What made my skin clear, and then get worse again?

[sungoddess]

I have been suffering with bad skin for a long time. AND, Ever since I went raw it has been at it's all time WORST. I have been raw now for 6 months and had been eating low fat for the last 3 months, to no avail with the skin. On January 4th I had a terrible stomach flu. I was throwing up ALL day and having HORRIBLE diahrrea. Everything was flushed from my body. January 5th was my birthday, so even though I still was feeling weak, I let myself eat fatty "gourmet" raw foods. The next day my skin was so clear- so I figured: what the heck, i am going to continue eating this way!

I don't know whether it was the stomach flu, whether it was a healing crisis, or even whether it was the maca I had started taking a DAY before the stomach flu that cleared up my skin so much.

So I kept on eating "whatever as long as it is raw" (and taking maca) all the way until now. My skin was wonderful! Smooth and clear! I felt like I was on top of the world. I cannot describe the kind of joy I felt. PLUS i was giving myself more freedom in my eating habits and able to feel more "normal"( all a college student wants).

Just 3 days ago my skin started getting bad again. I am so desperate. I had a taste of what it felt like to not feel ashamned and want to hide my face. I actually let myself turn on the bright industial bathroom lights in my dorm bathroom to look in the mirror. Now I keep them off again.

Does anyone have an idea as to what happened? Why was my skin so clear? My though process is: if my skin was clearer BEFORE i went raw, then it makes sense that it was a HUGE detox coming through my skin once I went raw in August. I began doing low fat after three months of raw, and continued up until my stomach flu and birthday, but my skin never cleared while doing that. Then my stomach virus... and clear skin? THAT makes it seem like it was CLEARING something out, like candida? However, that is inconsistent with my idea of the acne being detox. Why would candida have begun to get WORSE when I began raw 6 months ago? (this is why detox made sense to me then)

If I can figure out from these clues what is making my skin bad, I would go to the ends of the earth to do whatever I need to do. I feel so desperate. I am so frusterated because I have been sticking with this for a long time, and I am young and trying to be strong- but why can't I figure this out? does anyone have any idea???? thank you!

[Rawkinlocs]

Have you at any point ever been using products for trying to control the acne? If so, your body "could" be trying to get rid of that. I mean, having a bout with diarrhea and vomiting doesn't necessarily mean that everything was cleared out of your system that could possibly be in there...in your blood, etc. That's just like sayiing that after having a couple of colonics that everything is all gone and that may not necessarily be the case, especially on a cellular level.

Also keep in mind that other things besides diet can play a part in what goes on with our bodies - stress, enviroment, products we use on our bodies or clothing, etc. That is why I say that we're never "done" detoxing because although we may be eating cleaner and cleaner as time goes on, we don't live in a perfect world and there are other elements to consider that may affect us. Diet is a huge part, but not the only part!

[VeggieMel]

I'm guessing it's good news. You're detoxing. You're getting all the toxins out of your system.

[SmilingRawDancer]

No matter what I eat, how raw I am, or how long I go without using face products, I still have acne, and I still only breakout when I'm stressed, which is alot of the time, as I'm in college :)

I hate to say "It's in the genetics", but I think it just is.
I'm irritated.

And I won't be attaching photos, lol :D

[JGex]

What sort of facial products do you use? Do you use a moisterizer?

[my_sunshine]

I'm no help with the diet (sorry) but I've heard great things about doing ocm. I did it briefly and loved it and have just been too lazy, but will start again. It's all natural, and here is a link for more info:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=5612&page=1&pp=15

[SmilingRawDancer]

*raises hand*

....I don't use moisturizer or anything anymore.
I wash my face at night with water in the shower, but I've stopped everything else because nothing was working, so I figured the absence of using things might work better.
It's been over 6 months and nothing :-\

[sungoddess]

i have used nothing for six months. argh.

[Rawkinlocs]

Again, stress?? Environmental elements?? Hormones?? Diet isn't the only factor always - other things can contribute. I know it's frustrating hon, I've dealt with acne all my life on my face, my back, my chest - It' starting to clear up, but I'm still not totally clear and when it's "that time of the month" I end up getting a small flair up then too. I guess if you don't want to just wait and allow your body to do this thing naturally, on it's on, in it's own time - then you may want to resort to using "stuff"? But that won't get to the root cause of it - not sure what that is, but it has to be something.

[Svadhyaya]

Do you use coconut oil in your diet?

I know many young women who have cleared their skin remarkably by adding a bit of coconut daily in their shakes.

[Sooboopa]

Sungoddess, I just want to say that you are stunningly beautiful. You have an exquisite face. My skin is also very sensitive and I have had problems with it. I really think a lot of it has to do with genetics. Often you see extremely overweight, unhealthy people, skulling down bottles of Coke and eating potato chips, and they have exquisite, poreless skin. I remember Shelley from www.rawandjuicy.com had ongoing skin problems after being raw for quite a while. I think it is possible to reverse past bad habits (whether from food, make-up, skin products etc) and also genetic problems. Maybe after three years you will have perfect skin. I think you need to persist and persist and persist. Try everything you think you can. Everytime you see your skin in the mirror or feel someone is looking at it, repeat 'I have clear, radiant skin'...or 'My skin is perfectly smooth' or something...so you are trying to change the belief that you have bad skin, which may in turn, affect the reality you are experiencing. I think detox will come in waves. I have to go back to work now, but you are young. Hopefully in a few years...you will have the skin of your dreams...

[JGex]

i have used nothing for six months. argh.

I'm going to tell you what my Ayurvedic skin gal told me a few years ago...

if you aren't using a moisterizer because you think your skin is too oily or that moisterizer causes breakouts, you're probably causing your own skin problems.

Not moisterizing is like not eating to lose weight... in the long term, it causes you to gain weight because your body goes into crisis mode. Same with moisterizing.... if you don't, then your face goes into overdrive trying to produce oil to moisterize itself. The result is clogged pores, and face breakouts.

To rectify the situation, wash your face only twice a day - in the morning & at night. Use an all natural moisterizer like Aubrey Organics.

My personal recommendation is to also get a tube of Burt's Bees Blemish Stick, and keep your hands off of your face if you have a tendency to touch it. Also, change your pillow case at least once a week.

:D

[eatyourbroccoli]

sungoddess..i did exactly what you are doing now for just under a year. i tracked, i journaled, i tried to find correlations between food and lotions and makeup and exercise and sleeping habits..and nothing ever matched up. anything that seemed to match up..didnt match up any longer the next month.

2 months on bioidentical hormones, and my skin is clear except for 2 small, healing pimples and another small pimple by my nose. maybe a few tiny white heads around my mouth. (and scars, which are fading very, very quickly).

my face looked exactly like yours did before. you already know somethings screwy with your hormones bc of the PCOS diagnosis. just sayin... ;)

[eatyourbroccoli]

ps

in the meantime, look into seabuck thorn oil (sea buckthorn?) products. its helped heal my skin from the damage acne did to it..and i was breaking out in a sort of acne-ish rash on my chest (which i had about a year ago for a few months..i think it occurs when my hormone levels hit a certain level..and now that im bring them back up theyre going through whatever level they were at a year ago, and this is why i have this on my chest again..) and its been 3 days and its about 75% cleared up.

[Svadhyaya]

Yes! The pillowcase thing is crucial. Change it daily if you can!

[Moonstone]

You could try eliminating one food at a time from your diet, say for a week or so to see if this might be causing reactions to your skin and if nothing happens in a week, put it back in your diet and go on to the next food. It just seems coincidence to me that your skin cleared after you were ill and your system flushed.

[eatyourbroccoli]

pps

since i feel ive tried every product/mask/homemade or commercial/etcetc i thought maybe this list might help u a bit? i dunno..i just know what youre going through and i just want to help :o

what ive found best for controlling breakouts is:

(bioidentical hormones..)

derma e clear skin 2 spot blemish treatment as an all-over lotion morning/night

seabuck thorn tea lotion from seabuckthorn.com as moisturizer morn/night

1 tablespoon coconut oil in smoothie per day

extra water, even when 100% raw

NIXODERM!!! as a spot treatment overnight (can buy it off ebay for like $5)

and then manuka honey after the bump is on its way out as a spot treatment to help speed the healing process as an overnight treatment.

and then i wash with carleys clean and clear which you can google and buy off the internet.

for me, personally, anything "normal" over the counter makes my skin far worse. all of the above is all-natural.

good luck to u

[sungoddess]

thank you everyone, I DO use moisturizer actually. Either jojoba, or coconut butter, I sometimes use tea tree oil or bee yummy skin food. I am sure that external remedies wouldn't really be extremely effective because it seems to be so clearly internal. I understand that this is a complicated thing, andd that it often takes people a very long time- I just thought that maybe there was SOMETHING to the fact that it cleared up after the purging of everything in my body. OK. hmmmm

EYB, I know you have been persistent with bioidentical hormones. And I really should. I have talked to my mom, we have talked it over, decided we would wait because it didn't add up that it was a hormone ALLERGY (not that we would even know). We even called your place in texas and they consulted with the doctor and told us that PCOS was not normally caused by a hormone allergy. I know I know.

I am sure there are many things I could do to try and alleviate it. Stress is huge in my life, though I try very hard to control it with breathing and yoga etc. My problem is that my skin saucses such great stress that it is cyclical. I DO have hormonal imbalances, very much so. I was hopeing maca would alleviate this... I know everything takes time, and it is all very complicated. I know its something, and I will figure it out. I am just feeling very very depserate.

Thank you guys

[1GirlTwinBoys]

Jojoba made me break out more for some reason. I know lot's of people with acne prone skin swear it doesn't though and love it.

Bare Essentuals makeup also made me break out really bad because of the "Bismuth" in the ingredients. I have now switched to Everyday Minerals with no problems.

My Dh works with a plastic surgeon and I have access to many expensive products for cost or free. I have not been happy with any of them. The best thing I have found for my cleanser is Cetaphil Sensitive Skin Cleanser mixed with baking soda. I wet my face and then make a paste out of this and gently cleanse in the shower. It's a great exfoliator. After my face is dry, I put a mixture of 50/50 Bragg's ACV & Water. I keep a squirt bottle of it in my bathroom to use as a toner. It balances out the PH level after using the cleanser/baking soda mix. :) I LOVE it although it does stink. ;)

Right now I'm finishing up a bottle of Proactiv moisturizer which doesn't irritate my skin, but when I'm finished with it I'll be trying 100% pure Aloe Vera Gel because it's supposed to be a good moisturizer for acne prone skin.

[my_sunshine]

What about shea butter for moisterizer- I use that. And I use baking soda to wash my face about once a week- it makes it really soft.

Maybe probiotics for internal help? Or grape seed extract? Or even collidol silver in case there is something in there that is causing it?

[my_sunshine]

And btw, I totally agree w/pp'ters that you are beautiful!

[Alba]

Hi Sungoddess!

This is my story and it's going to be quite long - and I am not sure it will work for you, since everyone's body is different. But here it is - you really ought to give it a try. at least consider it.
Trust me I know how you feel. Really do. When I read the part about the bathroom lights...I could have written it. When my skin is good; I feel good, less stressed, overall happier - almost a different person. I wear nicer clothes etc. and...I turn on the harsh bathroom lights which I normally leave switched off (talk about self desception)....anyway.

Acne started when I was about 15 years old. I tried everything, topicals, facials and antibiotics...nothing really helped, or maybe it helped and it would come back worse...hm. well, I started looking in to candida since I have been taking antibiotics and penicilin since I was a baby - and my stomach has ALWAYS been out of wack - It actually started when I was in France over the summer and only ate salads at the restaurants - because they were cheap and I saved my money for...you guessed it´...shopping :p
My skin cleared 80 % up and when I came home I started researching and went on a candida diet - which meant (and this was tremendously hard for me) NO FRUIT!! I already gave up sugar (pops,cake,candy) the year before and after that I upped my fruit intake to 8 pieces/day. My favorite was Pink Lady Apple - which is very high in sugar.
At that time I ate:

lots and lots of lean meat - (esp. canned tuna - which I now know is high in mercury)
Vegetables
legumes
soymilk and tofu (HUGE amounts - like almost 1 ltr/day and 200 g. tofu/day)
oils and spices
nuts
sometimes carrots and sour apples.
some grains (very few and quickly stopped)
Coconut oil

And this - cleared up my skin 100% - and I mean 100%!
It lasted for about a year (I think I started slacking off - ate a banana here and there - but somehow it just happened gradually and my skin did not suffer. still perfectly clear.

Anyway, this summer - I once again went to france - and when I arrived there was sweet, ripe, juicy fruit everywhere...I gave in, and started eating fruit again...my skin stayed almost clear - but then...after a while, I started noticing some problems around my nose, temples and back (the places I used to break out) - However, I didn't connect it to the fruit consumption...don'r know why actually...maybe I didn't want to give up fruit... :o
Anyway, I came back home and straightened up a little - ordered some Threelac (powerful anti-candida supplement) and my skin cleared up yet again.

Then I learned about raw - and how you could eat everything and still get perfect perfect perfect skin - so I thought I'd give that a go...
I threw myself at it - ate fruits, nuts, veggies etc. And my skin looked AMAZING for the first 2 weeks - I thougt: Hey this diet really DOES clear up skin, and I forgot ALL about avoiding fruits - because, well, they taste good.

