This is a reader story by Love Vitamin reader Meagan (submit your own reader story here)
My natural skin care journey started in late October 2013 – almost a year and a half ago.
I’ve always struggled with acne, but I was suffering from particularly bad severe hormonal acne and peri-oral dermatitis following the birth of my son.
That’s when I stumbled upon The Love Vitamin.
I remember clearly the night I first saw Tracy’s post on how to treat female hormonal acne.
I was out-of-town visiting family and following a big dinner with lots of people to visit with, I washed my face and retired to my room really early to spend the night researching hormonal acne cures and Accutane.
I just couldn’t endure trying to be social and happy while having a horrible, painful and inflamed face. I was not myself. Here’s what it looked like at the time:
I was fed up. I was sad. My face HURT. I was disappointed that after seven years of feeling like I’d tried everything to have perfect skin.
Facials, Proactiv, multi-year antibiotic use, chemical peels, laser treatments, expensive dermatologist-recommended cleansers and moisturizers, purchasing (and returning) the Clarisonic Mia…
Yet I was still left with this face that felt abused, and was getting even worse than when I first started obsessing over finding an acne ‘miracle cure’! And it was all so damn expensive!
Going the Natural Route
I knew that I needed to try something different. So I gave the seven-day candida cleanse challenge a chance, purchased Tracy’s e-books, and devoured her blog.
I ordered quite a few things off The Love Vitamin’s recommended list – manuka honey, MSM cream, Estroblock, fermented cod liver oil/butter oil, kefir grains. . . and I started seeing a naturopath.
Some things really worked – I’ve never had a pimple during the multi-week candida cleanses I’ve done, and my skin started clearing up when I finished breastfeeding and my hormones settled a bit.
Fermented cod liver oil/butter oil makes my skin glow, and I drink raw milk kefir daily and avoid fluoridated water. I’ve formed relationships with local beef and poultry farmers and purchased a share in a goat farm to have access to fresh milk.
I feel closer than ever to the food I eat and who it’s grown and raised by. My son loves drinking fresh milk and my family overall is healthier for the changes we’ve made. I feel so much more knowledgeable about what healthy food is and how to nourish my body.
Me, smiling and happy during a clear stint this past June.
But, I have a confession to make.
A short while ago I realized that I was approaching natural skin care just like conventional acne treatments.
I was looking for the supplement, diet or routine that would ‘cure’ my acne. Instead of scouring the internet for reviews on doxycycline or chemical peels, I was researching Estroblock, cod liver oil and candida cleanses.
I was behaving EXACTLY THE SAME as I was before, but in this cloak of natural. In between candida cleanses I would go back to eating sugar and drinking coffee and doing things I knew weren’t good for me.
I was basically searching for Accutane in the holistic pharmacy – something that could cure my acne without too much effort on my part. And, eventually it became just as detrimental to my skin and outlook as what I was doing before.
The Real Change
Following my most recent candida cleanse this past summer, my skin started breaking out badly and this continued for a few weeks.
My naturopath thinks it may be a parasite cleanse product that I was taking that launched my gut into disbiosis or a healing crises.
I was pissed, and after a particularly bad breakout in early September, I was fed up. How could this happen when I’ve been trying EVERYTHING to cure my acne?
During my obsessive hormonal acne research, I recently came across a naturopath who cited this study from 2012 that basically said acne should be regarded as an insulin regulation disease induced by western diet, like type 2 diabetes.
It was like a lightbulb went off for me. I need to keep my blood sugar stable and think of my diet like I have a disease like diabetes.
This isn’t meant to malign what people with type 2 diabetes go through and how devastating this disease can be when not properly managed, it just helps me understand why my body might be giving me acne, and it helps me stick to a healthy diet.
I also saw some clearing success with the herb Berberine that is a digestive aid and helps regulate blood sugar so my naturopath and I figured there could be a link.
My New Lifestyle – And This Time I’m Sticking To It!
Under my naturopath’s guidance, I’ve started a 12-week sugar free (except fruit), coffee-free, alcohol-free, gluten-free, refined-carb free diet to keep my blood sugar stable.
