I don't look like a Raw Foodist

[Raene]

I feel like my skin looks so bad that I can't even tell people I'm on raw or they'll avoid it and think it's unhealthy. I know it's probably detox, but gosh! It seems like it'll last forever. Any tips? I've been 90%+ raw since the end of January and I've been 100% for maybe 6 weeks. How long can this possibly last? I have been cooked vegan for 3 years and a meat eater previously with lots of white pasta and lots of velveeta. I guess that stuff takes a LONG time to get out of my system, but I was hoping not to have acne for my wedding in June. I have avoided taking pictures to post here too b/c when I look at my before and after pictures, they just don't look any different. It's discouraging.
A typical day for me includes 1-2 quarts of green smoothie, lots of fruit in between, large salads, and a very large variety of greens. I really rotate so I'm not eating the same thing day in and day out. A bit of nuts/seeds but not a lot b/c they put me to sleep. :(

[raw_danceruk]

Do you clean your face with anything??

I found when I had problem skin cleansing with olive oil helped

Now I use nothing and this keeps it 100% clear

I think it can be diet and hormone related ..skin stuff for women certainly.

Any imbalances with hormones?

6 weeks isnt that long, give it time!! Mine was flaring on and off for the first 6 months!! detox takes it own sweet time!

Cleaning with oil and letting your skin have time without any make up or products really can help for sure :o

[avanderland]

My face also has never gotten to be perfect, although it did get better. I recommend finding a skincare routine, if you don't have one, but something not too harsh. I use Bare Escentuals face wash AND moisturizer, and both have made my skin 10000x better. I tried using things that were just homemade, but it wasn't quite working. I know it works for many people, but for me this is what has done it.

[Care4raw]

No advice, just empathy.

A friend of mine went 100% raw and told her model agency she couldn't work for 3 months while she detoxed and her skin was a wreck.

[Raw Hope]

hey Raene
I hope you find a good skin care routine that works for you

but I do have a question for you
when you 1-2 q of GS, do you make them all at once
or do you make them a couple times a day
trying to go 100% here and make it a lot more practical lifetsyle
Thanks in Advance

[Eva]

Are you doing juices for the skin -- like cucumber/red pepper/carrot? Wheatgrass?

And what are you doing for your skin routine?

Are you under a lot of stress? If so, are you taking time "for you" to help de-stress regularly?

What about water intake?

I think answering these questions, we can try our best to make some suggestions... although you may get a myriad of ideas!

The good thing is (I guess it's good) you're already doing some things to help.

There may be hope yet! :)

[Raene]

Thanks. I sometimes use a calendula bath bar to wash my face and sometimes some tea tree face wash. I did the olive oil steam once and the coconut oil wash once but haven't stuck to either, though they probably would help. I don't wear makeup so it's not that. Hormones seem pretty balanced...regular periods now...but who knows? I'll start taking maca regularly and see if that helps. Thank you for the advice!

[Raene]

hey Raene
when you 1-2 q of GS, do you make them all at once
or do you make them a couple times a day
Thanks in Advance

Both...sometimes I make too much for 1 qt and save it for later and sometimes I make two, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. :)

[Raene]

Are you doing juices for the skin -- like cucumber/red pepper/carrot? Wheatgrass?

And what are you doing for your skin routine?

Are you under a lot of stress? If so, are you taking time "for you" to help de-stress regularly?

What about water intake?

I think answering these questions, we can try our best to make some suggestions... although you may get a myriad of ideas!

The good thing is (I guess it's good) you're already doing some things to help.

There may be hope yet! :)

I never juice, just b/c I'm too lazy to clean the juicer and I don't have a great one. I just do green smoothies. I do get wheatgrass occasionally from work (at a HFS) but probably not enough. I definitely don't drink enough water! It's so hard for me to remember. That's probably a big part of my skin problems. Thanks!