THEN (:( ) detox came...and never really went - or so it seemed.
Everywhere I was reading how detox takes tops a couple of moths and after that slin will be better than ever. In fact it just seemed to get worse. And I mean really worse.
I tried 8-1-1 and it worked for a while - skin cleared up - maybe 40% better. Nothing major...then it became EVEN worse. I was desperate - it almost ruined my relationship - I became SO self-conscious and emotional because I felt ugly compared to everyone else...On top of this - I WAS EATING SO MUCH HEALTHIER THAN ANYONE I KNEW - talk about frustration :rolleyes:
SO - 5 moths after going raw my skin was at its worse - I kept saying to myself - it is a detox, let it pass - it'll pass. But it just didn't---I ordered THreelac once again, thinking it might clear me up as it did before (little did I know that Threelac only finished up what the candida-DIET had started - clear skin). For I while I was in heaven. My skin went from CRAPPY CRAP to almost 90% clear - I could eat what I wanted and feel great about myself - I had found my natural, healthy saviour - or so I thought...
In that period - I think I started upping my fruit intake - eating more and more bananas...and then. Threelac stopped working. It just stopped working. So six days ago I was so frustrated I could cry (which I did) - I was ready to quit raw...although something told me that I overlooked something... so

I started searching my mental acne-archive for valuable information...looking back at my acne-story..and I just had to slap my head. FRUIT. avoiding it cleared me up 2 years ago...and now I was consuming atleast 4 bananas, 4 apples, mangoes, 5 oranges, pineapple and all other fruits I could lay my hands on every single day.

I googled away for a whole day and found out that while some people don't react to sugars at all, other people can only handle fruitsugars and at last some people - cannot tolerate even that (skin-wise)
I read testemonies by raw vegans saying how 8-1-1 first seemed to work, then made it all worse, and testemonies about how 8-1-1 cleared up skin for good...I was still confused. I Read about Low Glycemic Raw vegan had helped a lot of people who had suffered from never ending skin-"detox" on raw, getting clear.
LOW GL RAW IS BASICALLY

ALL vegetables (carrots,parsnips,yams and beets in moderation)
Some low gl. fruits (berries,kiwi,sour apple,grapefruit,etc)
seeds
oils
sprouts
some nuts (in moderation - since they are harsh on digestion)
Sweet fruits in moderation (oranges, melons etc)
ALMOST never the really sweet fruit (pineapple, sharon, banana, mango etc)

I figured the best thing to do was to try it. I had one last banana green smoothie (still miss you guys - although I have found my way to work around it - now making one with raspberries). At this point 5 days ago the acne had spread to my back, my breast and I had all these weird bumps under my chin and behind my ears. I am sure that, if this hadn't worked - I would have quit raw in desperation and tried accutane or something...SO THANKFUL I DID NOT! :)

INSTANTLY, after not starting the day with a banana-loaded green smoothie I felt I was on the right track. Less acne on back already first day.
Second day: acne on chest "drying up" no new bumps.
Third day: same happens with face
fourth day: over all softer skin (thighs, butt and upper arms)
Today: I am - and I am NOT lying: 95% clear - after being in acne ****, crying in frustration I am just so happy that I found this out.

I have now ordered Gabriel Cousens Rainbow GREEN live food cuisine - he is a Low gl raw vegan and says the same thing that I have found out during my research - while high fruit works for some - it will NOT work for others.
We are different. I have read a theory that made sense somewhere - something about liver-capability. If you have a weak liver - it will have a hard time processing the excess sugar in your body allowing for the brain to pump out hormones which will cause for sebum production to increase an cause acne. I will post it - if anyone is interested.

Additional to this new diet I started taking
2 Evening primrose oil capsules/2 times a day
1 multivitamin
probiotics
zinc (if I remember it)
and I drink ACV dilluted in water 3 times/day - it is said to prevent blood sugar from spiking - and thus help the liver control hormone production.
I take maca too.

I really think you should try this, since I think the results will be immediate if this really is your problem.

If not, if it's hormones - it might help as well since a lot of sugar can "confuse" the hormone system as well. Anyway - try researching.

I wish you all the best. Because you know what - everyone deserves clear skin. Especially a person who is doing his/her best.

You are all free to ask questions.

Love alba

[Nimmanu]

I'm going to second the idea of not being overly "clean" and using moisturizer.

A lot of people who think they have oily skin will do their darndest to make it dry... and it works. So once it's dry, they break out 100x worse.

Try cleaning it minimally and using a stronger moisturizer for a week or two.

[Svadhyaya]

Very interesting, Alba.
I liked your story....thanks for sharing your journey.
It's nice to be reminded that one size doesn't fit all and everyone's adventure is a very personal one.

By the way - your skin looks gorgeous on your avatar.

[eatyourbroccoli]

i second alba on the low sugar thing. it didnt even come to mind bc im so brainwashed by hormones :p .. but ive been living mostly off raspberry/blackberry/blueberry/OJ smoothies for a month or so id say..its all ive been craving..and i DO notice when i have a banana, i break out. or add a banana to the smoothie..i break out. apples seem ok with me, but i also figured out a few months ago that mangos make me break out, too. i dunno..i just wanted to second the alba thing, sungoddess..maybe give that a try?

[Alba]

Hi Svadhyaya - you are very welcome...When I read Sungoddess' message - I thought to myself...if I answer this thread - I better do it right!
I know that other people's testemonies have helped me before so I'm glad to share mine if it helps anyone:)

And EYB, I'm glad to see that you have simular experiences, I think we are on to something...I am not saying this is the best for everyone - some people thrive on fruit and no fat while others need fat.
Maybe some people (me..you?) are very sensitive towards sugar - and our skin reacts to that.

I'll just try to post what I found out about the liver-sugar-acne connection.
....*runs out to google away*

hm...I can't seem to find it?

Yay - here it is:


Your HORMONAL response to sugar
Just what happens after you eat sugar?

Well right of the bat your blood sugar levels rise rapidly. To bring blood sugar levels down your body excretes hormones...particularly insulin and other androgenic hormones.

These hormones signal your body's cells to upon up their "doors" and let the sugar in.

The primary places blood sugar goes is the cells of the liver and the cells that make up the muscles. They "fill up" just like inflating a tire or filling up a water balloon.

But what happens when they are all full to capacity?

Well, any excess blood sugar is then converted by your liver into long chain fats (basically LARD). This "lard" is then transported to your fat cells and stored as fat.



End effects of consuming EXCESS sugar
Sugar, unlike other more complex starches, raises blood sugars rapidly. It is metabolized ("burned") very quickly in your system.

It spikes blood sugar levels in direct proportion to how much you ingest at one time. The more you ingest the greater the spike in blood sugar levels.

This spike in blood sugar causes your body to excrete a SURGE of hormones all at one time.

It also causes a surge of high blood fats (LARD) all at one time.

So the end effect is it overwhelms your system with hormones and blood fats.

All these excess androgenic hormones cause your skin sebum glands to go into hyper drive...producing way too much skin oil. Add to that the excess blood fats floating around and the end results is aggravation of an already existing acne condition.

So if sugar aggravates acne then why can some people eat all the sugar in the world yet still have flawless skin?

Great question....now you're thinking grasshopper....




Why sugar aggravates acne in some and NOT in others
Here's the missing piece to the sugar acne relationship you've been looking for...

Ingesting too much sugar alone will not aggravate acne. It's only when you overwhelm the liver with excess hormones that acne will flare.

The liver is what "deactivates" and "clears" excess hormones from your system.

But it only has so much capacity to do that.

So the reason sugar aggravates your acne, while your friend can eat all the sugar they want and still not get acne is because there liver function is much stronger.

Their liver is able to quickly "deactivate" and "clear" any excess hormones. So they never sufferer hormonal imbalance. And they never sufferer from acne.

But you're liver capacity in this regard is significantly "shackled". That's why even a little bit of sugar can aggravate your acne.

so that's a possible scientific explanation.

Found some more on the Glycemic index vs. Sugar:


Hypoglycemic index and acne, the fatal flaw
The hypoglycemic index in theory seems like a useful indicator of your bodies blood sugar response to foods. However, in practice its pretty much useless.

Let me explain...

More important then how quickly a food is metabolized into simple sugars is whether or not at any one given time you eat so much of these type of foods that you overload your system with sugar.



Your "sugar reservoir"...the CRUCIAL missing piece to the hypoglycemic index and acne puzzle
Think of your system as a bathtub...

You have water running into the tub, and you have water running down the drain.

Well, the water running into the tub would be the sugar entering your system as a result of food metabolization. The pressure at which the water ran into the tub would be the value of that particular food on the hypoglycemic scale. The volume at which the water flowed into the tub would be the amount of that food or food combination you consumed. So you could have high pressure but not much volume.

The water running out would be the sugar being burnt as energy by your metabolic rate. Your muscular tissue burns most of the sugar, and the more active you are (exercise) the more sugar you burn.

If you fill the tub faster then the water runs out eventually the tub is going to overflow. And this overflow would be akin to overwhelming your system with too much sugar from food metabolization.

Well, the tub in this analogy would be your body's "sugar reservoir" which is primarily your muscles and your liver. The more muscle you have the larger your sugar reservoir. Your body will store most of the sugar to be used as energy in the muscle tissue and the liver.

But what happens once the muscles and liver are totally loaded to capacity with sugar?

Well your body deals with excess sugar in 2 ways...

1. It excretes it through the kidneys in the urine.

2. The liver converts it into long-chain triglycerides (lard) to be stored as fat.



"Overflowing" your "sugar reservoir"...the disastrous results
So if you "overflow the bath tub" what you're doing is overloading your blood stream with lard. The same blood and lymph that supplies your skin is also transporting lard to the fat cells where it is stored until you burn it off through physical exercise.

Loading your blood and lymph with this excess lard is what causes that greasy forehead look. So you do not want to run high blood "fat" levels by ingesting too many carbohydrates and simple sugars at any one time.

In addition to that, to deal with all the blood sugars that overwhelmed your system your body has to excrete a surge of insulin and other androgens at one time. All these hormones in your blood at one time overwhelm your liver's ability to deactivate and expel them. So overflowing the "tub" upsets hormonal balance.

The key here is not "overflowing" the tub. If the water is running out of the tub quickly due to a high metabolic rate then you can ingest more sugars and starches. And in fact at times of high physical activity you need more sugars and starches.

It is not so much the rate at which foods turn to sugar (what the hypoglycemic index of a food reveals) that is important, but whether you overwhelm your system with too much sugar at any one time (the volume). So you can see why the hypoglycemic index is too simplistic a perspective when it comes to acne.

Hope it helps...

Love alba

[eatyourbroccoli]

very helpful, thank you :)

[Bobbie]

I never geta cne unless I have blended banana and then I break out immediately.

There's an acne diet on the net called Wai, which has certain rules - no unshelled nuts, only ones you've shelled yourselves, no blended food especially bananas, low protein, no seeds. These things apparantly make people with acne break out.

[BrianC]

If you think your acne may be related to detox, you should try using a sauna (not a steam room) 5-6 times a week. I posted once before about how saunas help the body eliminate toxins as it releases them from "storage." Your school probably has one at its athletic facility - we do at BC. Good Luck.

[Red Willow]

Hi! This is my first post, your query inspired me!

I used to have horrible acne. Like you, I used jojoba and tea tree oil, believing these were the most natural and genble substances to put on my face. Yet, the acne persisted.

Once I stopped using these products, my skin became pretty much completely clear. Jojoba just cloggs my pores. Tea Tree is just irritating as all-get-out.

My hands were also awfully chapped and I realized that it was because of the TTO hand soap I was using! It's strong stuff.

Experiment with other moisturizers. I use a light moisturizer by JASON brand that has SPF 15 (many on this forum may object to this!), but it works well for me.

[rawscal]

Sungoddess,
The fruit sugar thing makes a lot of sense. I know exactly what your going through. I think it was eatyourbroccoli that gave that great info about the fruit connection. I know what you, mean, too about the bathroom light thing. It's so funny how little things like that we feel the same about. Anyway, I just wanted to say that when I began 100% raw as of new years eve 2006 I was for the most part fruitarian. This diet works phenomonally for some, not for me, not yet anyway. I like the shape my face was taking on (more defined) but after about four weeks (couple of days ago) I started to break out like a thirteen tear old with really bad skin genetics. Not to mention when eating mostly fruit I had hardly any energy and my mood wasn't so great either. Once I started drinking the green vegetable juices again things really balanced out for me as far as my energy and my mood. My skin isn't so flared up either. I want to share with you something I came across a couple of years ago online and remember last night and did. Fill a basin or bowl with warm water and 1 tblspn of sea salt. Cleanse your face with this water by continuosly splashing your face with it. I do it like 20x. Then take a face cloth, dip it in the water and wring it almost dry and use it to pat your face almost dry. It will air dry quickly. Take a couple of drops of jojoba oil and use as moisturizer. I read this from a man whose daughter suffered with acne and sounded like us and he traveled out of the country a lot and came across this remedy and said it cleared her up...period. I've been doing it and it make your face feel so clean and 'normal', not tight, dry, oily or anything weird. I'm going to continue doing this. Give it a try, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Don't forget to frink lots of water, too. :)

[rawscal]

I stand corrected, I just checked and Alba gave us that wonderful fruit advice. Sorry about the mix-up.

[mershwista]

Low sugar and low fat ought to help...but as Rawkinlocs said, there are plenty of othre factors.

[eatyourbroccoli]

sg..how much water are you drinking? on average?

[sungoddess]

Hi Sungoddess!

This is my story and it's going to be quite long - and I am not sure it will work for you, since everyone's body is different. But here it is - you really ought to give it a try. at least consider it.
Trust me I know how you feel. Really do. When I read the part about the bathroom lights...I could have written it. When my skin is good; I feel good, less stressed, overall happier - almost a different person. I wear nicer clothes etc. and...I turn on the harsh bathroom lights which I normally leave switched off (talk about self desception)....anyway.

