Five things you should do for clear skin

By Ponytail Journal
Source: vogue.com.au

Lauren Yates from Ponytail Journal explains how to nip those pesky spots before they appear.

We are all completely different and therefore we should have different standards of beauty for each and every one of us.  So if you’re like me and have a genetic history of acne in the family, you’ll have good moments and bad, but comparing yourself to others won't ever do you justice.

Getting your skin mapped will open up clues as to how you need to care for your unique skin.  I did this for the first time almost a decade ago and couldn’t believe how much this helped me. Ever since, I have looked for all-natural organic alternatives to these prescribed products.  Some work, some don’t, but life is partly one big trial-and-error isn’t it?  Here are some of my favourite products to keep the healthiest skin possible.

1. MaskingSeven years ago I discovered the incredible impact on my skin that regular masking had. Weekly masking will have your skin refined, and your pores unclogged, looking super smooth.  A basic clay mask with kaolin clay or any other superfine clay will not be aggressive and is gentle as anything. I use pink clay for sensitive skin by Cattier, but keep in mind that these masks not only draw out impurities but moisture too, so it’s important that we replenish that lost moisture.

2. Black SoapA black soap cleanser is all natural and made to balance oil levels, while very subtly lifting off dead skin cells, trapped dirt, and oil.  It also puts a lot of moisture back into the skin with shea butter, as well as iron and vitamin B from plantain skins.  So whether you’re concerned about spots, lines, or bumps, this ultra gentle exfoliant will take care of business.

3. ZincMy friend who is a naturopath suggested zinc for when I'm in need of serious damage control after a break out.  I was amazed to find how effectively an oral zinc supplement can help nip breakouts in the bud, and a bottle goes with me on all my travels.

4. Hemp ProteinHemp protein is a new discovery of mine that I now swear by. It contains all the best fatty acids, omega-3s and omega-6s - the building blocks for healthy cells.  It goes into my daily morning smoothie and I definitely notice how much better I look, feel, and function. Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein is a delicious nutty powder that blends into my morning drink or great sprinkled onto muesli.

5. MacaThis is your best friend if you are trying to bounce back from a hormonal imbalance. Our hormones control so many factors in health: how much you eat, how you feel, how much oil your glands produce, and even how your fat is metabolised.  Abnormalities in your life like overeating or breakouts around the chin, jaw, and neck are key indicators that your hormones are out of whack. Maca is a superfood that stimulates production of the right hormones in the body, and it has pretty immediate effects.  If you feel your skin is behaving hormonally, you might want to give a teaspoon of maca a try.