More Color in My Complexion?

[thevegancat]

I'm on Retin-A for acne, so I'd rather not try out topical remedies, but what do you all recommend for sallow skin? I'd love to have more glow & color in my complexion. Do any foods/vitamins promote a healthier facial color? I spend moderate amounts of time in the sun, but I have to use SPF 30 sunscreen (due to Retin-A). How do you get that golden rosy glow that little kids (especially blonde ones) have?

I've only been "raw" for about three days (I'm a total no0b at this stuff), since it's supposed to improve your skin, will glowy, colorful skin be a side benefit?

[thevegancat]

Well, judging by the overwhelming number of replies, I guess my problem is to remain unsolved...

[Vegan Princess]

I like your name!

I use retin-a and I find it makes me reddish...so I have the opposite problem. I used to use a vitamin c serum from my derm that gave me a glow...but not sure it's the same type you're looking for. My skin takes on a sort of evenness and glow when I stay raw...my mom commented on it when she came to visit. Just stick with it.

Cindy

[shalom]

i know that apricot / cucumber juice is supposed to be great for your skin.... let's see - victoria boutenko said that one day (or for a few days- can't remember) she ad TONS of dandelion greens... that gave cleansed her liver like crazy - and she woke up to see that she was --- *glowing*!

Also - she recommends exfoliating often...(with slightly ground flax seeds)

You could use coconut oil as a moisterizer....

Also - it is probobly counterproductive to be using the retin-A right now. That is how your body is trying to detox. You may be suppressing it and making it worse in the long run. You may think of doing a good cleanse along with many green smoothies to encourage proper cleansing... then, maybe you will not need the retin-A......?......
let you know if i think of anything else.

[chilove]

Hello there,

I second the recommendation to stop using the Retin-A if you can stand to. It's definitely not natural or healthy or necessary.

My skin tone improved a great deal when I went raw, I used to have a very dull, greyish unhealthy tone and now have a much more vibrant normal "skin" kind of peachy I guess).color tone. I'm sure it will improve even more the longer I'm raw.

All the best,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[Conscious Midwife]

CArrot juice daily

will give you a warm orange tan like glow

[solarliving]

I recommend getting off retina A. All drugs get processed by the liver.

The Raw diet will greatly improve your skin.

I second the Cucumber, Carrot, Dandelion. Also water, exercise, Deep Breathing.

[tweety]

I agree with a lot of the other comments in here.

The more raw you become over time in training your body, it will open your mind up to other toxicities in your environment.

It gets expensive when you want to transition over on cosmetics and body products but its well worth it.

Make your own skin toners:
Mix Aloe Vera w/ filtered water in a spray bottle .. so refreshing!!
Mix Tea Tree Oil w/ Lavender & Witch Hazel & Filtered water, dab on a cotton swab for the face.

Also I have heard that Apple Cider Vinegar is great for acne.
Exfoliate every other day. Try Desert Essence scrub.

I would recommend masking for 20mins at least 3-4 days a week to purge the skin. Use the natural Aztec Clay w/ apple cider vinegar.

Also, boil water and add eucalyptus oil to steam the face.

I've been on Proactiv and so many other products. YUK! you dont need more toxic chemicals to put on your skin.

I was a long time sufferer of cystic acne until i took out the coffee and junk from my diet. Going raw helps BUT you have to stop putting toxic stuff on your skin because it will get absorbed into the bloodstream and some may cross the blood brain barrier. We really dont know the extent of damage these cosmetics may cause.

You see some of these skin products come out with "Vitamin C" or Orange essence.. well i made my own scrub yesterday with shredded orange peel and pulp and chamomile/rosebud tea and added the leaves. i also added a bit of exfoliant. Upon application it felt tingly. it was kindof fun. and well....cheap!

a rule of thumb: if you cant eat it, dont put it on your skin

[StarFire]

Aloha Vegancat!! I've noticed that Sunday's are a bit slower on the website - not everyone gets online on Sundays -- well - I dont' anyway cuz I don't have internet at home.
Now as far as your complexion -- I have found good hard exercise - a nice walk - anything that makes you sweat and gets your heart pumping. It helps your body to rid it'self of toxins and gives your skin a nice healthy glow!You can take all the vitamins - and drink all the green smoothies - which will always benefit you -- but bottom line (imho) fresh air and good healthy exercise! Gotta have it! :D

[shalom]

I agree with a lot of the other comments in here.

The more raw you become over time in training your body, it will open your mind up to other toxicities in your environment.