Acne started when I was about 15 years old. I tried everything, topicals, facials and antibiotics...nothing really helped, or maybe it helped and it would come back worse...hm. well, I started looking in to candida since I have been taking antibiotics and penicilin since I was a baby - and my stomach has ALWAYS been out of wack - It actually started when I was in France over the summer and only ate salads at the restaurants - because they were cheap and I saved my money for...you guessed it´...shopping :p
My skin cleared 80 % up and when I came home I started researching and went on a candida diet - which meant (and this was tremendously hard for me) NO FRUIT!! I already gave up sugar (pops,cake,candy) the year before and after that I upped my fruit intake to 8 pieces/day. My favorite was Pink Lady Apple - which is very high in sugar.
At that time I ate:

lots and lots of lean meat - (esp. canned tuna - which I now know is high in mercury)
Vegetables
legumes
soymilk and tofu (HUGE amounts - like almost 1 ltr/day and 200 g. tofu/day)
oils and spices
nuts
sometimes carrots and sour apples.
some grains (very few and quickly stopped)
Coconut oil

And this - cleared up my skin 100% - and I mean 100%!
It lasted for about a year (I think I started slacking off - ate a banana here and there - but somehow it just happened gradually and my skin did not suffer. still perfectly clear.

Anyway, this summer - I once again went to france - and when I arrived there was sweet, ripe, juicy fruit everywhere...I gave in, and started eating fruit again...my skin stayed almost clear - but then...after a while, I started noticing some problems around my nose, temples and back (the places I used to break out) - However, I didn't connect it to the fruit consumption...don'r know why actually...maybe I didn't want to give up fruit... :o
Anyway, I came back home and straightened up a little - ordered some Threelac (powerful anti-candida supplement) and my skin cleared up yet again.

Then I learned about raw - and how you could eat everything and still get perfect perfect perfect skin - so I thought I'd give that a go...
I threw myself at it - ate fruits, nuts, veggies etc. And my skin looked AMAZING for the first 2 weeks - I thougt: Hey this diet really DOES clear up skin, and I forgot ALL about avoiding fruits - because, well, they taste good.

THEN (:( ) detox came...and never really went - or so it seemed.
Everywhere I was reading how detox takes tops a couple of moths and after that slin will be better than ever. In fact it just seemed to get worse. And I mean really worse.
I tried 8-1-1 and it worked for a while - skin cleared up - maybe 40% better. Nothing major...then it became EVEN worse. I was desperate - it almost ruined my relationship - I became SO self-conscious and emotional because I felt ugly compared to everyone else...On top of this - I WAS EATING SO MUCH HEALTHIER THAN ANYONE I KNEW - talk about frustration :rolleyes:
SO - 5 moths after going raw my skin was at its worse - I kept saying to myself - it is a detox, let it pass - it'll pass. But it just didn't---I ordered THreelac once again, thinking it might clear me up as it did before (little did I know that Threelac only finished up what the candida-DIET had started - clear skin). For I while I was in heaven. My skin went from CRAPPY CRAP to almost 90% clear - I could eat what I wanted and feel great about myself - I had found my natural, healthy saviour - or so I thought...
In that period - I think I started upping my fruit intake - eating more and more bananas...and then. Threelac stopped working. It just stopped working. So six days ago I was so frustrated I could cry (which I did) - I was ready to quit raw...although something told me that I overlooked something... so

I started searching my mental acne-archive for valuable information...looking back at my acne-story..and I just had to slap my head. FRUIT. avoiding it cleared me up 2 years ago...and now I was consuming atleast 4 bananas, 4 apples, mangoes, 5 oranges, pineapple and all other fruits I could lay my hands on every single day.

I googled away for a whole day and found out that while some people don't react to sugars at all, other people can only handle fruitsugars and at last some people - cannot tolerate even that (skin-wise)
I read testemonies by raw vegans saying how 8-1-1 first seemed to work, then made it all worse, and testemonies about how 8-1-1 cleared up skin for good...I was still confused. I Read about Low Glycemic Raw vegan had helped a lot of people who had suffered from never ending skin-"detox" on raw, getting clear.
LOW GL RAW IS BASICALLY

ALL vegetables (carrots,parsnips,yams and beets in moderation)
Some low gl. fruits (berries,kiwi,sour apple,grapefruit,etc)
seeds
oils
sprouts
some nuts (in moderation - since they are harsh on digestion)
Sweet fruits in moderation (oranges, melons etc)
ALMOST never the really sweet fruit (pineapple, sharon, banana, mango etc)

I figured the best thing to do was to try it. I had one last banana green smoothie (still miss you guys - although I have found my way to work around it - now making one with raspberries). At this point 5 days ago the acne had spread to my back, my breast and I had all these weird bumps under my chin and behind my ears. I am sure that, if this hadn't worked - I would have quit raw in desperation and tried accutane or something...SO THANKFUL I DID NOT! :)

INSTANTLY, after not starting the day with a banana-loaded green smoothie I felt I was on the right track. Less acne on back already first day.
Second day: acne on chest "drying up" no new bumps.
Third day: same happens with face
fourth day: over all softer skin (thighs, butt and upper arms)
Today: I am - and I am NOT lying: 95% clear - after being in acne ****, crying in frustration I am just so happy that I found this out.

I have now ordered Gabriel Cousens Rainbow GREEN live food cuisine - he is a Low gl raw vegan and says the same thing that I have found out during my research - while high fruit works for some - it will NOT work for others.
We are different. I have read a theory that made sense somewhere - something about liver-capability. If you have a weak liver - it will have a hard time processing the excess sugar in your body allowing for the brain to pump out hormones which will cause for sebum production to increase an cause acne. I will post it - if anyone is interested.

Additional to this new diet I started taking
2 Evening primrose oil capsules/2 times a day
1 multivitamin
probiotics
zinc (if I remember it)
and I drink ACV dilluted in water 3 times/day - it is said to prevent blood sugar from spiking - and thus help the liver control hormone production.
I take maca too.

I really think you should try this, since I think the results will be immediate if this really is your problem.

If not, if it's hormones - it might help as well since a lot of sugar can "confuse" the hormone system as well. Anyway - try researching.

I wish you all the best. Because you know what - everyone deserves clear skin. Especially a person who is doing his/her best.

You are all free to ask questions.

Love alba

this just made my day.... thank you

i am going to do this

[sungoddess]

Hi Svadhyaya - you are very welcome...When I read Sungoddess' message - I thought to myself...if I answer this thread - I better do it right!
I know that other people's testemonies have helped me before so I'm glad to share mine if it helps anyone:)

And EYB, I'm glad to see that you have simular experiences, I think we are on to something...I am not saying this is the best for everyone - some people thrive on fruit and no fat while others need fat.
Maybe some people (me..you?) are very sensitive towards sugar - and our skin reacts to that.

I'll just try to post what I found out about the liver-sugar-acne connection.
....*runs out to google away*

hm...I can't seem to find it?

Yay - here it is:


Your HORMONAL response to sugar
Just what happens after you eat sugar?

Well right of the bat your blood sugar levels rise rapidly. To bring blood sugar levels down your body excretes hormones...particularly insulin and other androgenic hormones.

These hormones signal your body's cells to upon up their "doors" and let the sugar in.

The primary places blood sugar goes is the cells of the liver and the cells that make up the muscles. They "fill up" just like inflating a tire or filling up a water balloon.

But what happens when they are all full to capacity?

Well, any excess blood sugar is then converted by your liver into long chain fats (basically LARD). This "lard" is then transported to your fat cells and stored as fat.



End effects of consuming EXCESS sugar
Sugar, unlike other more complex starches, raises blood sugars rapidly. It is metabolized ("burned") very quickly in your system.

It spikes blood sugar levels in direct proportion to how much you ingest at one time. The more you ingest the greater the spike in blood sugar levels.

This spike in blood sugar causes your body to excrete a SURGE of hormones all at one time.

It also causes a surge of high blood fats (LARD) all at one time.

So the end effect is it overwhelms your system with hormones and blood fats.

All these excess androgenic hormones cause your skin sebum glands to go into hyper drive...producing way too much skin oil. Add to that the excess blood fats floating around and the end results is aggravation of an already existing acne condition.

So if sugar aggravates acne then why can some people eat all the sugar in the world yet still have flawless skin?

Great question....now you're thinking grasshopper....




Why sugar aggravates acne in some and NOT in others
Here's the missing piece to the sugar acne relationship you've been looking for...

Ingesting too much sugar alone will not aggravate acne. It's only when you overwhelm the liver with excess hormones that acne will flare.

The liver is what "deactivates" and "clears" excess hormones from your system.

But it only has so much capacity to do that.

So the reason sugar aggravates your acne, while your friend can eat all the sugar they want and still not get acne is because there liver function is much stronger.

Their liver is able to quickly "deactivate" and "clear" any excess hormones. So they never sufferer hormonal imbalance. And they never sufferer from acne.

But you're liver capacity in this regard is significantly "shackled". That's why even a little bit of sugar can aggravate your acne.

so that's a possible scientific explanation.

Found some more on the Glycemic index vs. Sugar:


Hypoglycemic index and acne, the fatal flaw
The hypoglycemic index in theory seems like a useful indicator of your bodies blood sugar response to foods. However, in practice its pretty much useless.

Let me explain...

More important then how quickly a food is metabolized into simple sugars is whether or not at any one given time you eat so much of these type of foods that you overload your system with sugar.



Your "sugar reservoir"...the CRUCIAL missing piece to the hypoglycemic index and acne puzzle
Think of your system as a bathtub...

You have water running into the tub, and you have water running down the drain.

Well, the water running into the tub would be the sugar entering your system as a result of food metabolization. The pressure at which the water ran into the tub would be the value of that particular food on the hypoglycemic scale. The volume at which the water flowed into the tub would be the amount of that food or food combination you consumed. So you could have high pressure but not much volume.

The water running out would be the sugar being burnt as energy by your metabolic rate. Your muscular tissue burns most of the sugar, and the more active you are (exercise) the more sugar you burn.

If you fill the tub faster then the water runs out eventually the tub is going to overflow. And this overflow would be akin to overwhelming your system with too much sugar from food metabolization.

Well, the tub in this analogy would be your body's "sugar reservoir" which is primarily your muscles and your liver. The more muscle you have the larger your sugar reservoir. Your body will store most of the sugar to be used as energy in the muscle tissue and the liver.

But what happens once the muscles and liver are totally loaded to capacity with sugar?

Well your body deals with excess sugar in 2 ways...

1. It excretes it through the kidneys in the urine.

2. The liver converts it into long-chain triglycerides (lard) to be stored as fat.



"Overflowing" your "sugar reservoir"...the disastrous results
So if you "overflow the bath tub" what you're doing is overloading your blood stream with lard. The same blood and lymph that supplies your skin is also transporting lard to the fat cells where it is stored until you burn it off through physical exercise.

Loading your blood and lymph with this excess lard is what causes that greasy forehead look. So you do not want to run high blood "fat" levels by ingesting too many carbohydrates and simple sugars at any one time.

In addition to that, to deal with all the blood sugars that overwhelmed your system your body has to excrete a surge of insulin and other androgens at one time. All these hormones in your blood at one time overwhelm your liver's ability to deactivate and expel them. So overflowing the "tub" upsets hormonal balance.

The key here is not "overflowing" the tub. If the water is running out of the tub quickly due to a high metabolic rate then you can ingest more sugars and starches. And in fact at times of high physical activity you need more sugars and starches.

It is not so much the rate at which foods turn to sugar (what the hypoglycemic index of a food reveals) that is important, but whether you overwhelm your system with too much sugar at any one time (the volume). So you can see why the hypoglycemic index is too simplistic a perspective when it comes to acne.

Hope it helps...

Love alba

theoretically, in time can raw heal our livers and make them stronger? Therefore, eventually able to deal with more of this or that?

[sungoddess]

oh EYB, i didn't get that sg was me :) I drink a lot of water.... i don't think that is a problem-- but who knows. I will add a bit more just in case!

I haven't forgotten about the bioidentical hormones! They will always be there in the back of my mind. But for now, just to see, I am going to try Alba's suggestion. (which is similar also to yours, because your doctor made you go offf sugar, right?)

[Phoebe]

I never had acne until I turned 35...it was very frustrating for me. I found that if I take Barleans flaxseed oil capsules it clears my skin. It's something you could try.

[eatyourbroccoli]

oh EYB, i didn't get that sg was me :) I drink a lot of water.... i don't think that is a problem-- but who knows. I will add a bit more just in case!

I haven't forgotten about the bioidentical hormones! They will always be there in the back of my mind. But for now, just to see, I am going to try Alba's suggestion. (which is similar also to yours, because your doctor made you go offf sugar, right?)yep :) .

[harpstruck]

Hi, Sungoddess!

Read my journal entires under 'harpstruck' and you'll see I said EXACTLY the same thing about university mirrors!

I agree with Alba about the sugar intake in very very sweet fruits, etc. I have the feeling that my key to improving my skin is going to be greens. Do you drink green smoothies?

I disagree when other people say 'it's detox, just keep eating raw'. Raw may be amazing, but a diet of raw mangoes compared to a diet of mixed raw foods are different! I think people with strong constitutions don't have to watch what they eat as much as people with weaker constitutions, so the people who look and feel fantastic on a very free raw diet may not understand that this will not work for those with weaker liver function, etc. Alba's entry gives wonderful anecdotal evidence of the need to individualise diet.

I love the idea that we should all need the same diet, like any other group of primates in the wild. However, we aren't exactly a species honed to the best specimens by natural selection anymore. Some of us may be weaker due to poor genes i.e. our ancestors that might have been wiped out in a more demanding primitive culture continue to thrive in our easier civilisations.

