Back in September, I wrote a post about my healthy skin care routine , which explained how I’ve reduced the frequency of breakouts in my life. I’ve struggled with acne for as long as I can remember, so switching up my diet, living habits, and the products I use has worked wonders in the past several months. I received a lot of positive feedback from my first post, so here are a few more things that have helped to keep my skin clear.
Omega-3s
I already mentioned omega-3s in my first healthy skin routine post , but I just want to emphasize how much they seem to reduce breakouts and the overall quality of my skin. My skin is definitely not perfect, but I have seen a huge improvement since I started to take a daily fish oil supplement (and/or Coromega ) and fill my diet with omega-3s from as many food sources as possible. (I also take a multivitamin every morning.)
Some of my favorite omega-3-rich foods are chia seeds , ground flaxseed meal, walnuts, and fish (canned and fresh).
Less sugar
Ever since I wrote my Confessions of a Sugarholic post, I’ve been a lot more conscious about how much sugar I consume. I still enjoy sugar on a daily basis, but not like I used to, which means that my blood sugar is a lot more steady. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels cause increased sebum production, which creates clogged pores and acne [ source ]. Plus, replacing all of that refined sugar with nutritious fruits and veggies has improved the quality of my skin too.
Fewer products
I can’t even tell you how many different skin care/acne products I’ve tried over the years, including both over-the-counter and prescription products. You name, I’ve tried it! And, even worse, I’ve spent way too much money on them without results.
Less than I year ago, I used about 8-10 different products on my skin (face wash, toner, moisturizer, acne medication, serums, night cream, foundation, etc.). One day, when I was complaining about my skin for the millionth time to Mal, he pointed out just how much crap I used on my face alone. No wonder I kept breaking out! My skin was confused by all of the different products and chemicals it was being exposed to everyday, so I immediately pared them down.
Now, I use just three products daily: Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash , Sephora Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 , and Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel . If I get a big zit, I use CVS brand benzoyl peroxide to spot treat it. If my skin gets really dry (like in the winter), I use Purpose moisturizer before I put on the tinted moisturizer.
Yoga
Yoga relaxes and detoxifies the body, so it seems that my regular practice is benefiting my skin too. I guess it’s worth the money ! 
Water
I also mentioned water in my first post , but it’s important to mention again since I definitely notice a difference in my skin when I don’t drink a lot of water. Water hydrates the skin, transports nutrients around the body, and flushes toxins, which all give the skin a ‘healthy glow’ and reduce the chance of breakouts [ source ], so I guzzle it all day long. (Added bonus: Drinking lots of water seems to help control my sugar cravings!)
As you know, I’m not a dermatologist, esthetician, or doctor of any kind. This post is based on my own personal experiences. If you have specific questions for me, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Back in September, I wrote a post about my healthy skin care routine , which explained how I’ve reduced the frequency of breakouts in my life. I’ve struggled with acne for as long as I can remember, so switching up my diet, living habits, and the products I use has worked wonders in the past several months. I received a lot of positive feedback from my first post, so here are a few more things that have helped to keep my skin clear.
Omega-3s
I already mentioned omega-3s in my first healthy skin routine post , but I just want to emphasize how much they seem to reduce breakouts and the overall quality of my skin. My skin is definitely not perfect, but I have seen a huge improvement since I started to take a daily fish oil supplement (and/or Coromega ) and fill my diet with omega-3s from as many food sources as possible. (I also take a multivitamin every morning.)
Some of my favorite omega-3-rich foods are chia seeds , ground flaxseed meal, walnuts, and fish (canned and fresh).
Less sugar
Ever since I wrote my Confessions of a Sugarholic post, I’ve been a lot more conscious about how much sugar I consume. I still enjoy sugar on a daily basis, but not like I used to, which means that my blood sugar is a lot more steady. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels cause increased sebum production, which creates clogged pores and acne [ source ]. Plus, replacing all of that refined sugar with nutritious fruits and veggies has improved the quality of my skin too.
Fewer products
I can’t even tell you how many different skin care/acne products I’ve tried over the years, including both over-the-counter and prescription products. You name, I’ve tried it! And, even worse, I’ve spent way too much money on them without results.
Less than I year ago, I used about 8-10 different products on my skin (face wash, toner, moisturizer, acne medication, serums, night cream, foundation, etc.). One day, when I was complaining about my skin for the millionth time to Mal, he pointed out just how much crap I used on my face alone. No wonder I kept breaking out! My skin was confused by all of the different products and chemicals it was being exposed to everyday, so I immediately pared them down.
Now, I use just three products daily: Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash , Sephora Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 , and Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel . If I get a big zit, I use CVS brand benzoyl peroxide to spot treat it. If my skin gets really dry (like in the winter), I use Purpose moisturizer before I put on the tinted moisturizer.
Yoga
Yoga relaxes and detoxifies the body, so it seems that my regular practice is benefiting my skin too. I guess it’s worth the money !
Water
I also mentioned water in my first post , but it’s important to mention again since I definitely notice a difference in my skin when I don’t drink a lot of water. Water hydrates the skin, transports nutrients around the body, and flushes toxins, which all give the skin a ‘healthy glow’ and reduce the chance of breakouts [ source ], so I guzzle it all day long. (Added bonus: Drinking lots of water seems to help control my sugar cravings!)
As you know, I’m not a dermatologist, esthetician, or doctor of any kind. This post is based on my own personal experiences. If you have specific questions for me, please don’t hesitate to ask!