I still eat yoghurt and cheese, but I avoid conventional milk. I’m on week three, and I haven’t had any acne breakouts, just one small spot of inflammation on my chin last week that quickly went away.
I feel fantastic, I have lots of energy and I concentrate better at work. I’m falling asleep faster and having deeper, more restful, sleeps.
Once the 12 weeks is up, I’m not going to just go back to the way I was eating before. This is becoming a lifestyle for me. I feel like the diet+acne thing has finally clicked for me.
I’ve continued taking supplements like cod liver oil/butter oil, probiotics, zinc, anti-fungals and drinking kefir and bone broth. But, instead of taking them daily because I’m afraid of getting a breakout, I’m just taking them to be healthier overall.
My mindset has changed from acne-fighting to body-nourishing, something that Tracy has always stressed, but that I don’t think I truly believed deep-down.
I’ve also completely ditched cleansing and moisturizing my face and have gone on a modified caveman regimen.
With no new breakouts, I don’t feel the need cover up with foundation (I still do full eye make-up). I’m on day 14 and I’m amazed at the difference. My skin is smooth, clear and has no inflammation. Even my fine lines are fainter.
Go figure that the worst thing I was doing for my skin was what I previously thought was the best – washing it and moisturizing it. I should have listened to Tracy and The Love Vitamin earlier! 😉
I feel free. It’s an incredible feeling. I thought I was going to have to wear foundation for the rest of my life. . .
Bring It On
The big test will come during my next pregnancy. Will I be able to avoid the skin sensitivities, breakouts, and painful, inflamed peri-oral dermatitis/hormonal acne during my third trimester and while breastfeeding?
I sure hope so, and I feel like I’m armed with the right tools.
For the first time when it comes to my acne, I’m not scared. In fact, more than ever, I’m up for the challenge.
Meagan is a communications professional living in Western Canada. This prairie girl loves Saturday farmers’ markets, strolls along the river valley and connecting with family and friends. She writes about her clear skin journey at www.theglowjourney.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for sharing my story, Tracy! I super appreciate it and hope it helps others in the Love Vitamin community. I feel so honoured to share my journey with others.
If anyone has any questions for me, I’m all ears! I’m also happy to chat more about Berberine – I think this supplement is ‘da bomb’, and not too many know about it. 🙂
xo
Meagan
Megan you look beautiful and amazing!
I enjoyed reading Megan’s story. All the stories I read on your site confirm my devotion to you (Tracy).
I am 52 (I don’t see many readers my age). One day I will explain my story in more detail; but I really only found Tracy 2 weeks ago…trying to help my daughter (and me). And I am amazed at what has transpired for me (after battling rashes and cystic acne for 30+ years!
Thank you! I wish you and your daughter all the best in your natural healing journey. I’m so happy for you that you found Tracy and the Love Vitamin – her advice and guidance is invaluable.
Hi! Great story! So happy to hear your success!
I have 1 question – Which Berberine supplement are you using?!
Hi Britany,
Thanks for reading! I use Thorne Research Berberine. I’ve found Thorne Research products to be really good quality. So does Tracy, I believe and she takes the SAT liver pills. This is also the brand my naturopath carries.
I’ve also tried a more gentler anti fungal from Thorne – Formula SF722 and took five pills of that supplement fairly daily from November 2013 – July 2014. It’s great to take while doing candida cleanses. It’s also safe while breastfeeding (for those mamas out there).
Hi there,
I love your blog and I enjoyed reading this success story!! : )
Way to go Meagan!!
I have a question to Meagan and Tracy – I LOVE coffee….and I know you have mentioned going/being coffee-free. How much do you think this contributes to Acne? Would it be the caffeine? or the acidic culture it creates in your gut?
My one guilty pleasure is coffee…and I would hate to give it up (I am even great with decaf!) as this is my one and only guilty pleasure (I eat all whole foods and no processed foods/sugary treats)…but I suffer from Acne all over my face…it more so small reddish bumps mostly on my forehead and cheeks…they rarely form whiteheads thank goodness or get large.