There is an athlete whose entires I read on an Australian raw food site, and he seems to eat almost solely fruit, and LOTS of it, including those very sweet ones. Other people still get little health niggles, but he appears to thrive on a no-vegetable diet (I think I've got it right, I hope I'm not misrepresenting him!). However, he is EXTREMELY active, on a professional level, so maybe all that sugar goes straight into fueling his muscles and doesn't even have a chance to cause any problems (plus he would have less hormonal activity as a man). And maybe he has very good liver function.

So, maybe:
1. follow Alba's advice and cut out the very sweet fruits, and really watch your consumption of the sweet and sour/sweet fruits.
2. increase your intake of green foods for the minerals they contain which benefit the skin
3. increase your excercise. Though could this also aggravate it, I wonder? I had an idea that androgen is released with exercise...

I wonder if Alba is very physically active? If you're there, Alba, can you let us know?


It's so difficult to know whether we're detoxing or reacting to the new diet in a bad way! It makes sense, though, with high fruits creating too much sugar in the system for a weaker liver to cope with.

Can you keep us updated?

Good luck with what you choose to do!

[BrianC]

I don't understand all this talk of bioidentical hormone therapy. They are synthetically made chemicals which approximate the function of natural hormones. Seems to be no better than a prescription drug. There are plenty of alternative treatments for menopause and such - there is no need for this treatment which could have carcinogenic effects.

If you think you have a hormone imbalance, consider that there are many many hormone disrupting chemicals in circulation in our country - and we all have probably had some contact with them. Does anyone think it's normal that 12% of American couples are infertile? That's an absurd number and in no way can it be blamed on genes. Try to rid your body of toxins properly and consider what I said about using the sauna. Good luck!

[Alba]

I am so thrilled to here that others have had the same experience - feel a little better giving this advise now!
Sungoddes; yes, it makes sense that by giving the liver time off (by not eating sugar) and strenghtening it (maybe do a liver flush - I've concidered it) you will eventually be able to add in more fruit...
I think Gabriel Cousen has a Phase-program (phase1 - almost no fruits) (ohase 1,5 - very low g fruits only) and fase 2 (add in sweet fruits - IN MODERATION)...

I just wan't to tell you, that today when I woke up - my back was completely clear...It hasn't been like that during my raw time. It was velvety :D My face has also cleared up - and my pores have shrunk. I think this is it.

I really hope this works for you!
Btw. I just wan't to provide what I eat on a regular day, to make it clear how much/little fruit I can handle atm.

Breakfast: Smoothie made of Berries,avocado, grapefruit (or half an orange),carrot, water and greens - add cacao/carob/coconut etc.
maybe a small salad if I'm still hungry.

Lunch:
HUMOUNGUS SALAD

Snack:
SEleri w. tahini/veggies w. spesto dip/ carrot-sour apple salad w. tahini dress etc.

Dinner - either a salad again or a smoothie. or something more fancy.
I generally do not use nuts - only seeds.

Oh yeah, and get some coconut oil -unrefined!- I have started taking that and my skin has become so amazingly soft!! It is like that I am ONLY NOW experiencing ALL the good things that supposedly come w. raw - so the liver-theory makes sense - some can handle it, some can't.

Harpstruck : I do excersise - I do pilates and bike to school everyday - but there is NO way that my muscles could burn my sugar intake off - I am not really doing Hard or fat bruning excersice - just trotting along - stretching a little - relaxing a little you know? :p

Anyway, Sungoddess - good luck with it - maybe the first few days try cutting out fruit completely - or rREALLY limit it - and then see if you get results..? After that try adding VERY low gl. fruits and that way see how much sugar your system can handle atm?

Godd luck w. it! :D

Love alba

[sungoddess]

Thank you thank you! Alba, I was going to ask you what you are eating these days :). Ok, I am completely ready to start this!!

harpstruck, I am going to start doing green drinks, because its easier to not add high GI fruits- and I love the taste of them with some lemon! I DO exercise, but not much. I am a musical theater major, so there is SOME dance 3 x a week, i do yoga sometimes and jog a bit. Plus I live in NYC, so I walk lots of places, but I know from experience that exercise always enhances my health- so I should be doing more. Thank you for your input!

I have gone from being 100% desperate while writing the first post, to extremely extremely excited. yayyy :)

[eatyourbroccoli]

I don't understand all this talk of bioidentical hormone therapy. They are synthetically made chemicals which approximate the function of natural hormones. Seems to be no better than a prescription drug. There are plenty of alternative treatments for menopause and such - there is no need for this treatment which could have carcinogenic effects.

If you think you have a hormone imbalance, consider that there are many many hormone disrupting chemicals in circulation in our country - and we all have probably had some contact with them. Does anyone think it's normal that 12% of American couples are infertile? That's an absurd number and in no way can it be blamed on genes. Try to rid your body of toxins properly and consider what I said about using the sauna. Good luck!synthetic implies that the hormone is chemically changed during extraction from the plant, and in bioidentical hormones it is not. they are, therefore, not synthetic. the hormone is the same, biologically, as it was in the plant in the first place, and this exactness is also biologically identical to our human sex hormones. alternative treatments such as maca root? or other similar foods/herbs? they work in a similar way as bioidentical hormones: they have phytoestrogenic effects (or phytoprogesterone..etc etc)..and mimic estrogen in the body (or progesterone, testosterone..). personally, i think replacing what is lost through environmental factors (im 20, and my hormone levels were that of a 70 year old) with something biologically identical is a better idea than with something that merely mimics that which is biologically identical.

[mattm]

At the end of the day sadly there is no simple solution, one fit-all diet and you just have to find out what works for your body. I had acne and a 100% raw food diet, including plenty of fruit, cleared it up and I still have large banana and mango green smoothies everyday with no probs at all. What made a real difference to me was the inclusion of superfoods like maca (delicious), purple corn extract (again delicious) and MSM powder (well not everything can taste delicious!!).

[Alba]

" maca (delicious)"

I wish I could feel that way...ugh! I hate that stuff. or atleast the taste...
Love alba

[RAWCA]

Hi Alba-

HOw do you take the coconut oil? do u mix in something?
What are some GI fruits and veggies?

Thanks for your help!

[sungoddess]

i hate maca too!

alba, your pic is gorgey. Hopefully I'll put up a new pic soon.

I have been doing a lot of green juices today, is that a part of Gabriel's plan? I'm not going to follow 100% because I love mushrooms too much and the like, but for the most part I will.

[Alba]

Hi RAWCA:
I take cocnutoil on it's own - or I mix it in my smmothies, or make little "balls" out of it (mixing it with shredded coconut, carob and lemonjuice).
- I also use it externally - on my skin. It is very nice - I really think it helps beat candida.

Sungoddes: I eat mushrooms too, I actually didn't know you weren't supposed to :p - book hasn't arrived yet.
Yes Green Juices are very much a part of his plan. keep that up.
Also, I strongly recomend the Evening Primrose Oil capusel since they are hormone-balancing.

I have upped my intake of good fat - and I really feel a difference. I mean, I don't soak my salads in oil - I just drislle (sp?) it over them - but getting SOME fat is definetly better for me.

btw. I have a theory on why your skin cleared up and got worse...?
If this is it for you too - I mean. When you decided to skip 811, you probably lowered your fruit intake - am I right? Atleast for a while - and then maybe, you upped it again? I don't know...I am so excited to hear your results!!
This morning I am 100% clear. I truly can't believe it.
I think I'll post a pic when I have the time.

Oh year- and RAWCAL:
If you choose to follow this diet you can eat:
All vegetables (and in moderation: carrots,parsnips, beets, yams - you know, starchy veggies)
LOADS of GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES (very healing)
All nonsweet fruits: tomato, cucumber, avo, bell pepper etc.
All Low GL. fruits (it's different ow much you "can take" - Personally I limit my fruit intake to 1 -2 servings a daY): All berries ( very good for you), sour/tart Apples, pears,plums, some melons,orange,grapefruit,lime, lemon.
When you have been eating like this for a while, restoring your liver function/helping it - you can add in sweeter fruits, but don't overdo it.
All unprocessed oils
nuts (in moderation) and seeds
Olives/Capers/sundried tomatoes
Sea salt
Nama Shoyu
Apple cider vinegar
Spices
Good luck!

Love alba

Ps. Thanks for the sweet remarks SunGoddess

[harpstruck]

Hi, everyone!

Sungoddess, I'm so glad you are so excited! I think Alba's posts have been amazing. How fortunate to have had that kind of response!

I forgot to write in my last post that ALL MY LIFE my skin has cleared up when I have become feverish and sick. Then as soon as I started to get better, IT would get worse. I always wondered if it was because I wasn't eating anything much when I had the fever and my liver went woo hoo! A break at long last!

I got a vitamix today, so I'm right there with you doing the green smoothies!

Alba, I'm going to start on the coconut oil, too.

XX

[sungoddess]

I definitely DID lower my fruit intake those two weeks of good skin. That is why your response seemed so hopeful for me! It has only been one day of doing it, but my skin is not looking as bad as it was- so hopefully this is a sign!

I will keep you posted! I am so glad to hear that your skin is 100% clear!

DO you still take threelac?

[GreenJB5]

Alba,

I am very happy to read your story. I have been suffering for acne of over 15 years. It cleared up when I am on a juice fast or when i doing the South beach diet. I decided to go raw hoping my skin will clear (and other reasons) but it got worst. I was getting ready to quit because I was feeling cranky and the acne were popping all over. while going raw my fruit intake went up alot. It found them to be a great quick snack as I am a always running around.Ican go into any store or cafe to get a fruit.i have a few questions for you

what is your quick snack
Do you eat some high sugar once in awhile?
how long did it take to see results?
are you using anything for post acne scarring?(I have a lot of brown spots)

[Alba]

Sungoddes; I actually haven't taken Threelac in the last week (when my skin cleared up) - because I ran out, but before I started this new approach I ordered some and it has just come today so I will take this packet, since it REALLY helps clear candida esp. when combined w. lowsugar diet.

Green; I hear you on the fruit-being-easier thing...It's def. easier to grab an apple (actually, on this diet - you could eat an apple - just a sour one) or a banana than cut up veggie sticks, make dip etc. -
but for snacking I either make a low gl. green smoothie (apple, celery,cucumber,avo,carob,coconut oil and berries - other varieties too) or make a small salad or veggies w. tahini dip. Or eat coconut flakes w. carrots and carob...tastes good :)
You just have to get used to it - I don't even miss sweet fruits anymore. Eventhough we have them lying around - I feel so much better on this diet.
My teeth aren't as sore and my energy is a lot more stable - the only thing that bothers me is that I don't have as frequent bm's - maybe 2-3/day compared to 4-6 on high fruit. I don't know...it's not serious anyway.
At the moment, no, I don't eat high sugar stuff - sweet fruits/dried fruits/sweeteners - my skin means A LOT to me - I can easily avoid this stuff when I see results as great as the ones I am seeing right now. That I am thankful for :D
It took me - 2 days to see results, but already after one day - I could FEEL it wa the right thing. This was it.
My acne has never been the kind that left marks/scars - I heal extremely quickly (always have - maybe that's why the results came so quickly for me?) and my acne has been more like small bumps/whiteheads never cystic (maybe a little on the back,though).

Hope it helped.

Love alba

[GreenJB5]

Alba,

Thank you. I am so addicted to sugar( fruit). So my goal is to try to limit the intake. What do you think about 1 to 2 per day? Also what is threelac?

[Alba]

1/2 pr. day is ok - as long as it's not 1-2 mango/pinaple/banana you are eating. However, I would encourage you to stay away from all fruits for a couple of days to see if it makes a difference. After that I'd eat - yes, about 1 -2/day.
Threelac is (and I am quoting) "A lemon flavored nutritional food supplement composed of the Three live bacteria: Bacillus Coagulans, Bac. Subtilis, and Enteroccocus Facelitis (or something - lol) - it also contains fiber, yeast actually (food for the bacterias), FOS, vit C, B1, B2 and B6.
It is for good stomach health and for Candida.

Love alba

[GreenJB5]

Thank you so much. I will give it a try. Funny, last week I discovered banana/mango smoothies.:). I wonder why my face was breaking out. I am so excited to give this a try.

Sungoddess, good luck on your journey. Please keep me posted.

[star1919]

Hi Sungoddess... First, let me say that you are 'beautiful' inside and out... and that shows and shines through in your photos... and posts.

As for your skin... I don't know if you're open to taking supplements, but a biologist taught me something that may help you. Simply put, he suggested that I take an additional supplement of Zinc each day. It was a small dose of 25 or 50 mgs... a seperate tablet and inexpensive. It was to help not catching viruses and stuff. He said that would make a difference... and it did! He also mentioned that Zinc is great for extra clear skin... overtime that was also true for me! Very clear skin. Perhaps that is something simple you can try... if you feel drawn to do so.

All the best... :D

[RAWCA]

How much coconut oil do u take?

[Alba]

about 2 tbsp./ day :)
Love alba

[SiennaInLondon]

Sugar REALLY is the reason people have bad skin. Thankfully I only have a problem with refined sugar (poor Alba, your diet sounds too depressing for me. How do you find it in terms of... well enjoyment?).

But yes if it is hormones, go to the doctor, find out what is wrong. Just DONT take their medicine to cure it. Find a natural alternative.

[salsababy]

Sugar REALLY is the reason people have bad skin. Thankfully I only have a problem with refined sugar (poor Alba, your diet sounds too depressing for me. How do you find it in terms of... well enjoyment?).

But yes if it is hormones, go to the doctor, find out what is wrong. Just DONT take their medicine to cure it. Find a natural alternative.


