My journey to good skin - What worked for me......

Hello lovely people!!

Sorry it's taken me so long to update the blog; I've been busy with my final teaching placement which has taken up all of my time.

Over the last few months, and more recently the last week, I have had many people asking for my advice on how to improve their skin through diet and products.

I've been wanting to write this post for a while now as I wanted to share my experience and success with certain products over the last year!

My Story: First off, if you have read the 'About Me' post you will know I have suffered for over 15yrs with various skin issues; but mainly acne. This is an extremely distressing condition that only people dealing with it can really understand. It used to be so bad I didn't want to go out the house; let alone to work or to a social event. It definitely had a very detrimental effect on my life and self confidence.

Finally I feel I have made a breakthrough!!!!!! Yipeee!! Yey!! I am so happy; but also a little reluctant to celebrate too much (as other sufferers will know) as there is always the worry that this is temporary and it will rear it's ugly head again...at any point. At the moment though I feel ontop of things and that I have come out the other side.

What i've tried: Right let's get down to it..... over the years I have tried numerous products, treatments (even resorting to skin peels)and some may have provided temporary relief but nothing has ever tackled the issue fully. I think the main difference was made when I decided to cut back on the chemicals I was putting in my body and on my skin

The first product I tried was Mirander Kerr's 'Kora Organics' organic and natural skincare range created by a STUNNINGLY beautiful model(maybe that's what persuaded me to part my cash and purchase this product). I have mixed reviews with this product. At first it really worked and cleared my skin...but disappointingly this was short lived. It did feel lovely on the skin and smelt great but It just didn't work long term for me; also it is extremely expensive to purchase and ship from Auz....or to buy from Net-a-porter at about £40/£50 a pop!!! If you have clear skin I assure this would be a lovely, organic, natural product to use but it just didn't do enough for me. 

What worked: Moving on a year I was 'googling' 'The 10 best natural cosmetics'or something similar(Kora was in there)and I came across the product I use now; a product by 'Desert Essence' 

'Desert Essence thoroughly clean face wash'

 (click image to view or buy)

This product has dramatically improved my skin condition. I'm not sure what it is exactly...maybe the tee tree, the castile soap, or the natural oils...i'm not sure...but I don't care!! Ha.

It can be a little drying; which for me with oily skin is great. However whenever my skin is feeling a little sensitive I mix it up with another of their washes:

'Desert Essence Organic Gentle Nourishing Cleanser'

(click image to view or buy)

This wash is organic, gentle and smells great!! Both these products as you can see are a little more gentle on the old purse strings and more'manageable' to buy on a regular basis....which is a definite bonus.

Minerals
I can't give all the credit to these products however as at the same time as using these products I started; and have been religiously taking Zinc Gluconate and Selenium supplements. I get mine from a company called 'Health Aid'

'Health Aid- Zinc Gluconate (<--click to view)

'Health Aid- Selenium (<--click to view)

Reading

'Dale 'Pinnock's' The Clear Skin Cookbook (<--click to view or buy)

This book is absolutely amazing if you are suffering from any skin condition or if you just want to improve the general health of your skin/body. 

The book starts with explaining in detail the characteristics and causes for common skin conditions such as; acne, psoriasis, eczema etc. It then goes on to talk about the general workings of the skin (each separate layer) and how to maintain the health of each one. What I love is that this book doesn't just make you think 'Oh how can I heal my acne'...it makes you question 'how can I look after, heal and maintain the overall health of my skin'. It's so easy to read and a must have book for anyone wanting to improve their skin!

Diet

In regards to diet I don't drink cow's milk if I can help it, instead I substitute with 'brown rice milk' from Rude Health(<--click link to view or buy)

I also cut down dramatically on eating MEAT! I believe this was a great factor in reducing the inflammation of my skin. However I will have it occasionally (twice a month) but I will make sure it is organic/free range. I guess I am a practising 'pescetarian' - someone who eats fish and seafood..but not meat. Also If I am feeling slightly groggy or lethargic I will eat more salads over cooked veg....seems to make me feel lighter and fresher.

Another product...how can I forget!!!!! Coconut oil My saviour!!!! (<--click link to view or buy). I also suffered at various points with perioral and periocular dermatitis. Organic coconut oil helped relive the symptoms dramatically and in some cases cleared it up completely!!!!! I use coconut oil for everything; I eat it, cook with it (stable at high temperatures as opposed to other oils), use on spots (especially cysts - to take down inflammation), on split ends, in smoothies....my sister is currently using it on my 6 month old nieces nappy/chin(milk/dribble) rash...I'll keep you updated on the results. 

I would like to say I am not a doctor or nutritionist and what worked for me may not work for another. All I hope is that my experience can help another in some way; whether improving an existing skin condition or providing hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Well I have waffled on long enough. I hope that this blog helped anyone dealing with a skin condition (or anyone looking to improve their overall skin health/ reduce their chemical intake). If you have any further questions do not hesitate to comment below and I will get back to you asap. 

Keep your chin up. Peace out. Namaste. xx

Check out my posts on twitter and instagram @sophiesticatedhealth

Disclaimer: I am trying out Amazon affiliate links to see if I can make a few pennies from the recommendations I make. Any products bought through my links will provide me with a small commission. At the moment I have made all of 50p ha so I'm not going to be quitting my day job but...every little helps eh. You also can't redeem your money till you get to £25 so I wont be spending any time soon. Anything that I do eventually make will be used to buy more ingredients/products to try and review for you guys. All products I recommend are actual products I use and have found useful. I hope they can help others too.