In previous posts I’ve covered the many sides of acne prevention from a natural, pharmaceutical-free perspective, including the foods you need to avoid, the supplements that will help, and exactly why I never recommend the birth control pill as an acne treatment. But in this post I want to talk about the right skincare routine and products for women suffering with hormonal acne. I used to be a woman suffering with acne - as you know, I had terrible, painful cystic acne all over my face, chest and back as the result of my PCOS and hormonal imbalances. I’ve tried everything. And while I know that preventing acne is a task that must go more than skin-deep - you have to address your diet and lifestyle habits too - I also now know the absolute best products that prevent acne. These products are also hormone-safe, of course. Your skin is your largest eliminative organ, so you have to be very picky and choosy about what you put on it. Whatever goes on your skin, seeps into your pores and your bloodstream. You skin needs to function at its optimal level to help you eliminate excess hormones and other toxins too, and the right skincare products will support that. If you would like more information on the root causes of hormonal acne and adult acne as well as extra support from me on how to prevent acne based on specifics like your age, where on your face or body acne appears, and when you get the most acne, listen to my “Get Gorgeous Skin - Clear Acne Naturally” webinar.
My favorite skincare products for preventing acne
Topical, rapid treatment - use a product that contains sulfur, but won’t dry out the area, if you have lumps, bumps, cystic acne, or a zit emergency! The Naturopathica's Moss Treatment Mask can be used as a monthly mask or just dab a small amount on the acne area and leave overnight. Sulfur, is also found in veggies like kale, and is safe for your skin and safe for your hormones. Everyday facial wash - a gentle moisturizing scrub is the way to go, and it’s much better for you than benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers that go straight through your liver and add to your body’s toxic load. Alba Botanica’s Daily Detox Cleanser is a great choice. Moisturizer - dry, parched skin is actually more prone to acne than well-moisturized skin, which is why moisture zapping products like Proactiv don’t work for long, if at all. I use 100% pure, organic Aloe Vera gel (which is also anti-inflammatory) - Desert Essence has a hormone-safe product. If you live in a very dry climate or have naturally dryer skin then pick a heavier moisturizer that’s super creamy and calendula-based like Naturopathica’s Calendula Hydrating Cream. Face mask - fruit acids used during the luteal phase can help with skin renewal and regeneration. I use the Naturopathica's Pumpkin Enzyme mask in my pre-menstrual phase to support my skin during that commonly acne-prone time.Sunscreen - most of us are not outside in direct suns much of the time and we need that sunshine for essential vitamin D absorption, which is vital for our hormonal health and fertility. I use a zinc-based, physical block sunscreen on my face if I’m at the beach or on a day hike and will be out in the sunshine for a long time. Because of the endocrine disruptive chemicals in regular sunscreens, I prefer to rely on a UV-protective sunhat, sunglasses, and a mineral pressed powder that contains zinc oxide on my vulnerable areas - my nose and chin (like those products made by Jane Iredale) if I’m just out and about on a normal day in New York City.Scalp treatment - if you experience acne, it’s very likely you also have dandruff issues. For this I recommend using regular baking soda on your scalp when your hair is wet, before you shampoo. Scrub baking soda into the scalp, then rinse with water, then shampoo your hair, and then rinse again with Apple Cider Vinegar. Other than that, a gentle, everyday shampoo that is aloe vera based is great - try Shikai Everyday. You can also use the essential oil Neem on your scalp, which is full of moisturizing fatty acids and very soothing. Finally, try a deep scalp treatment once a month with antimicrobial and antifungal, organic coconut oil. Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you! You can do this - the science of your body is on your side!to your FLO,AlisaGood things come in threes:
I want to hear from you!
First, do you have hair loss or an overgrowth of hair? Second, do you have acne? Third, everyone you know is hormonal – spread a little good ovary karma and share this article on social ;)
Need more Hormone Help?
If you’re needing some health upgrading, it’s time you started you looking into what’s going on with your hormones.I’ve designed a 4 day hormone detox and evaluation to help you understand exactly what’s out of whack and how you can start getting back to balance so that your hormones no longer have to suffer.Click here to get your FREE detox and evaluation!