Really? Sugar in all forms? Hmm....I got acne a year and a half ago (as an adult). The last five years I have been eating TONS healthier than I did before. Uggg....it's hard to say.

[Rawkinlocs]

I honestly feel that saying sugar is the culprit in bad skin is just too broad. Maybe in SOME cases, but definitely not all. I mean, when I was in high school and I had some of the worst acne on the planet - how is it that there were other girls...some close friends of mine and some who just shared classes with me, that had BEAUTIFUL, clear, acne-free skin although they were eating just as much (if not more) sugar, candy, junk, soda pop, etc. as I was?

I mean, my daughter has acne and her best friend who eats 100 times worse than her in terms of junk food and diet, period doesn't have one pimple on her face.

Some people's skin is the first and main channel of elimination that the body uses to either get rid of toxins or to express distress within the body (no matter what that distress is coming from).

There are plenty of raw fooders who eat practically nothing BUT sugar (in the form of fruit, of course) and their skin looks awesome. There are some raw fooders who eat a wider variety of foods - fruit, nuts, grains, greens, veggies and their skin looks awesome.

I am only saying that, to blame one particular thing is just too general IMHO. Yes, maybe for some the answer is to cut back on fruit sugars and increase the greens but again, don't forget that fruit is very cleansing - if there is ANY-thing within the body that the body is trying to rid itself of, fruit is going to aid in cleansing that out of us and as I mentioned before, it just so happens that some of our bodies have become very accustomed to using the skin to eliminate through. But each person's body reacts to a toxic environment (and again, this doesn't always come as a result of food...toxins can enter our bodies from more than just what we eat!) - my daughter's friend I mentioned previously, she may have perfect (facial) skin, but she is obese and she has liver spots on the insides of her arms and thighs and maybe some other issues that we don't know about. My daughter, is very slender, no known health issues, but her face breaks out with a vengence. And they both eat their fair share of junk food but my daughter's friend gets it more than my daughter as she doesn't get it here at home as her friend does, only when she's out and about which isn't daily!

We all react differently to whatever is going on within - for some it's acne, for others it's something else.

But again about the fruit thing, maybe there IS something throwing things off inside and maybe greens is what is needed at the time to help balance it out - who knows? But I am just trying to say that I don't feel that pinpointing acne troubles to sugar in any form namely fruit, is accurate because it's not true for all cases of acne. My skin has been clearing up very well and that is with eating fruit, LOTS of fruit! But I am not always all raw, I get stressed out sometimes and my environment is not perfect.

[SiennaInLondon]

^Good point. I mean my skin is perfect (well perfect enough for me) on a raw food diet but it is perfect even on SAD unless I have too much refined sugar. Fruit IMPROVES my skin for sure, especially citrus I find. But cutting back of fruit to see what happens for a couple of weeks or so can't do her any harm I suppose.

[SiennaInLondon]

I think it is cool that your daughter can eat junk if she wants even though you are raw. I think the best thing to do is have a healthy (raw?) home but live a little more loosely when you are out and especially when you are young. I was never given chocolate when I was younger and never really wanted it but when I got to senior school and we got lunch cards and could buy what we wanted, I really craved sugar. My best friend never had crips when she was younger and that is what she craves. I think we crave the things we cannot take.

[sungoddess]

Rawkinlocs, I completely agree with you. I don't think that sugar causes acne with a lot of people. I think that I may be an extreme case. I don't know if this will work 100%, but it is starting too. I have no doubt that fruit will be an acceptable addition to my diet in the future, maybe right now my liver is too weak. We'll see!

[rande]

in the new book "raw food life force energy" the author mentions that in some cases the body is not "clean" enough yet for fruit and that if you are having problems with fruit in your diet you may have too much yeast in your sysytem. she reccommends several weeks of cutting out fruits, grains, and fermented foods til your body gets cleaner and is able to handle these foods. i'm actually trying it for a couple of weeks (today was my first day) and this post has actually been rather helpful with alba posting what she eats...i was kinda wondering cause i do eat lots of fruit and wondered "how many greens can i eat?" and what else there was to supplement that, so this has been great to read!

[GreenJB5]

I believe that sugar has a lot to do with my acne. When i was on SAD, my skin would clear up when i cut out all sugars( refined and fruit). since going raw i thought all fruits were good for me. Within the past few weeks i consumed alot of bananas and mangos. My skin broke out so much and very painful. Plus it looks like the dark spots became darker. so i am taking alba's advice and limit the high sugar fruits. Thanks again Alba

[GreenJB5]

Rande,

what are raw fermented foods?

[Apasaraw]

Just a snippet since I just found this thread and Tea Tree is mentioned as well as hormones.

There is a new study that is finding that Tee Tree actually messes with imbalancing sex hormones in kids. I know you are adults but if one is hormone sensitive it could aggravate the body/skin more. Lavendar is also mentioned...just thought I'd share. All studies have to be replicated so they are doign that soon.

The only thing that has ever cleared my skin is AlphaHydrox Oil free gel..the stuff is magic.

All our chemistries are so unique...

Have you eliminated other things like detergents like for your pillow case or other scented product?

(I'm studying perfumery...one track mind at the mo)

All the best to you beauties....





=======

http://readingdirt.blogspot.com/2006/07/lavender-and-tea-tree-oil-estrogen.html

and

http://www.perfumerflavorist.com/news/5508101.html



[February 1, 2007]

FMA Addresses Health Concerns of Essential Oils

The Fragrance Materials Association of the United States (FMA) has released this letter addressing the alleged link between gynecomastia and lavender and tee tree oils.
There have been numerous media reports concerning a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine linking prepubertal gynecomastia to lavender and tea tree oils. Click here to view the FMA response highlighting the fact that a number of questions are raised by this report, overall the data presented are weak, and further research is required before any conclusive connection could be identified between these essential oils and gynecomastia.
This statement is provided for your background and for you to provide in response to customer inquiries. As always, if you receive any media questions concerning this study you should feel free to refer them to the FMA office. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Best regards,
John Cox

[sungoddess]

interesting about the tea tree oil. I don't know about my detergent, I though I used like eco friendly stuff, but it may have perfumes. I am pretty certain this is an internal thing and not an external thing though...

thanks for the info

i think my skin is healing??? a few more days may tell

[harpstruck]

Please let us know, Sungoddess. We're all pulling for you!

I forgot to mention that my skin always used to clear up when I got sick with a fever. I always thought that it was something to do with either my body heating and killing stuff or my lessened food intake. It got to a point where I felt that I was meant to eat nothing! It seemed that I just react to everything.

That said, I'm eating a high fruit raw food diet, and my skin seems to be getting better. Something I read that made me feel better- any pimples you're getting now were forming 2 MONTHS AGO! So I guess we really need to give any dietary change at least two months (obviously more for cleaning out other stuff). In two months time if my skin is still problematic, I'm going to do as Alab is doing. And maybe give maca a try.

Wish I liked green smoothies more...

XX

Blythe

[sungoddess]

High fruit may have worked for me if my liver metabolized sugar properly- I am guessing this is the issue. My skin is even better today!

[Alba]

Hi to all of you!

I have made sure to stress that it is MY experience and that I, myself have no scientific basis of knowing what I know.
I know it is quite a controversial subject - highfruit/lowfruit/nofruit etc. and I almost didn't respond because I was afraid to be buh'ed out by fruit lowers (not saying that has happened yet :p - you've all been respectful).
Anyway, since the results I got was amazing and I could tell that Singoddess was really at the point of giving up, I thought it would be worth it.
Let's not make this into a thread on Sugar/not sugar thing, but simply accept that this might work for some- as it seemingly does.
Let us focus on the healing part instead of fighting over something as stupid as fruit :)

Sungoddes - SO happy to hear you are doing better!!! YAY! I'm really cheering on you!

SiennainLondon; I am very lucky when it comes to adapting to new diets - I turned raw vegan (used to be a BIG meat eater) over night and have never experienced cravings. I don't find this diet difficult at all - especially when I am spurred on by amazing results in skin - which affect general happiness!
I love greens, always have - so that might have something to do with it.
I love berries to and sour apples. And finally I've been following a candida-diet some time ago (I'm used to the no fruit ting) :)

Love alba

[rande]

Rande,

what are raw fermented foods?

like kombucha (love that stuff!), saurkraut, miso, stuff like that.

[rawfoodfairy]

the only thing that has helped me is triclosan antibacterial medicated face wash. really! i have horrid acne bt this made it 90% go away!!!!!!!!!! im so happy i used accutane before and everything but this truly helped

[sungoddess]

i have actually tried triclosan wash, perscription, many years ago while I was in High school and it didn't do anything :( I'm glad it worked for you though

[Juicyfruit]

Another thing you have to think about when eating sugars, you need to balance sugars with fats. The fat keeps the blood sugar from going to high. Some people need more fat to balance blood sugar. It's how our bodies work. Sugar is fast energy, and fats are slow burning energy. I always add fat to my fruit smoothies and eat fat with my fruits in some form, nuts, olive oil or coconut oil.

[sungoddess]

Juicyfruit- This is always what I used to do before going raw, mixing fats with fruit or sugars, but ever since I went raw i have been hearing about food combination. I even found that I couldn't eat fruit with fats without bloating and discomfort. A conflict!!!!

[faith4u]

Thank you so much Rawkinlocs for saying that.

I was starting to worry about all of the fruit that I eat. IT is crazy too because when I eat all raw and mostly fruits my skin clears up like never before in my life. It isn't until I start eating more fats (raw) or cooked food (especially salt) that my face starts breaking out again.

On the other hand stress is a huge skin buster for me. Nothing makes my skin look worse than chronic stress.....which is where I am at right now. :) BUT there is an end in sight!!!

Thanks again for your post, I appreciated it. (like always)

No one understands what it is like to have terrible skin unless they have been there. If you have had it you are willing to do just about anything to clear it up. It is amazing how it affects your self esteem.

We are all pulling for you Sungodess!!

[sungoddess]

Today, after 4 days of no fruit (i would never expect that to be my diet, I am just trying to see if drastically cutting it out makes a difference- I will defintiely add in slowly)- my skin is SO much clearer. I have been doing a lot of green juices too. But last night I went hogwild on this amazon bliss creation that is made by artisana- it has coconut butter, coconut oil, goji berries, maca, acai, agave- so it may backtrack a little- or it may not.

I will keep everyone posted further- I do not plan to continue eating no fruit, as I think it is not healthy and I can feel how sluggish my digestive system has become- thank you so much for everyone's input!!

[kb4gsus]

I am very new to all this. I have wanted to go raw for two years but balk for some reason. One thing I do know is frustrating skin. I have the opposite of you. So dry, scaly, itchy, painful. I never get blemishes but my skin is dull and red and uneven and painful. Frustrating. I have done enough research to know that most skin disorders are directly related to the liver. Forgive me if this has been addressed.
I am getting ready to do a liver cleanse to see if that will help. I understand that when first going raw things will get worse.
If you are interested in the liver/gall bladder cleanse let me know.It looks easy enough to do with only one day being a little different or maybe uncomfortable. Don't know yet. :o)
In Him
Kim

[eatyourbroccoli]

I am very new to all this. I have wanted to go raw for two years but balk for some reason. One thing I do know is frustrating skin. I have the opposite of you. So dry, scaly, itchy, painful. I never get blemishes but my skin is dull and red and uneven and painful. Frustrating. I have done enough research to know that most skin disorders are directly related to the liver. Forgive me if this has been addressed.
I am getting ready to do a liver cleanse to see if that will help. I understand that when first going raw things will get worse.
If you are interested in the liver/gall bladder cleanse let me know.It looks easy enough to do with only one day being a little different or maybe uncomfortable. Don't know yet. :o)
In Him
Kimhey kb4..two oils id recommend for that would be seabuckthorn oil, and extra virgin olive oil. seabuckthorns a bit pricy, but really great (for dryness AND for acne)..just apply it at night before bed. olive oil you can make a mask out of with sea salt (sort of a scrub-mask) and mix it a bit and then scrub gently on your face, and let it sit for 10-20 minutes, and then dont rinse off but wipe off gently with a slightly damp towel. the olive oil will moisturize your skin and make it soo silky soft (not oily at all) and wont make you break out, either. this is what i do once a week up in toronto bc its so dry here in the winter, and it helps a lottttt. helps take the redness away, too, of any pimples i may have if i have any at the time.

[Linda1970]

Today, after 4 days of no fruit (i would never expect that to be my diet, I am just trying to see if drastically cutting it out makes a difference- I will defintiely add in slowly)- my skin is SO much clearer. I have been doing a lot of green juices too. But last night I went hogwild on this amazon bliss creation that is made by artisana- it has coconut butter, coconut oil, goji berries, maca, acai, agave- so it may backtrack a little- or it may not.

I will keep everyone posted further- I do not plan to continue eating no fruit, as I think it is not healthy and I can feel how sluggish my digestive system has become- thank you so much for everyone's input!!

Sungoddess, great that you found something that is working well for you! Yeah!!!

[rawfoodfairy]

i have actually tried triclosan wash, perscription, many years ago while I was in High school and it didn't do anything :( I'm glad it worked for you though

have you tried accutane or clindomycin?