It gets expensive when you want to transition over on cosmetics and body products but its well worth it.

Make your own skin toners:
Mix Aloe Vera w/ filtered water in a spray bottle .. so refreshing!!
Mix Tea Tree Oil w/ Lavender & Witch Hazel & Filtered water, dab on a cotton swab for the face.

Also I have heard that Apple Cider Vinegar is great for acne.
Exfoliate every other day. Try Desert Essence scrub.

I would recommend masking for 20mins at least 3-4 days a week to purge the skin. Use the natural Aztec Clay w/ apple cider vinegar.

Also, boil water and add eucalyptus oil to steam the face.

I've been on Proactiv and so many other products. YUK! you dont need more toxic chemicals to put on your skin.

I was a long time sufferer of cystic acne until i took out the coffee and junk from my diet. Going raw helps BUT you have to stop putting toxic stuff on your skin because it will get absorbed into the bloodstream and some may cross the blood brain barrier. We really dont know the extent of damage these cosmetics may cause.

You see some of these skin products come out with "Vitamin C" or Orange essence.. well i made my own scrub yesterday with shredded orange peel and pulp and chamomile/rosebud tea and added the leaves. i also added a bit of exfoliant. Upon application it felt tingly. it was kindof fun. and well....cheap!

a rule of thumb: if you cant eat it, dont put it on your skin

btw - love that!! "if you can't eat it, son't put it on your skin"

and i am bookmarking this post!! I need to use those recipes!

[Rawmommie]

I used to have acne and use Retin-A. Here's my suggestion:

Stop using it and go 100% raw for 30 days. Take a pic TODAY of your skin and then again after the 30 days. You will see a difference. Eating raw CURED my acne, I no longer break out. I will get a pimple or two (which is NOTHING like I used to deal with) during my cycle and that's it! I just had someone tell me this weekend what beautiful skin I had...I would NEVER have though someone would say that about my skin! :)

Give raw a chance, your face may get worse while the toxins come out of your skin, but it WILL improve if you stay raw. It can't hurt to try for a while, right?! :)

[So Delightedly Raw]

I recommend getting off retina A. All drugs get processed by the liver. .....

It was in the back of my brain, but I was really trying not to think about that.

I've been using Retin -A for acne and a nice side-effect is that it also helps my skin look very smooth. I also use another product that I wouldn't dream of eating, and that goes for the concealer make-up I use also!

I get frequent compliments on my skin, using that stuff. Hmmmm, am I ready to give that up?? :eek: This needs some thought. :confused: Maybe --- for 30 days........Still thinking........:) I am thinking that I will stop at least some of this stuff for 30 days.

[thevegancat]

Thanks for all these suggestions! I definitely want to try it, and I really wish I could stop using the Retin-A (which is only making my face worse), but my mom (I'm 17) insists that I use it b/c that was the first thing my (allopathic) doctor prescribed.

[shalom]

Thanks for all these suggestions! I definitely want to try it, and I really wish I could stop using the Retin-A (which is only making my face worse), but my mom (I'm 17) insists that I use it b/c that was the first thing my (allopathic) doctor prescribed.

My mom was going througha similar thing with my 17 yo brother. I told them he should cut out all dairy - as that is a HUGE contributer to acne. (he gets it on his back too. I said, just give it 30 days. He did and his acne improved SO much! I don't know if he stopped using his medication (proactive) i think he did, cause he was frustrated that it wasn't helping. He said his face always cleared up when he got OFF medication.

Talk to your mom. But please approach it in a mature, respectful manner. she *is* your mother - let her know you respect that and want to honor her wishes. Then, explain that you believe these things are not helping (esp in the long run) because they just repress the toxins that your body is trying to expel. (she may be impressed at your research!) Then, propose that you stop treatment and replace it with a raw diet (or as much as she will let you)- cutting out all animal flesh and by-products. Kinda like a bet - but don't put it that way!

More like - please can i do this for 30 days. If there is NO improvement, then i will resume taking the retin-a. (let her know that you don't want to settle for your face *looking* healthy - rather you want your face to look healthy - because it IS)

Give it a try. My mom can be pretty rough (or she used to be... she's gotten way better with my siblings) but, when approached maturely and respectfully, you can usually come to a compromise!

keep us posted!

[Davylp25]

Hmm Hey Shalom...

That's very interesting about the half ground flax seeds for an exfoliator... INteresting.... Is there a specific reason VB thinks this would be good? Wouldnt it clog the sink tho... hehe since it absorbs so much wata! lol