I am looking for some input and experiences to see where I can improve
Thanks so much : )
Hi Karin,
I totally understand and I do love coffee as well! This story was written back in October, and I did stay off coffee entirely for three months (it was hard at times! That lovely smell. . . and I do have a weakness for lattes). I was concerned mainly due to it’s tendency to spike blood sugar and contribute to insulin resistance. I have had a cup here and there the last month, and it doesn’t seem to give me breakouts, however it does make me sweat/affect my nervous system so I’ve been avoiding it off and on for five years anyway. I do love tea though and don’t notice a problem with black tea.
Like most things, it is really individual and would depend if coffee affects your blood sugar and gut. There are some naturopaths that say ‘no coffee’, and others that think it’s just fine and that it can have health benefits. I think it’s important to make sure it’s pesticide-free and organic. Here’s a helpful post from this Canadian naturopath in Australia about coffee: http://www.larabriden.com/coffee-hormones-and-the-problem-with-naturopathic-folklore/
Best of luck!
Hi Meagan! Congratulations on your success! I think my journey is quite similar to yours in that I’ve recently shifted my mindset from one of obsessive anti-acne solutions to body nourishing solutions. I too recently came across the same study and found it intriguing (and was also curious about berberine, I’m going to check out your posts on that!). I have nearly eliminated all sugar sources (refined for several months now and natural for a couple of weeks) and am seeing hopeful results in reducing what I believe may be a digestive/yeast based rash like outbreak covering most of my face and part of my neck (I also do water caveman and have a whole/nutrient dense/mainly plant-based diet). I do have a few questions for you:
Do you incorporate grains/pseudograins in in your approach to acne like diabetes? I have been gluten and dairy free for months but do enjoy quinoa, buckwheat, gf oats and brown rice in my diet as I need the bulk and enjoy the taste! I’ve read so much conflicting information about grains, phytates and blood sugar, just curious about your take on it/your experience.
Do you use raw cow’s milk or goat milk for kefir? I’ve been looking into goat milk options for more probiotics.
Do you eat fairly consistently throughout the day to maintain stable blood sugar?
Do you avoid any particular fruits or do you eat what you like? I love fruit and have only been having a bit of a green apple and unsweeted blended acai everyday to cut sugars but would love to open up my options more.
Thank you!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your comments and interest! Yes, I do eat pseudo-grains like quinoa, brown rice, etc. I actually think now that these are important for my hormones. Did you read Lara Briden’s healthy hormone blog post on gentle carbs? Definitely check it out. My extended family has a history of celiac/gluten-intolerance and also a history of acne, so that’s why I think eliminating gluten and healing my gut helps my skin.
I stay away from cow’s milk and only put a small amount in my tea. I drink raw goat’s milk kefir and milk, as well as pasteurized goat’s milk. Cow’s milk has different proteins (A1) than goat’s milk (A2) which are more inflammatory and could contribute to acne. I think Tracy has a post on the bad – good scale of milk products, and again Lara Briden has some awesome posts on the differences between A1 and A2 milk. Like Tracy, her blog has a wealth of information (larabriden.com). I must say though that I don’t get any breakouts from cheese or cow’s milk yoghurt.
I eat whatever type of fruit strikes my fancy. 🙂
Definitely check out whether berberine may be an option for you – especially if you think your acne may be related to your gut and/or insulin resistance. It’s helped me a lot.
Best of luck Sarah, on your clearing journey.
Meagan
Hi Meagan, Congratulations on clearing your skin! That’s a big accomplishment. I’ve been suffering from moderate/severe acne since I was 13…I’m now 30. Like you, I gave up on searching for a “cure” in pharmaceuticals about a year and a half ago after being on a course of low dose Accutane for 4 years! Once I discontinued the Accutane (about 13 months ago) my acne returned with a vengeance 4 weeks later. I’ve also discontinued birth control about 14 months ago after using it for 13 years and I believe that was one of the reasons why my acne returned so aggressively. Since I’ve discontinued both of them I’ve been on an exhaustive journey to clear my skin as well! I have tried different approaches to clear the acne (which is on my lower part of face, neck, chest, and back) including a strict paleo diet, Estroblock pro, Zinc, and ALOT more! The only thing that has cleared my skin is taking 2 grams of B5 daily but I’m very nervous about taking an isolated B vitamin for the long term and I know it’s not addressing the root cause because the acne worsens once I discontinue using it. I’m very much convinced that it’s hormonal because I have other symptoms. I guess the point of this whole schpeel is that I was wondering if you know if the Berberine is effective in clearing hormonal acne? I’m wondering if this would help me but I’m concerned about spending even more money on a supplement or herb just to have it disappoint me. I am also realizing that when I was eating a Paleo diet I was still consuming honey and maple syrup quite often…I wonder now if that was hindering any healing of the acne? Any advice you have is very much appreciated!!!