[merfie]

i don't know where to begin, there is some GREAT information in this thread, but we all must find what resonates within us. i just posted a reply to another acne thread:

i had acne when i was in high school and my mom made me go to the dermatologist, i took everything they had at the time...and finally the evil drug that is accutane, which finally cleared it up...for a few years anyway.

now that i'm an adult (30s) i get acne on my chin, jaw and neck, especially during my mensus. BUT i haven't had any since i've been raw (3 mo.) and yes drink tons of water, at least your body weight in ozs. per day.

your skin is your 3rd kidney so you may want to do a small liver/kidney cleanse, but remember to listen to your body on this if you haven't done one before...the symptoms (acne) may get worse before it gets better, the cleanse will pull everything out...

i am a fanatic about Young Living Essential Oils. it is suggested for acne to use: tea tree, geranium, vetiver, blue cypress, lavender, patchouli, german or roman chamomile, rosewood, cedarwood, eucalyptus radiata, orange, clove, melrose, thieves, gentle baby, purification, juvaflex or juvacleanse. you can find these on their website, along with other supplements at www.youngliving.com

i also struggle with candida and i have to say it has been such a blessing. i would not have finally had my epiphany a few months ago if it had not hit me so hard. i have been on several candida diets over the years, but then fallen back into bad eating after it "cleared" up. so this time, a few months ago, i had the WORST yeast infection of my life, crying myself to sleep at night. In addition to this i had oral thrush AND my entire body itched as though i had bugs crawling all over me. so i began with my candida "diet," took Candex, a probiotic, started eating more raw, started yoga and meditations again and now OMG, i am the healthiest i have ever been in my life, i am told on a daily basis, not only i look great because i've lost weight (societies perameters of beauty) BUT also that i am GLOWING!

i can't imagine going back, something just clicked...though occasionally i have a craving, but always find a fantastic raw substitute!

if you have any other questions or comments feel free to email me at merfie@hotmail.com i can also give you my member number if you want to order oils...

best of life, meredith

[Alba]

Hi Merfie - you don't eat any fruits? Or just low glyc?
Love alba

[sungoddess]

have you tried accutane or clindomycin?

I haven't, but I am not very interested in healing with drugs, I have tried that kind of path and it was not helpful

[merfie]

alba,

i just started eating fruits again a few weeks ago and haven't had any problems with my candida...at first just getting my body used to granny smith apples, then incorporating more as the days go by. i try not to have more than 2 servings of fruit per day, but sometimes that's all i want to eat...ahh, cravings. so i just try to keep an eye on it, meditate, and listen to my body...i did have an itchy day last week, just on my chest so i didn't eat fruit for a day or two and it went away.

now, i have a question for you, how do you feel about threelac? i've seen it advertised on websites but don't know anyone who has taken it...

sungoddess,

i agree with you about the no medications, absolutely do not take accutane, i think it totally messed up my body, so i had great skin for a few years, it didn't help me in the long run. look at your acne as a guide to treatment for whole body health, not as an ailment...

the best of life,
meredith

[startootsie]

i don't know where to begin, there is some GREAT information in this thread, but we all must find what resonates within us. i just posted a reply to another acne thread:

i had acne when i was in high school and my mom made me go to the dermatologist, i took everything they had at the time...and finally the evil drug that is accutane, which finally cleared it up...for a few years anyway.

now that i'm an adult (30s) i get acne on my chin, jaw and neck, especially during my mensus. BUT i haven't had any since i've been raw (3 mo.) and yes drink tons of water, at least your body weight in ozs. per day.

your skin is your 3rd kidney so you may want to do a small liver/kidney cleanse, but remember to listen to your body on this if you haven't done one before...the symptoms (acne) may get worse before it gets better, the cleanse will pull everything out...

i am a fanatic about Young Living Essential Oils. it is suggested for acne to use: tea tree, geranium, vetiver, blue cypress, lavender, patchouli, german or roman chamomile, rosewood, cedarwood, eucalyptus radiata, orange, clove, melrose, thieves, gentle baby, purification, juvaflex or juvacleanse. you can find these on their website, along with other supplements at www.youngliving.com

i also struggle with candida and i have to say it has been such a blessing. i would not have finally had my epiphany a few months ago if it had not hit me so hard. i have been on several candida diets over the years, but then fallen back into bad eating after it "cleared" up. so this time, a few months ago, i had the WORST yeast infection of my life, crying myself to sleep at night. In addition to this i had oral thrush AND my entire body itched as though i had bugs crawling all over me. so i began with my candida "diet," took Candex, a probiotic, started eating more raw, started yoga and meditations again and now OMG, i am the healthiest i have ever been in my life, i am told on a daily basis, not only i look great because i've lost weight (societies perameters of beauty) BUT also that i am GLOWING!

i can't imagine going back, something just clicked...though occasionally i have a craving, but always find a fantastic raw substitute!

if you have any other questions or comments feel free to email me at merfie@hotmail.com i can also give you my member number if you want to order oils...

best of life, meredith


Young Living essential oils are so wonderful aren't they?!

So, how did you heal your candida?

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[merfie]

Young Living essential oils are so wonderful aren't they?!

So, how did you heal your candida?

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

yes, amazing healers Young Living essential oils are!! i use one or more everyday!!

for the candida, i cut out all forms of sugar including fruits, took Candex supplement, a probiotic supplement, drank tons of water, exercised more, used more coconut oil, and put Young Living Essential Oils on all of my symptoms: vaginal yeast infection: i put Melrose on it, i use a lot of oils so i didn't dilute it, but i would suggest mixing it with coconut oil, which i also used on it. i used Lemongrass and Melrose on my skin that itched. i used Thieves oil on my oral thrush. All in all i had the yeast attack of the century for a good 5-7 days and then all of a sudden, gone, but i did continue with the great raw food diet and now after a few months i've incorporated fruit, and i still take a probiotic, use oils, etc.

And YES create a day of LOVE and LIGHT!

the best of life, meredith

[sungoddess]

merfie- thanks for the testimonial!!!! I am so glad u are cured! As for the young living oils, I am still a little confused about them, but they seem really cool.

alba- do you use nutritional yeast? I am debating whether I want to follow Cousen's program to a T (no mushroom, nutritional yeast, fermented foods for a while etc) I am still trying to figure this out, i still think I am going in the right direction

[gcleanth]

I found this blog that has a few articles on what causes acne, what makes it worse, and how to deal with it. It might help you better understand acne and how it works.

http://www.myacnereview.com/

[startootsie]

yes, amazing healers Young Living essential oils are!! i use one or more everyday!!

for the candida, i cut out all forms of sugar including fruits, took Candex supplement, a probiotic supplement, drank tons of water, exercised more, used more coconut oil, and put Young Living Essential Oils on all of my symptoms: vaginal yeast infection: i put Melrose on it, i use a lot of oils so i didn't dilute it, but i would suggest mixing it with coconut oil, which i also used on it. i used Lemongrass and Melrose on my skin that itched. i used Thieves oil on my oral thrush. All in all i had the yeast attack of the century for a good 5-7 days and then all of a sudden, gone, but i did continue with the great raw food diet and now after a few months i've incorporated fruit, and i still take a probiotic, use oils, etc.

And YES create a day of LOVE and LIGHT!

the best of life, meredith

Thank you!

I love Young Living Essential Oils! They are powerful, along with healthy food especially! I am so glad that I found someone that is into them too! Cool!

So, did you eat nutritional yeast? How much coconut oil did you consume in a day? What did you eat?

Thank you!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[Alba]

I've never taken Nutritional yeast before, and Cousens doesn't recomend it - he actually says it feeds the candida or fungi or whatever, so I just leave it alone :)
How is your skin doing?

Love alba

[sungoddess]

alba, it got much better, and now its a little worse, two steps forward and one step back. I think there is something to this low glycemic thing for ME. I really do, but I am also wondering if its not a two front battle. I am trying very hard to be calm about it, because that is especially important. It definitely is better than it has been, though new ones keep on popping up. Wondering if I am overdoing the fat, etc. I am making myself think about a lot! :) I have been doing nutritional yeast, SOME agave, maybe too much fat for me??, mushrooms- and .... probiotics?! he is even against them in the beginning. Very confusing...

But I just looked at my skin in the light, and it IS certainly better than it has been. SO I'm happy!

merfie- I am curious about these young living essential oils... since they are all quite expensive, is there one or two that is especially helpful for skin? I know that you mentioned many, but I would rather start out with less and work from there. Its very interesting!

[Alba]

Maybe it got worse because of the icecream? - don't know...But I'm glad to hear it is better - all round :)
I focus on leafy greens (TONS) and vegetables - some fat like tahini, coldpressed oils and avos (don' do nuts so much)
Yesterday I accidentally ate some cooked tahini and I've gotten a few zits from that - but all in all my skin is WAY better than before.
Also, I've noticed that the skin on my body is A LOT softer - I've never had soft skin before - always a little rough and "problemich" (haha) - Now, like a baby's - I think this has to do with all the beneficial oils I am taking.
Just wan't to give you a good trick:
Drink dilluted ACV (2 tbs in a glass of water/3 times /day) - This helps your liver clean up and prevent the insuling from spiking as much.
I also recomend Evening Primrose Oil
and Coconut Oil...

Glad to hear you are going in the right direction!

Love alba

[Alba]

Oh yes - and I'd DEFINETLY lay of the nutritional yeast!
See if that helps...:D
Love alba

[sungoddess]

thanks alba! I'll lay off the nutritional yeast for sure :) and I DO use coconut oil, it is so wonderful. I use both coconut oil and coconut "butter" from artisana (the whole coconut). I have been laying off nuts too, just having "really" raw olive oil and avos. i think this will work for me!

I had been doing apple cider vinegar, and then reading how cousens recommends not doing it in strict phase I, i dind't know, but i think the good outweighs anything contrary that he may mention.

(if you haven't ever had coconut "butter" from artisana, order it from alissa- its SO good- full of the coconut oil AND fiber etc. mmm)

[billyne]

you are so pretty!

[merfie]

christianna,

no i haven't been using nutritional yeast...i just bought some for a recipe but haven't tried it yet, i'll try it and let you know my body's reaction to it.

as far as my coconut oil consumption: i take at least 2 tbs. a day. i put it in my tea in the morning so it melts, it's hard for me to eat it by itself in solid form. i sometimes spread it onto dried fruit (mangos especially) though if you are just starting to get rid of the candida stay away from fruit, especially dried fruit. i also put coconut oil on my crackers and in most everything i "cook."

as far as my candida diet: veggies, nuts, seeds, lots of seaweed, corn chips, flax crackers and any recipes that involves those items. you can put lemon juice and olive oil on your salads. and that's it! it hard but so worth it, and for me it got worse before it got better! oh, and for a "sweet" treat i ate unsweetened carob covered nuts...also no root vegetables: carrots, potatoes, beets, etc...no mushrooms or other fungi. the first week was so hard and i felt really weak, but then BAM i had more energy than before.

as i said before this was also in conjunction with the supplements and oils...

i hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions!

sungoddess,

the YL oil i would most recommend for you would be Melrose. it has been wonderful for my blemishes as well as all my candida issues.

"Melrose:

A strong topical antiseptic that cleans and disinfects cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, and bruised tissue. It helps regenerate damaged tissue and reduces inflammation.

ingredients:

Melaleuca (tea tree oil) is antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory

Naouli is anti-infectious, antiparasitic, and antibacterial

Rosemary is antiseptic, antifungal and antimicrobial

Clove is one of the most animicrobial and antiseptic of all essential oils. It is antifungal, antiviral, anti-infectious, and antibacterial."

From the Essential Oils Desk Reference

this statement is not meant to diagnose or cure disease

I hope this helps, email me if you want to order it: merfie@hotmail.com

the best of life, meredith

[sungoddess]

you are so pretty!

I am not sure if this was directed to me, but if so: thank you very much, that is very kind!

[billyne]

it was...enjoy the day!

[sungoddess]

Thank you merfie! I am going to order that one, it sounds great :)

I am also surprised you use corn, I thought that was a contributor to candida! But i am glad it worked for you!

[startootsie]

christianna,

no i haven't been using nutritional yeast...i just bought some for a recipe but haven't tried it yet, i'll try it and let you know my body's reaction to it.

as far as my coconut oil consumption: i take at least 2 tbs. a day. i put it in my tea in the morning so it melts, it's hard for me to eat it by itself in solid form. i sometimes spread it onto dried fruit (mangos especially) though if you are just starting to get rid of the candida stay away from fruit, especially dried fruit. i also put coconut oil on my crackers and in most everything i "cook."

as far as my candida diet: veggies, nuts, seeds, lots of seaweed, corn chips, flax crackers and any recipes that involves those items. you can put lemon juice and olive oil on your salads. and that's it! it hard but so worth it, and for me it got worse before it got better! oh, and for a "sweet" treat i ate unsweetened carob covered nuts...also no root vegetables: carrots, potatoes, beets, etc...no mushrooms or other fungi. the first week was so hard and i felt really weak, but then BAM i had more energy than before.

as i said before this was also in conjunction with the supplements and oils...

i hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions!


Thank you!

Wow, so no ACV?

That is all you could put on your salads, what about avocado, ect.?

Well, I am glad to know that it worked! Thank you so much! I don't have a problem with candida, I would just like to know how to kick it out if ever needed. Also good to know, to help others! How long did you do this for?

I appreciate your help!

What I use for acne, as far as essential oils go (which helps so much!) is; Thyme essential oil, and Lavender essential oil. Sometimes I use Elemi, or Abundance essential oil, and they work very well too! I use Animal Scents, and put it on before the oils so then they do not burn so much.

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[sungoddess]

darn, for some reason i am havign trouble figuring out how to order the essential oils

[sungoddess]

WOW, it is DEFINITELY getting better. I will post pictures soon!

I am so thankful for everyone's replies!

[Alba]

YIPEEEEE!! :D
I am so happy this works for you - did NOT want you to fall of the RAW wagon, hun!! :p

Looking foward to seeing your pics...