[Coconutcutie]

I was thinking about posting something similar earlier today...everyone seems to report a "glow" or clearer skin as one of the first changes when going raw, however mine really hasn't changed at all...it still looks somewhat red, greasy, with rosacea and broken capillaries and huge pimples and scabs in various places. I have had acne since the age of 10 (I'm 28 now) and eating healthier has never seemed to make a noticeable difference in my skin. I have tried the BC pill which never worked as well as spironolactone (anti-androgen) which gave me headaches and made me too dizzy. I have also used maca and tried acupuncture and Chinese herbs with no success.I have used natural progesterone cream to balance hormones now for 3 years and the only difference that I have seen is no more cystic breakouts on my jawline and neck. My periods have always been regular anyway and I don't have any cysts, so it is questionable exactly what is happening with my hormones. I do take thyroid medicine for hypothyroidism but that hasn't improved my skin, either.

I tried the oil cleansing method during the winter and at first it seemed to work great and my skin looked "balanced" and "normal" for maybe a week until all *heck* broke loose and I began to develop huge cystic bumps OVER old scars which left even bigger pits in their wake once they went away. I used the oil cleansing method for about 2 months and braved it through the breakouts before I threw in the towel and switched to using plain water to cleanse and then follow-up with a water-moistened cotton pad sprinkled with a few drops of tea tree oil, gently rubbed all over my face. This seemed to calm things down and now I am just dealing with massive scars...Obviously my skin hates oil from outside sources, no matter what I would like to believe...

Anyway, I'm holding out hope that *somehow* eating raw will clear up my skin for the first time in my life practically. I know it will take time, and part of me is skeptical that it will ever happen, but if we don't have hope what do we have?

I know that once my acne is under control I am going to be getting Fraxel laser treatment and subcision for the scarring as well as specialized lasers to eradicate the broken capillaries. One of these days I will look as good on the outside as I feel on the inside since going raw!

[shashibala]

My skin has improved on raw. One thing I do is drink 2 quarts of water with msm and lemon every day. It's hard to know what is helping, but something is so I keep doing it.
Good Luck!:)

[MOTH]

I sometimes have problems with my skin, but it always seems to happen whenever I am not drinking enough water. If I make it a MISSION to consume at least 2liters a day or more, and take MSM, it seems to really help. I was having really bad breakouts about a week ago, and realized I wasn't drinking enough. This week I've been drinking a ton of water and I swear it's been helping.

I don't use any face cleanser, just a cloth and some baking soda on my skin in the shower. And then afterwards I apply coconut oil and tea tree oil as needed...

My goal is to eventually only need to clean with water, like an animal in the pond.

[Coconutcutie]

I have been taking about 4 grams of MSM every day...is this enough? I agree, water is really helpful, but drinking more doesn't seem to help clear up my skin at all...wish it did though! I have always been a huge water drinker...

[sptygl]

what is MSM

[RawSinger]

Raene: try the oil cleansing method. It's gotten really good reviews on this forum. Check it out: http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com I just started doing this recently. I know it's made my skin feel a lot softer but I haven't been doing it long enough to notice my mild-moderate acne clearing up tremendously. Not yet. You can try the oils that the woman suggests on this website or coconut oil, which a lot of people use, or any oil of your choosing. Skin care routine aside, make sure you're taking in enough fat. Healthy fats (the fats ingested on a raw diet) are good for your skin. Coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, etc. Whatever your skin issues are at any given moment (dryness, oilyness/acne, flakiness, etc), your skin needs moisture (from the inside and applied to the outside). Also, don't pick at your skin!! Good luck :)

[klomasius]

Raene,

just taking a look at what you eat, I'm wondering if you could benefit from the addition of a little fat to your diet.

I always find that if I ingest some fat, my skin looks and feels better a day or so later.

Starfire and others have benefited from the taking of a teaspoon of coconut oil a day, you might want to try something like this.

When I don't consume enough fat, I find that my hair and skin go limp and dry. Some people find that even when their skin is too oily and they have acne, the consumption of raw fats can balance out any hormonal disruptions and help the skin to repair itself.

Can you tell us what your skin problems are? Dryness, flakiness, too oily, acne? It might help to pinpoint the problem.

Also, what was your diet like before going raw, was it bad, ok, good? This might give and indication as to whether it might be detox.

Hope you find some relief soon!

[Raene]

Raene,

just taking a look at what you eat, I'm wondering if you could benefit from the addition of a little fat to your diet.

I always find that if I ingest some fat, my skin looks and feels better a day or so later.

