My Daily Acne Routine

My skincare routine has changed over the last few months. I've decided to take a natural approach with it, so no matter what it's likely to involve ingredients that I already have or ones that are natural and easier on my skin.

I've has acne ever since I hit those teenage years, and it went from okay to bad to decent. But it's never been consistently good. Even now I still have struggles with my skin. Oily skin and acne and their scars.

Unfortunately, acne isn't just an outward deal. The biggest part is what's going on inside. Hormonal, food intolerances, stress levels. I've got all of those. 

A few things to keep in mind:

• Parabens are bad. They increase the Estrogen in our bodies, (parabens mimic estrogen) and this can cause an imbalance in our hormones. Enter: acne, mood swings, irritability, and even more difficult health & mental problems.
• Diet. What you eat is going to affect your skin. If your skin is an acne nightmare, you have to consider what you're eating. Maybe you have intolerance's or allergies. I cut out gluten, wheat, dairy, and peanuts due to intolerances. Then more recently grains and legumes. I went from vegetarian of five years to a picky carnivore (I'm funny about certain meats.) As my body detoxed, my acne was all over the place and I even got this weird rash on my back. I still have some things to sort out, but my skin is definitely improving.
• Hormones/Genetics. I don't believe that just because you have a genetic disposition to something that it is set in stone that you'll have that issue. But we do have to pay attention to our genetics in order to fix our problems. Hormones also play a big part in our skin among other things. How does your skin look before your period? If you're like me, you break out.

Okay, so now down to what I actually use. Before I put my makeup on, I wash my face...with Honey and a little water so it'll go onto my face easier. Honey has anti-septic properties, which prevents the growth of bacteria in your pores. Honey is also anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce redness and swelling from acne. If you have dry skin the honey can help preserve moisture, and prevent dryness and peeling. I take a wash cloth with warm water to remove.

Then, I put on a mixture of jojoba oil and carrot seed oil, geranium oil and lavender oil. This mixture is mostly jojoba with added drops of these essential oils. I use this instead of moisturizer but it is moisturizing anyway, so it works out. And no, it does not leave you feeling oily at all. It absorbs quickly, replenishes the skin and smells really good.

Next it's makeup time. I wear Lauren Brooke's Cosmetiques. I've been trying and trying to make a concealer that covers really well, and doesn't feel oily, to no avail. Then I searched high and low to find a natural concealer that wasn't ridiculously priced for not much product as well as the right ingredients. This Creme Concealer is what I wear and love. They also have samples available. I also use a mineral foundation that I make and sell on Etsy. It's great for absorbing oil and it really settles the concealer well. You can check it out here. I also have samples.

I also wear other makeup, but my focus of this post is acne care.. During the day if I'm going to be home for a bit I put on a spot treatment of cinnamon, honey and nutmeg. Make sure to wash that off after about 20 minutes.

At night, I use jojoba oil to remove my eye makeup and I also use it on my face as well. I take a wash cloth and warm water to clean everything off.

Lastly, I use the jojoba, carrot seed oil, geranium oil and lavender oil to moisturize. Then it's time for bed!

This isn't my dog, but how cute!

What kinds of natural things do you do for your skin? Share in the comment section below! Have a lovely night, unless you're reading this and it's day, then have a lovely day!