Love alba

[Nutz Over RAW]

What a great thread! I'm so happy for you sungoddess! I'm going to tell my brother and sister about this.
Not sure if this will help longterm, but I read a book on macrobiotics called 'You Are All Sanpaku' about 5 years ago. Sunpaku is an unbalance in the system and if you look straight at the mirror and you can see the whites of your eyes under your (colored part of your eye..sorry I can't remember the technical name), then you are unbalanced. When people are dying, their eyes start to roll. I lost my mom to cancer so that last sentence just hit me hard...
They recommend eating a combination of yin/yang fruit. Yin is soft fruit, yang is compact hard fruit. Americans have yin diseases (cancer, etc) because we eat too much soft tropical fruits. It's recommended that if you eat a banana, then you should also eat and apple to balance the yin/yang. This is one of the things that always stuck in my mind about this book.

Hope this helps,
-Heather

[merfie]

christianna,

i could eat avocados, and any veggies on my salad except root veggies...

sungoddess,

christianna also had some suggestions for thyme and lavender oil as well, both will work, lavender has many other uses as well, i'd be glad to send you any info that you need. i suggested melrose, because it has such great properties for candida as well...

when you go the youngliving.com, click on unites states, then virtual office. at the bottom it says "not yet a member?" and click "join now" you can then enter my member number 891435 and follow the rest of the prompts, you will create your own login info and order from there. let me know if you have any problems...merfie@hotmail.com.

the best of life, meredith

[startootsie]

christianna,

i could eat avocados, and any veggies on my salad except root veggies...

sungoddess,

christianna also had some suggestions for thyme and lavender oil as well, both will work, lavender has many other uses as well, i'd be glad to send you any info that you need. i suggested melrose, because it has such great properties for candida as well...

when you go the youngliving.com, click on unites states, then virtual office. at the bottom it says "not yet a member?" and click "join now" you can then enter my member number 891435 and follow the rest of the prompts, you will create your own login info and order from there. let me know if you have any problems...merfie@hotmail.com.

the best of life, meredith

Thank you! You are so helpful!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[RAWCA]

Alba, SunGoddess-

How are ur skins doing?
Mine is acting up as well..i am thinking of going on a veggie fast?

[sungoddess]

Mine is SO much better even without being perfectly good. (but its not perfect skin... yet) I was eating too much fat, even though no sugar. So I decided to go on a 1-3 day veggie fast starting today. Meaning: If i get through today- brava! And If i want to continue I can, If i don't, then i'll start slowly adding back in fat, and then low sugar fruits- i think this is it for me!

[RAWCA]

HI SUnGoddess-

HOw much better has it gotten..like 50%?:)...my skin has jsut started acting up again..i think too much junk...
so does avos and coconut oil count as too much fat?

[sungoddess]

Basically, my face has the potential to be covered, and now its just a few zits here and there- its a lot smoother all over which is really nice for me. I don't think avos and coconut have too much fat- a few servings a day would be fine... I just tended to run out of produce quickly and was relying on all fat every meal and snack for a few days- that all

[RAWCA]

Thanks:)
so how long did it take to see results?
so u are not taking any fruits rite now?

[sungoddess]

Not for now, I will add a small amount soon. It took a few days to a week... its not all better because I am not as diligent as I hoped to be- but It is an improvement.

[eatyourbroccoli]

hey sungoddess i was thinking...what about an amylase deficiency? maybe you have an enzyme deficiency specifically in amylase and thats why you have a problem with carbs? have you thought about an enzyme supplement?

i have a really hard time with high sugar and high fat and all protein..and im starting enzyme therapy later this week once my stuff comes in.

Amylase Deficiency (digests carbs)
PMS
Fatigue
Sprue
Hypoglycemia
Depression
Mood Swings
Allergies
Inflammation
Hot Flashes
Cold hands and feet
Neck and shoulder aches
Breaking out of the skin - rash

Protease Deficiency (digests protein)

Back Weakness
Fungal forms
Constipation
High Blood Pressure
Insomnia
Hearing Problems
Parasites
Gum Disorders
Gingivitis

Lipase Deficiency (digests fat)

Acne
Cystitis
Aching Feet
Arthritis
Bladder Problems
Gall Bladder Stress
Gallstones
Hay Fever
Prostate Problems
Psoriasis
Urinary Weakness
Constipation
Diarrhea
Heart Problems

Combination Deficiency

Chronic Allergies
Common colds
Diverticulitis
Irritable Bowel
Chronic Fatigue
Sinus Infection
Immune Depressed Conditions





just a thought. i can let you know if it helps me at all if youd like. i break out when i do high fat. low sugar, low fat is the only thing that has been working for me..and thats obviously something i dont want to do long term (i live on berries, romaine, cukes, and the occasional apple...). might all come down to digestion. i know screwy hormones can be the result or the cause of enzyme deficiency. i dunno..just a thought. maybe google it? i ordered "vitalzym"

[sungoddess]

EYB, thats so cool. DEFINITELY tell me what happens, I am very interested to know. I should get some enzyme tabs. Low sugar is definitely helping my skin, but now I am eating high fat. I tried one day to do a raw veggie cleanse- but i didn't last through the whole night. I have some mental stuff to conquer! I already feel so restricted! However, i am seeing the importance of low sugar, and i am sure low fat would clear me up in a minute at this point. Whether it be enzymes I don't know... but it may make sense. Because if it is the liver... is that where enzymes are made?????

Thank you for the info, good good luck with it!

[RAWCA]

EYB/SunGoddess/Alba-

What do you guys put on ur acne for spot treatment?:)

Thanks

[eatyourbroccoli]

nixoderm to make the spot smaller, and then raw honey to heal it. if you pick up the raw honey that solidifies at room temperature, it works really well. and spritzing with salt water is great too.

[sungoddess]

what is nixoderm???

I didn't use anything for a while because there were too many "spots". Now I am using tea tree oil, but not sure if it is effective...

[eatyourbroccoli]

its an ointment that i believe is from china? maybe india? is from one of the asian countries.

heres a review of it: http://www.acne.org/rate_item.php?item_id=237

it used to be sold on ebay but i cant find it right now :confused:

[eatyourbroccoli]

oh, heres a link: http://dzur.com.au/

[RAWCA]

So Raw HOney helps with spot treatments? meaning it fades it away?
Also ..regular salt water or himalayan sea salt water?

Thanks!

[eatyourbroccoli]

tea tree oil never really worked for me. it just dried me out terribly. i have sensitive skin though, despite it being olive and oilyish.

derma e clear skin 2 spot treatment (http://www.dermae.net/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=dei.portal&CMD=DEI.DPRODUCTS&SESSIONID=1428834905&PN=3800ea&WHICH=skin%20treatments)works well for an all-over use for me. i use it in the morning and at night, after washing and moisturizing with seabuckthorn oil tea cream, which makes my skin really soft. its i think tea tree oil (diluted though), willowbark, rosewood, lavender, and chamomile. id say its more soothing, if anything. helps with the redness. i linked the title so if you click it itll bring you to the derma e page for that product. i pick it up from whole foods.

[eatyourbroccoli]

So Raw HOney helps with spot treatments? meaning it fades it away?
Also ..regular salt water or himalayan sea salt water?

Thanks!raw honey helps for me, yes. i have some scarring from a staph infection i had on my face, and there was one particular spot about the size of a quarter of a dime that was indented and purple, and ive been using the raw honey that is solid at room temp for about a week as opposed to manuka, which i was using before, and its now healing quite nicely.

himalayan sea salt water as opposed to regular table salt. i use celtic sea salt and mix it with water.

[RAWCA]

CAn u wash ur face with it instead of srptizing it?

Thanks

[RAWCA]

HOw do u apply the raw honey?:)
Do you leave it on..or wipe it off? Does it casuse new acne or white heads/pumps, etc?:)


thanks!

[eatyourbroccoli]

HOw do u apply the raw honey?:)
Do you leave it on..or wipe it off? Does it casuse new acne or white heads/pumps, etc?:)


thanks!yep..washing your face with it is actually a better idea, in my opinion. what i do is i wet my face, then take some sea salt in my hand and gently exfoliate with it. ill then take more in my hand and sort of pat it on my wet face so that it sticks, and leave it on as a mask for 20-30 minutes, only because all of the sea minerals in the salt are really helping to fade the scarring i have on my face, and it helps dry up any spots i may have at the time, though going low fat and low sugar has helped clear me up for the most part.

as far as the honey, what i do is i dab it on the spots at night, or apply it all over my face and wear it as a mask. sometimes ill sleep like this (with my hair tied back), and sometimes ill just leave it on the last hour or so before i go to bed. if you can tolerate sleeping with it on your face (i dont toss and turn much) then youll notice the largest difference. its sticky, but its not as bad as youd imagine. and it wont cause any new spots..honey is a natural antibiotic and humectant, meaning itll kill off bacteria that could cause acne and it will keep your skin moist so that your face doesnt over-produce oil which can lead to breakouts. its also full of minerals your skin loves. in many countries outside of the US, honey is often used in hospitals on burn victims because it facilitates scarless healing.

[RAWCA]

Thansk!
and how do u apply the seabuck oil..when?
under make uop etc?

[eatyourbroccoli]

not a problem at all :)

i usually apply the seabuckthorn oil after washing in the morning. it goes on easily and then dries..it doesnt remain oily on your face. ill then usually apply my moisturizer on top of it, and then makeup. the seabuckthorn oil should help clear you, too. give it a few weeks. it definitely shouldnt make you break out, even though its an oil. between that, the honey masks, and the salt water, you should be on your way to better skin. but since you did mention candida, you might wanna keep in mind that maybe the spots are a digestive issue? everybodys different..really and truly..and different things work for everybody. the kefir though should help with the candida though :) it actually reconstitutes the colonies of good bacteria in your tum.

ETA: i also apply it at night before bed, this time on top of my moisturizer. dont think it matters much, though.

[RAWCA]

U apply it after the raw honey mask at nite?

THanks again

[eatyourbroccoli]

if im wearing the mask or the spots of honey overnight, then i apply it before. if im washing the mask/spots off before bed, ill apply it after i do so. :)

[RAWCA]

Have u ever heard of tamanu oil? I use that curretnly.,,is seabuck thorn oil similar?
so basically it is good for acne and eczema on my neck?:)

Thanks for your help so much!

[eatyourbroccoli]

yes, ive heard of it, but ive never tired it :confused:

from what ive read though, i think tamanu is great for soothing problem skin, whereas seabuckthorn is more for healing damaged skin (healing the skin that is being currently damaged by eczema, if that makes sense)?

seabuckthorn oil is omega-6 and omega-6 rich, and has the highest content of vitamin C and vitamin E and carotenoids outside of one other oil that i cant remember right now. not sure about the makeup of tamanu, though

[RAWCA]

Oh ok..have u heard of black seed oil?:)

I am just coming across so many //don;t kno wwhich one to use for what:)

[eatyourbroccoli]

nope :( only oils ive ever really used are jojoba, which made me break out for some reason, tea tree oil, which dried me out a lotttt, and now seabuckthorn, which im in love with :D

[eatyourbroccoli]

oh..i guess i used to use coconut oil on my face everynight, too. dont know if it caused breakouts, but it didnt prevent them, and didnt moisturize for me nearly as well as, say, olive oil (which ive used too i guess haha) and the seabuckthorn tea cream ive been using. :shrug: but ive heard it work for other people, so who knows

[Linda1970]

Hello EYB,

Do you use seabuckhorn SEED oil or BERRY oil? Thanks....

[eatyourbroccoli]

seed oil, and then berry lotion

[eatyourbroccoli]

ps
i love your hair!

[Linda1970]

seed oil, and then berry lotion

Does the berry lotion has orange color to it when you apply it? I use both seed oil and berry oil, but the berry oil stains everything I touch, including my face. :eek:

[belinda]

I didn't read all the comments, but the one thing that has made the difference in my skin on my face is don't touch it, don't pick it (oh that sounds gross) but it does spread it. Maybe you don't do this anyway. ;)

[Linda1970]

ps
i love your hair!

Mine? :confused:

[RAWCA]

Whats the best brand ot buy it from oline?

thanks

[eatyourbroccoli]

Mine? :confused:yea..i really like your bangs. and the berry lotion doesnt stain my face, no. i get it from seabuckthorn.com.

[KatK]

The comment about makeup made me wonder...do all the ladies who are having skin problems wear makeup? It seems like that might be a source of irritation. Just an idea...

[sungoddess]

nope! mine is trully internal

[Linda1970]

yea..i really like your bangs. and the berry lotion doesnt stain my face, no. i get it from seabuckthorn.com.

Awww, thanks, EYB. I doubted that you were commenting on my hair because I cut it myself and I didn't think there was any style or form to it. So, I was suprised at the compliment. THanks so much.

I also get my seabuckthorn oil from the same place. I used it for about a year.

[RAWCA]

HOw has seabuck worked for u Linda?

Thanks

[eatyourbroccoli]

Awww, thanks, EYB. I doubted that you were commenting on my hair because I cut it myself and I didn't think there was any style or form to it. So, I was suprised at the compliment. THanks so much.

I also get my seabuckthorn oil from the same place. I used it for about a year.
really?? well i like it, you look really pretty! well your skin looks great in your avatar, so did the SBT work in the long run for you? :)

[Linda1970]

HOw has seabuck worked for u Linda?

Thanks
I used it before I started raw. It didn't make my acne worse, but it didn't make it better.

[Linda1970]

really?? well i like it, you look really pretty! well your skin looks great in your avatar, so did the SBT work in the long run for you? :)

Awww, thank you. :p

I took this picture a few days ago. My acne has improved a lot since I started raw.

I think the SBT might have helped moisturize my skin, but it didn't prevent or get rid of acne.