Starfire and others have benefited from the taking of a teaspoon of coconut oil a day, you might want to try something like this.

When I don't consume enough fat, I find that my hair and skin go limp and dry. Some people find that even when their skin is too oily and they have acne, the consumption of raw fats can balance out any hormonal disruptions and help the skin to repair itself.

Can you tell us what your skin problems are? Dryness, flakiness, too oily, acne? It might help to pinpoint the problem.

Also, what was your diet like before going raw, was it bad, ok, good? This might give and indication as to whether it might be detox.

Hope you find some relief soon!

Thanks for the suggestion. I eat tons of olive oil to the point of possibly drinking it out of the bottle, lol. I don't eat a lot of avocados, maybe 2-3 per week bc I have texture issues and if they have any strings at all in them I start gagging. I realize I could blend them up but I usually don't. I eat olives occasionally and dates occasionally too, but find dates too sweet to eat every day. What else is fatty? I do flax oil on my salads along with olive oil. Haven't tried hemp oil but I do use hemp seeds often.
My skin...I have backne, chest acne, and my chin is always broken out. My forehead is dry and flaky. I also get strange pink/redness on my face to the side of my nostrils. It's not terrible, my skin problems, but I just don't feel like I look exceptional...know what I mean? :)
My diet before, as in right before going raw? Lots of cane sugar. Tons. Big into sweets before going raw. Other than that, lots of salads, veggies, and grains. Not a lot of fruit. I'm sure the sugar is still coming out, though.

[klomasius]

Stick in there kiddo!

I'm sure as you go along it will clear itself up. You might want to consistently trial some of the natural skin care preps suggested on this and other boards, just to see if anything makes a difference.

Could you be eating a little too much olive oil maybe? Just a thought.

It could just be detox, or maybe its something you eat too little or too much of, but whatever is, you'll eventually find the problem. You just keep listening to your body and learning to judge it's health and the messages it gives you.

Another suggestion, check other key health indicators like how bright/white the colour of your eyes are, how healthy your hair looks, check the colour of your wee to see if you're getting enough water etc. If all else is ok, then it might just be a passing thing.

[jacsam]

Raene....sounds like your doing everything right......give it TIME, although you mentioned that you don't drink alot of water, I know when my kids would start to break out, I'd ask them if they'd been drinking water and within a couple days it would be clearing up nicely. Good Luck.

[Livin'onLife]

Raene and Coconutcutie, I am right there with you. I never wanted to tell people I was a raw foodist for fear that they'd get the wrong impression and be turned away from the lifestyle. I have been 100% raw for a year, and am now just starting to feel like I am just starting to get a raw "glow". I had a lot of the skin problems that you guys mentioned, and they are now starting to really clear up. They started clearing up pretty quick, but not really going away. My skin is still not what I want it to be, but it is definitely getting there.
I second what people said: Drink water, experiment with how much fat you need, what to use on your face, etc., and just plain give it time.

[Aleesha Sattva]

water water water water! your skin is detoxing... if you want to help it... drink water!!!

add three glasses to your day... just three. you can do this! everytime you look at your face... drink water! :)

(((hugs)))

[RawHeaven]

water water water water! your skin is detoxing... if you want to help it... drink water!!!

add three glasses to your day... just three. you can do this! everytime you look at your face... drink water! :)

(((hugs)))

yes! i was gonna say the same thing. drink plenty of water and flush!

lemon juice is also a GREAT internal cleanser. dilute it with water if it's too bitter.

i swear by this okay, start juicing cucumbers. straight cucumber juice is a miracle elixir for the skin. Try it, please. i was breaking out for whatever reason a few weeks ago on my cheeks. detox probably. i started juicing at least 5 large cucumbers daily and my skin cleared up almost immediately.

if you don't have a juicer, you can blend them and strain the pulp through a nut milk bag.

and you guys know i'm big on visualization and manifestation by now. stop affirming you've got "bad" skin and you don't look like a raw foodist. poo ha! Start knocking those negative thought patterns out by saying... "I have GORGEOUS, GLOWING skin. I'm one Raw Hot Mama!" See your skin healthy & glowing and it will be. :)

[snufkin]

I know how you are feeling. i have had horrible acne since I was very young, and nothing ever seemed to get rid of it. I have it under control now since I have switched to raw and have been using my secret weapon! I don't know if you have heard of it, but since I have been using this all herbal acne cleanser my skin HAS been even more even toned than it's been since being a kid! I know my breakouts are hormonal, and I will still break out a little every month but it's not nearly as bad.

