 months since I’ve been off the pills and very slowly is my skin starting to clear up. But it’s come at a cost of my self-esteem.
Honestly the best thing I have tried is plain old raw honey! After you wash your face with your regular cleanser put about a tbsp of raw honey on your face and let it sit for about 30 mins and wash off. I’ve tried this every day and it really helped my skin clear up.
I also had an organic facial, I told my facialist what was going on and how bad I felt when I looked in the mirror and she suggested to write on a post-it “I am beautiful. My skin is beautiful” stick it on your mirror and say it every day. That helped too!
Sorry for the long comment! It’s nice to know I’m not alone in this.
Good luck!
Dani, thanks for the tip about honey on face. I will have to see about trying that out! And yes you are not alone!!!!I am here for any help that I can provide!
Ahhh, I’m reading this as my chin is covered with breakouts. So irritating… my face breaks out worse in the summer when I wear sunscreen more and workout more…. sucks that doing these ‘healthy’ things ends up being bad for my skin!
Hello,
I love reading your blog from Australia.
I have found minimising or even cutting out hard cheeses is good for the skin. Also making sure digestion is working well otherwise that can result in breakouts. I get IBS symptoms, so I understand.
Anne.
Anne – thank you for your comment! We have not had cheese in years, but yes some people do best without cheese.
thanks for the review – I’ve been wondering how well those products work.
Thanks for the amazing review and you have no idea how much you made my day- knowing that the products work for you! I have had quite a few friends suffering from severe acne- mostly cystic, and the Unblemish was the only thing that helped- and worked well! I love love love the products and that’s why I decided to become a part of the business (besides the discount)
Now I can help others!
Thanks, girls!
thomas.myrandf.com (products)
Oh, and can i just say, you’re a hottie! Great picture. Also, you’re skin really does look amazing!
I never had a pimple until I went off birth control! I swear, all through middle school and high school, perfect skin. In my 20′s terrible!!! My skin has been really bad pregnant too, everyone talks about having a glow, instead I have acne! I can totally relate to your pain. I have to check out those products! XOXO
Courageous share! Thanks.
I’m so glad that you’ve found a product that is helping control your acne – and if it’s not ‘natural’ but it’s helping your body to transition to homeostasis, then good!
Do you use MSM? Apart from all its other benefits, I’ve heard that it’s _awesome_ for removing scars. My scars tend to keloid, and I’m taking MSM for other reasons but hoping it’ll tidy them up some too.
I have had breakout-prone skin off and on, usually food allergy or detox-based, and have had much more trouble with depression. I love your tips for controlling depression! For me, getting outside seems to help, as does doing meaningful stuff (for me usually = creative writing).
love
Ela
Ela- We have msm just cannot seem to remember to have it ; ) I have heard great things about it too!! Thanks.
I suffered from TERRIBLE acne, too, so I know how miserable it can be! I have almost NO pictures of myself for a good 2 years when my acne was at the very worst! I didn’t want that to be documented!! I ended up going on Accutane as a very last resort– and within 5 months, my acne was totally healed! But, it’s a very drastic measure, and I really wouldn’t recommend it to anyone! While I was on it, my arms broke out in rashes, and my skin would get painfully dry. But like I said, it worked– so I was happy.
After I stopped taking the pill, I got breakouts again, too! I got depressed (for a number of reasons), my eating habits got away from me, and I was in a very bad place. I eventually dug myself out of that hole with a high-raw diet– but even then, I have to be careful! Eating a mis-combined meal can easily cause a breakout for me, and eating too many sugars, even if they are natural. I also find that sweating often, through exercise or sauna, helps my skin stay clear. Okay, I feel like I’ve written a novel of a comment now.
I love the tips you shared! I try to work on those, too, and I really need to work on “not eating in front of the TV!”
Megan – Thank you for sharing your story!! Sounds like you are similar to us ; )
Oh, and have you tried Be Yummy Skin Food? It’s 100% raw and organic (made with raw honey) and really has helped me since stopping the pill! (it’s totally edible, and tastes good, too!) You can contact the people at http://live-live.com for a free sample if you want to try it!
Megan – Yes we have used Live Live, love their stuff. We ran out awhile and just have not got around to ordering it again, I will now!
I am so, so happy to hear that the new products are giving you success with your face! I almost want to well up with tears! I KNOW, oh, how I know, how horrible acne can make you feel. I can relate to not wanting to leave the house. On decent days, I would have so much to do “on the outside” to make up for the fact that I had been hiding from the world on previous days/weeks. I know you will find your happiness and free spirit again, if you have not already done so, now that your face is clearing up. It is such a deep emotional pain – dealing with the effects of acne. Ug.