[RAWCA]

I tried the sea salt face wash thing and I think it has really minimized my acne abt 50% :)...I am so happy :)
EYB- do u scrub ur face with it?

[eatyourbroccoli]

yes, but gently and slowly. i also leave it on as a mask for 20-30 mins every night (wet my face and sorta..just..stick it on there best i can). you can also try mixing it with a bit of olive oil when washing, and then wiping off with a wet washcloth.

[startootsie]

Hello all!

I want to experiement. I would like too know if some of you think acne is from to much sugar (fruit, agave, dried fruit), too much fat (nuts, seeds, avocado, oils), or a mixture of both? I read is this thread that Alba cleared here face with lowering fruits. My question is, does fat do the same thing?

Thank you all!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[eatyourbroccoli]

star..

i think it comes down to what your body can digest. i know for me, the only thing that keeps me clear is a low sugar, low fat diet. i eat almost exclusively berries, cukes, romaine, and apples. i do have some tangerine or orange juice to make smoothies with, though, and do include coconut oil once a week or so in my smoothies. ive found that anything higher in sugar (dates, bananas, mangoes) or higher in fat with the exception of the avocado (like oil, nuts, seeds) i am just unable to properly digest, and it results in breaking out. ive kept a journal recording how i feel and whether i break out alongside what i eat over the past few months, and aside from breaking out, high sugar and high fat, for me, produces other symptoms as well. ive purchased enzymes and hope to help get my body back to a state where im able to sit down and have two slices of raw pizza with date nut torte for dessert, but im not there yet, and this is what works for me now. :)

[startootsie]

Thank you!

You said you experienced other effects from high fat and high fruit, may I ask what it is?

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[eatyourbroccoli]

high fat: dizziness, slowed BMs, moodiness, bloating, fatigue
high sugar: headaches headaches headaches, moodiness, fatigue

[Sunshine9]

Hey EYB,
I have a question for you... Do you feel full and sustained on what you're eating?

I know for right now I would do well on low fat & low sugar... but I end up feeling hungry and I reach for more fat to fill up. Any tips on how you're making it work for you?

Also in this area berries & cucs are the most expensive things (sadly, since they are my most favorite!)

Otherwise, I am rooting for you ladies!! You do have pure, clear, skin. I think it just takes time sometimes for everything to fall into place.. keep at it!!

love,
Sunshine

[eatyourbroccoli]

i purchase frozen berries to help with the cost, and from these i make smoothies that are about 16 oz (mixed with fresh squeezed tangerine or orange juice and water). i probably have about 4-5 of these a day, in addition to half a cuke cut up, and a huge bowl of romaine lettuce with apple or pear chopped into it. pear's about as sweet as i can go, and i dont eat them everyday. ill be honest with you..my diet is boring. its boring and it sucks because i loooove food and love to eat, but it does fill me up, and does help my skin. the smoothies i make are good, and i love berries..i also love romaine lettuce, so these are the two main reason the diet works for me despite the lack of variety and boredom. i just keep long-term in mind, and think how great my skin will look and continue to look, and how healing everything is. thats whats most important to me.

[Linda1970]

Hello all!

I want to experiement. I would like too know if some of you think acne is from to much sugar (fruit, agave, dried fruit), too much fat (nuts, seeds, avocado, oils), or a mixture of both? I read is this thread that Alba cleared here face with lowering fruits. My question is, does fat do the same thing?

Thank you all!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

Hi Startootsie,

I've experimented this myself several times in the last year since I became raw. I finally concluded this morning that sugar doesn't give me acne. Whew, thank God because I love sweet fruits. My latest experiment is recently, where I've been testing with tons of dates & mangos. My skin is reacting very well to them. Today, my skin looks one of its best since I started acne 2 years ago.

I've also tested a few times with fat, but I haven't tested enough to make a conclusion.

[RAWCA]

So EYB- does the salt face wash work better with a lil olive oil in the mix?:)
Do u do it every day?

Thanks!

[eatyourbroccoli]

i use it with olive oil in the morning, and then without olive oil at night. i dont have any particular reason for this..just what i ended up doing lol :)

[RAWCA]

So u do it everyday..twice a day?::)

[eatyourbroccoli]

yes maam! :)

[Sunshine9]

thanks for the insight on your diet EYB.. I will certainly give that some consideration. I think the first step for me is using a food journal again!

Also, while I personally believe acne is mostly rooted internally, I have had tremendous positive experiences with Dr. Haushka skincare products. They are natural, lots of celebrities use it, and it's great... my skin is pretty good. Anyway, just wanted to throw that out there

Sounds like you ladies know more about this than I do though :)

[sungoddess]

I use Dr. Hauschka eyeliner and mascara! I don't wear makeup on my acne (even though I want to sometimes) but I can't go out without doing the eyes! :)

[Alba]

Updates?

Personally, I am thrilled!
I was in france on veacation with my gymnasium - 9 days with not enough sleep, alcohol, late nights/not removing makeup/sunshine and sweating (skiing)...a month ago this would have been hell, my skin would have been totally broken out! and now - it stayed clear all week - not only clear - but perfect. I now officially have perfect skin...
I think I'll post a pic, cuz this is too good to be true--.not worrying about my complexion is so freeing!!
My diet pretty much consists of all the vegetables I can eat (minus carrots and beets) LOADS of green veggies, coconut (shredded/chips/fresh/oil), berries, sour apples, non-sweet fruits, lots of water - acv, beneficial oils and the occasional orange...I love it - I have so much more energy and feel balanced:) Oh wait, and my back - it's amazing - it's velvety just like I imagined and vizulaised...wait a minute...I might have a pic even...

[startootsie]

Alba, that is great! Do you only eat coconut for fat? Any other good fats?

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[sungoddess]

Alba, that is so wonderful! I definitely have a few zits, but compared to before- it is SOOOOOOO MUCH CLEARER!!!! I am not being perfect with the diet. Lots of veggie fruits, greens, i eat agave and cacao- lots of coconut oil and "butter" from artisana, olive oil, some nuts and seeds- So my diet could be better- but I am not complaining! I have found the answer. Plus I have FORCED myself to reduce stress and be very self loving- and THAT in itself is liberating. My avatar is recent and I am uploading a photo from a few days ago. No makeup! I have gotten a few zits since then... butif I totally cleaned up my diet it would be perfect- THAT KNOWLEDGE IS SO WONDERFUL!!!! :)

[eatyourbroccoli]

is it mostly low-sugar that is helping then? or increased veggies? basically..whats the biggest change youve made im wondering? the pics gorgeous! love your hair :)

[sungoddess]

Thank you!
It is the low sugar. I have added in agave for some dessert type things- which is obviously not as HEALTHY as fruit, but I think because it is low glycemic, and paired with fat, so its not as bad? I am not sure. But I basically don't eat any fruits except cucs, peppers, tomatoes etc. I eat a lot of fats now, and greens. My skin could be better, and I am sure that subsituting some berries or sour apples for agave laden dessert would be more beneficial, but I am not complaining for now!!!! I am assuming that it is candida- but I can't be SO sure. I will continue to experiment and update!

[Alba]

UGH - my other (loooong post) just got deletede - how annoying is that??:)
Anyway, first of all: WOW !! :D Sungoddess You look amazing - really!
And you know what, don't worry about perfect diet too much - I know how you feel, when I cut out carrots completely my skin is the BEST IT HAS EVER BEEN - but sometimes I really wan't a carrot - so I'll eat one, and maybe (maybe not) get a small zit. It is the knowledge (as you said) that I CAN have perfect skin, quickly and easily if I really wanted to.
Let's not stress, but embrace our goodlooking skin and have a berry-smoothie w. lime/cuke and avocado *siiiiips*

Another thing that thrills me is, that I can now give good advise to people w. acne probs - advise that I am almost 100% sure will work (less to no sugar, up greens, more sleep, eat more raw, avoid meat, dairy and grains, more good oils). Some might be motivated enough to go all raw -
I am thinking about gathering all our (valuable) information in a small pampflet that people can download if interested - you know, all the stuff we know about diet, cleaning, strenghtening and moisturising our sensitive skin.
About how stupid it is to go the accutane/antibiotic way (in the long run)...
all that stuff - I might need you guys' help with it - but it will not be just now, since I am simply too stressed out!Geeeez ( that ain't good either - I knoooow):p

Anyway, I'll just post a bigger pic of my face and one of my back - and then I'm off.

Keep updating all of you beautiful girls:rolleyes:

Love alba

[RAWCA]

HI Alba-

Do you take mostly green smoothies or eat salads?

[RAWCA]

BUMP for Alba

[Alba]

Oh HI !! Sorry - I thought I already posted...?
Anyway
I eat A LOT of salad - like, HUGE bowls of green leafes (baby spinach, beet-leaves, iceberg,romaine, baby-lettuce, dandelion greens etc) and avo/tomato/bell pebber etc. w. an olive oil/lemon dressing - or tahini or guac-style dressing...I really just mix some healthy stuff and it's delicious.
In the morning I mainly eat berry-smoothies (frozen berries, green leaves, coconut, water or orange juice and sometimes carob - although I've discovered that I feel even better when I omit that)
- hope it helped:D

Love alba

Ps. I often make cuke-shakes too (cucumber, lime, sour apple, avocado, coconut and ice - delicious!

[RAWCA]

Hi Alba-

Thanks for the info...
So you don;t do much green smoothies then? I can;t seem to down them at all:)
HOw are the cuke shakes?

Oh ..do u use aloe vera or any topical creams?


Thanks again

[Alba]

uhm - well, actually - I guess I DO take a lot of green smoothies - my berry-smooziess are green due to the baby spinach in them
and if you still eat sweeter fruits you can make really wonderful-tasting stuf - (see the green smoothie recipe threads)..
This is all about limiting sugar and eating lots and lots of greens, so do it anyway you find best!
I have used a lot of stuuf topically - including Aloe gel, but nothing really ever helped me that much, and now that my skin is clear, I only use coconut oil, sea salt to eaxfoliate and the occasional bentonite-clay mask...:)

Hope it helped..

Love alba

Love alba

[sungoddess]

Hearing the other night in the juice bar I often go to, that PCOS is often just an overgrowth of candida... everything began to click! DUH!

Now, I just need to find some way to be very diligent- as to where it will go away for good! I feel a fast coming up this summer :)

[startootsie]

Hearing the other night in the juice bar I often go to, that PCOS is often just an overgrowth of candida... everything began to click! DUH!

Now, I just need to find some way to be very diligent- as to where it will go away for good! I feel a fast coming up this summer :)

Does candida make you break out? If this is so, I should tell my sister! She loves fruit and eats a lot of it.

How has low fruit effected everything else with your body? This question is to everyone.:)

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[okorolina40]

Hi - although I am a new seed to raw, I am not a new seed to skincare. I have taken a few herb/ aromatherapy courses and this basic program seemed to help many of my case studies with problem skin.

cleanser: use a finely ground oatmeal, almonds, lemon peel, and sea salt. use this with water, nut milk or olive oil to cleanse the face. do not pat the skin dry. let it air dry.

toner: use diluted ACV (50/50) or fresh apple juice as a toner. You can also use orange flower water or rosewater for a gentler skin type.

hydrate: steam the face over water with fennel, mint, and lavender (dried herbs/seeds)steeping. Try to stay over the steam for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water. You can also save the tea and use as a toner or hair rinse.


moisturize. While the skin is wet, apply 3-5 drops of olive oil and 2-3 drops of an essential oil of choice. I prefer drops of clary sage, geranium, lemongrass, or frankincense for blemished skin. If these scents are too strong, you can simply use tea tree and lavender or plain lavender essential oil.


protect: you can use sesame oil for natural sunscreen properties, or find a vegan sunscreen ( i think aubrey organics makes one) or use shea butter, which is super moisturizing, healing and protecting.

i like these methods, because I feel that they support and promote the raw lifestyle. New skin takes about 90-120 days to emerge, so if you are trying new things, you need to stick with them for at least 3 months to see whether it works... but many natural products work quickly, and others, you may experience skin detox before you see wonderful results.


Hope you find what your skin loves.

Blessings,

RawNaija (okorolina40)

[Alba]

Thank you so much for the wonderful tips!!:D I've been wondering what I should use for sunscreen when that becomes an issue again (hopefully soon:p )

Love alba

[Linda1970]

Does candida make you break out? If this is so, I should tell my sister! She loves fruit and eats a lot of it.

How has low fruit effected everything else with your body? This question is to everyone.:)

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

Hi Christianna,

It seems that a few people here has gotten rid of candida with lots of fruits.

[RAWCA]

Hi guys-

Anyone who uses sea water (ie himalayan crystals, celtic sea salt) does it work for your skin or break u out more? I have been using it and it has started causing more break outs,,(acne) is that normal?

Thanks

[Linda1970]

Hi guys-

Anyone who uses sea water (ie himalayan crystals, celtic sea salt) does it work for your skin or break u out more? I have been using it and it has started causing more break outs,,(acne) is that normal?

Thanks

Hello,

I've tried this without any success. However, the lady who told me to do this got rid of her acne using salt only. For me, only internal methods via raw food got rid of my acne.

[RAWCA]

Hi Linda-

What did she do? Wash her face with it?

Thanks

[Rawkinlocs]

I'm going to close this thread now because the number of pages is getting pretty long. If the OP cares or wishes to start up a new thread to carry this discussion on, that's fine. Please determine if it should still be here in Raw and Living Food Discussion or if it should now go into the "Other Health-Related" forum. There are "some" posts that talk about raw foods being the "thing" to help with skin, but it seems most are going to other sources such as supplementing or external measures.

Thanks!