THIS! (http://www.ihealthtree.com/zero-zitz-kreamy-kleanzer-cease-the-grease-6oz-well-in-hand.html)

So this is what I do.. I wash with zero zits morning and night.. In the morning I use a rough facial sponge (gently) with it. At night I put vitamin E oil on my skin before I go to bed. That has helped tremendously. I actually heard about Zero Zits on here from someone else. At first it makes your skin break out but after the inital period it clears it up nicely. :)

[VeggieMel]

I wonder if you need probiotics for better digestion. I'd also recommend plenty of water. That does great things for the skin.

[Care4raw]

Knowledge is power..lately thats how i have felt going to fitday.com and tracking what i eat.It breaks down nutrients, etc..I can look at it and say wow i am missing this , or i never noticed this.

I have never tracked so much as a calorie before.I am some what aware and laid back about it too . Just using this tool has opened my eyes up to what i do eat and don't eat..I thought I knew(ish). I would recommend this to anyone.No need to do it for long. Its just given me a great deal of knowledge.

[FiddleMama]

Have you thought about doing a colonic? It definitely helps to get the toxins moving. If your colon is working efficiently, your skin won't bear the brunt of the detox. I highly highly recommend a colonic for anyone who is hitting a wall with raw, however that wall-hitting manifests in the body. Best of luck and congratulations on your upcoming wedding! You will glow.

[Raene]

Actually I've ALWAYS wanted to do colonics but have only done enemas. Will consider it :)

[FiddleMama]

I think you will see some very good results very quickly from a short series of colonics. I am an utter convert and I've only had the first in my series. It's so sensible and so dramatically helpful.

[zig_zag]

How are colonics sensible when they aren't derivative of nature, whatsoever?

[tinystrawberry]

I agree with RawHeaven, cucumber juice is amazing for your skin. Just eating cucumbers helps, you don't have to juice them (although cucumber/apple juice is sooo goood)
hope you find something that helps!

[rawstrength]

How are colonics sensible when they aren't derivative of nature, whatsoever?

We've messed up our beings pretty badly on SAD. Colonics are a way of helping our beings to heal. They may not be 100% natural, but it's the best we can do.
Remember, eating produce shipped from other parts of the country is also not natural! But often, that's the best we can do :) . I can only grow my own food 3 months out of the year here in MA, excluding sprouts, of course.

[NYbutterfly]

And what exactly is a raw foodist supposed to look like, anyway? We come in all shapes and sizes, with different types of skin, hair textures, body odors, personalities. Try not to think that you have to fit a certain physical profile or stereotype in order to be raw. That's too much pressure! I have seen long term raw foodists who are overweight with bad skin (bad food combining? poor circulation from lack of excercise?) and I have seen fit, healthy people with glowing skin who never touch fruits and veggies (good genes?). Point is, there are SOOOO many factors and too many answers, as we are all such different individuals. I say, take your time, let your body detox and let that inner beauty shine... your skin will be what you want it to be soon enough.

[FiddleMama]

How are colonics sensible when they aren't derivative of nature, whatsoever?

They make sense to me.

[rawfoodistdavid]

Try psoriasis for size. Raw food helps for sure but you really need solid doses of UV light and vitamin D via sunshine.

People are told to cover up and slap on toxic suncreams. Unless you have the palest skin type (where no tanning is possible) you need big doses of sun to feel good, to enjoy good skin.

[RawPaw]

I hate going to Whole Foods 'cos everyone seems to look so young and healthy and I'm trying to be raw, but I look like a homeless person. It's shameful. :D

[Marin Mom]

I had acne years ago and at the time only accutane cleared it up :eek:.

Knowing now what I wish I knew then, besides drinking lots of water try using a very mild cleanser to calm your skin down. I use Cetaphil from the drugstore and it never leaves me feeling dry, which can sometimes cause a backlash of oiliness later. I always moisturize too afterwards.

Oh, I feel your pain and wish you luck.