I am still using the Skin Organics products by Ann Webb, which you can actually find at a lot of Whole Foods. This has worked better for me than anything else I have ever tried in over 20 years of dealing with acne. If/when it starts to become less effective, I will get your R+F stuff for sure, though.
Scars – let me tell ya – this microdermabrasion is really making a BIG difference for me. It is not changing scars which are physical indentations – like the “ice pick” or “pock mark” scars, but the dark purple and reddish marks are fading away. The newest ones were the first to go, and each time I get a session done, the others get a little bit lighter. There has been a huge improvement, so I would recommend trying it. I think it might be expensive in the US, though. Here it is $30 a session (and you can find it for $15, but that place does not seem as professional). Come over for a visit and get those smiling faces sand-blasted on the cheap!
Vegan TIffin – I wish I could come over : ) Thanks for being so supportive!! xoxo
Hi Lori-
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now but it’s my first time to comment. I have struggled for a long time with acne and the pill helped immensely. I was on it for 7 years and went off it over a year ago. My issues basically mirror yours and your posts have been really helpful. It is really comforting to know that other people go through the same thing and to talk openly about it- it’s easy to feel alone. So thank you! I really find that thinking positive helps- it’s so hard sometimes but I find that when I stress about my skin it just gets worse. I heard this saying once- energy flows where attention goes- so I try to think about the positive things in my life instead of putting energy into thinking about skin and hormone troubles. It doesn’t always work but it’s getting better! There are so many things to be thankful for. I will for sure check out the skin care line you suggested. Thanks again for all you both share on your blog!
Tiffany – thank you for commenting!!!!!!! I am so glad I can help, and if you ever need anything please let me know!!
I’ve had depression for a very long time, and I’m still dealing with it…but little things do help. Being careful with my diet, exercising, and doing yoga are all important for me. Also, making sure that I do little things for myself…like get together with friends, get my nails done, etc. I try to do one thing I enjoy every day, even if it’s for only 15 minutes. Thanks for sharing your tips!
As for acne, I never had a big problem with it before, but lately it has become an issue. My naturopath actually thinks I might have candida overgrowth, which may be the problem, but I’m not really sure. I’ve been using castor oil and tea tree oil, and I’ve seen an improvement, but still…
I appreciate all your suggestions and I’ll look into them. This post was so helpful.
By the way, you really are beautiful! That’s a gorgeous picture, you look so happy. xoxo
Lauren – thanks for sharing your story. Castor is an amazing oil!!! glad you are getting some help from it.
Wow I am so incredibly glad that I stumbled upon this blog and on this particular post. I am so sorry that you are dealing with acne but I am in the same exact position as you. I actually just started up a blog recently to document my journey through the depression, the acne, etc. I’m glad things are improving for you and I wish you the best of luck. I myself am really scared about the scarring but I am looking for the strength to get through it.
<3 Aimee
Aimee, welcome to our blog! I am happy that you found us! That is great that your started one as well to share your journey, I look forward in reading it. Thanks for the sweet comment.
This post is so sad to me…the ending is happy but the pain and suffering you have had emotionally and your depression as a result of your acne is just breaking my heart. When I was in my early 20s I had really bleach blond hair and my hair due to a bad stylist basically was breaking off all over my head and I had what I would say is a “chemical haircut”. For about 18 mos while my hair was growing back out, I was so embarrased of how i looked, I hated myself, I was so depressed so I can totally relate to your story and know what it feels like to feel this way about your face/hair and image. I am so sorry!
Thanks for the lovely comment to me tonite..you know i’d love to see both of you on a planeride out to CAli, but only for good reasons
xoox
Averie, and we would be on a plane in a heartbeat
Thanks for sharing your story with being depressed. I am doing better now but still have my down days. HUGS
Thank you for being so honest and sharing this with us. I’ve never suffered from acne but have had depression in the past and am prone to it. I think the most important thing is not to beat yourself up or put pressure on yourself when you’re going through difficult times. I’m glad your acne is clearing up and your feeling better
xxxx
Thanks Sarah, I agree not beating yourself over things is a great tip
Depression can be a hard thing to overcome, it comes over time! HUGS
I have – AM – suffering right now.
It’s tough – I read “snippets” of books, try to keep myself occupied with work (which I hate so that is the hardest)…it’s hard when I’m constantly worried about money.
I’m trying- for every step forward it seems there’s 10 back…
And I agree you are beautiful!
Thanks eatmovelove! Sorry to hear that your are suffering with these issues as well. Keep your head up too! HUGS
Either one or both of you are welcome anytime! YOu will at least have free room and board, although I might would beg you to make some socca as I have still been too lazy to try to make it myself!
Now I am curious about castor oil – what does everyone use it for, exactly?
Sorry for another post – I just remembered that an Ayurvedic doctor made my husband drink some years ago to clear him out and deal with his kapha imbalance. Anywho, besides that, what do people use it for?
Vegan Tiffin, we use castor oil for any upset stomachs, we rub it on our bellies. It helps with detox and getting toxins out. It does many great things. I will email you too
Hey love!
I sufeered from acne as well and PCA skincare blemish bar saved my life! I use it still, always will! Glad you found something to help and the ten things that you believed helped too , were great to read!
I had some scars too, I actually went and spent some money to get them lasered , I forget what the treatment was called, but it helped!
Hi my lovely,
I’m happy to read this post, mostly because it’s something I can relate to 1000000%. After going off the pill my skin has gone nuts and it kills me because I had great skin when I was on it. And depression, well, definitely – but I think going off the pill actually helped with that, for me. I’m still working out the skin issues so thank you for the info in this post!!
ugh, i totally relate! i am super susceptible to acne, and in particular cysts! no idea why, either. i got a giant one last year — on my birthday! talk about depression inducing. i did not want to leave the house or anything. my skin has gotten better the more i pay attention to what i put into my body. the less sugar i eat, the less acne i seem to get! still working out the kinks…like all those stupid purple acne scars
i have no idea what to do about them but i absolutely hate them. good luck with your skin care!!!
Thank you for this post! I’m going thru the same problem. I stopped taking the pill in December and my period stopped for 5 months and now I have pimples, scalp sensivitity and losing my hair. I’m very depressed too. I have good months and bad months for the past 6 months.
Marta, thanks for your comment. Hang in there and you are not alone. Please let us know if you have any more question or concerns, we are here to help
I totally relate to this post. Skin has always been my biggest insecurity. It still is in some respects… it is also one of the main reasons I became fascinated by nutrition when I was in 7th grade.
I tried every pill… and was one “the pill” for probably 10 years… yeah… skin problems, weight problems… depression… all really, really horrific and TERRIBLE for anyone trying to find confidence.
Compared to what my skin used to be like… it is pretty close to being perfect. Like you though, I still get little places here and there (when I eat foods that trigger breakouts) and my skin is very sensitive… so I am more prone to being “pink.” Frustrating!
Here is what healed my skin… cutting out dairy of course… and all soy (even the fish EATING the soy). I stay away from things that are are difficult to digest, like rice, flours, breads (even the gluten free stuff, sadly)… My diet is focused around an abundance of greens, veggies (lots of carrots, beets), fresh olive oils, flax seeds… coconuts… (your coconut kefir).
Even more unfortunate, but during my detox stage… I over did it with avocados and almonds. So while I can have them in small quantities… I will break out from them if I have a bite too much.
A diet low in sugar is SOOO important– and I wish I knew this when I first got into this lifestyle and was eating fruit like it was going out of style. I cut back on fruit entirely, and replaced it with lots of carrot juice.
I still do have wine, which of course, is high in sugar (and highly imflammatory, as are tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, peppers)… and the occasional chocolate… I started eating it more and realized that cocoa was probably stressing my adrenals and making me more susceptible to stress.
Sorry… I am writing a book… but the word acne makes me cringe and I sincerely feel for anyone who has ever struggled. I don’t think anyone truly understands what it is like, unless they have been there…
The final few things that totally made the lasting differences:
and then supplements: Burdock Root, Milk Thistle, Dandelion (amazing for cleaning the blood and liver) (and I juice the dandelion into my carrot juice along with parsley)…
colonics!!
It really is all about balance of the RIGHT foods (I don’t believe in “everything in moderation”). It can be super easy to go overboard (for me, at least) and go in stages of flax seeds… or… coconuts…
AH! So sorry I wrote so much. I was actually stopping by to check out some good recipes and got whisked away.
good luck and thank you for this raw post.
Hi ladies-
I’m not sure if you’re checking this post anymore, but I just found your blog and wanted to comment. I am 31 and have had adult acne for the past 5 years. The biggest changes I saw occurred when I cut out nearly all sugars- very sweet fruits and processed simple carbs- and started using coconut oil on my face. I used to wash my face 3 times a day in effort to dry it out as much as possible. Dairy has always been a trigger for me as well. One day, I saw how well coconut oil worked in healing a cut on my hand, so I decided to try it on my face. WOW! The red spots from old acne and the scars fade so much faster, existing zits heal faster, and my skin in so soft and smooth. I only wash my face once per day now, at night to take off my makeup, and my skin is so much better for it!
Melissa – thank you so much for sharing!! we are in the process of cutting out sugar and fruit, and love coconut oil. We used to wash our faces with it, maybe we will have to try again!! I am so happy to hear your skin is better
Thank you again!
I recently posted about this. Going off the pill is traumatic! The skin thing especially, but once you get thru it you’ll be happier and healthier.
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