Hi…Not sure if anyone is still following this, but I just wanted to say I can’t even do a teaspoon of maple syrup. Honey is okay.
Hi Jessica,
I completely hear you on the challenges of trying so many different things and hoping it’ll help. I have a laundry list of natural approaches I’ve tried (chlorophyll water, zinc, cod liver oil, juicing, seed cycling, etc, etc, etc, etc,), and I don’t want to calculate how much money I’ve spent on them. And it’s definitely quite a journey to come of the pharmaceuticals and look at clearing acne holistically. Huge kudos to you for getting off the pill and accutane. You are amazing. Hang in there!
As for berberine and hormonal acne, yes, I think it could help based on the research I’ve been reading and the number of friends I have taking it to help with poly cystic ovarian syndrome and acne related to that. Lara Briden’s Healthy Hormone blog has a good post on berberine and sugar and acne (http://www.larabriden.com/insight-into-acne-dairy-sugar/). Yes, even honey and agave nectar, maple syrup should be avoided for awhile as they can spike your blood sugar, if you think that contributes to your acne. Lara also has a good post on insulin resistance and overcoming that.
I wish you much healing!
Meagan
Oh, and if anyone’s interested in more about my personal experience with berberine, here’s my blog post about it: http://theglowjourney.blogspot.ca/2015/01/berberine-and-acne.html
Meagan,
thank you for sharing your journey. I have suffered with moderate-severe acne since the age of 13 and am now 33. I too exhausted all the OTC products and prescriptions including 6 months on accutane. My skin was great for a couple years but then started breaking out again. It got even worse when I decided to go off the pill 9 months ago after having been on it for 17 years. A little over a year ago I found the love vitamin and have been trying the more natural approach with mixed success (gets a little better only to get a lot worse). But reading your post made me realize that I too have been looking at it as finding something that requires little effort from me. I even went back to my doctor to ask for accutane. He didn’t give it to me, this time he thinks it’s rosacea and gave me a prescription for antibiotics and some ointment. I refuse to take anymore prescriptions and refuse to believe it’s just rosacea. So enough of my rambling, the point of this was to ask you a few questions.
Do you feel a short candida cleanse would be of benefit to, I haven’t done one yet. Also, with this 12 week diet you are on, what sort of meals do you eat breakfast, lunch, dinner. Is it hard as far as condiments etc…?
I’m very interested in berberine as well.
Kind regards
April
Hi April,
Thanks for your comments and questions. You might find a candida challenge beneficial to you, especially since you were on the pill for so long (messes with candida), and particularly so if you did any long term courses of antibiotics. I think my acne and particularly bad postpartum flare up was directly related to the damage I did to my gut with 2+years of DAILY and increasing doses of antibiotics. I’m terrified of the long term damage I may have done. 🙁 Tracy has a check list somewhere on her blog to see if you might have candida overgrowth. I found the candida cleanse challenges really beneficial. When I started my antifungals in November 2013 (SF722 Formula from Thorne Research), I noticed an immediate improvement in inflammation. The nice thing with a candida challenge, I think, is that you’ll see within that week if it works for you or not and if your skin improves. It’s also a good way to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
As for my diet, breakfast almost always entails a kefir shake and spinach, goatcheese, farm egg omelet. Lunch is usually quinoa and salad, I snack on apples and nuts, eat lots of veggies, and actually incorporate quite a few recipes from Tracy’s candida challenges (roasted chicken, rutabagas, bacon and avocado salads). One thing that has helped me stick to this new way of eating is that I still eat quite a bit of full-fat yoghurt and cheese, mainly to keep me satiated, and I don’t seem to breakout from it. I don’t drink cow’s milk, but stick with goat milk (pasteurized or fresh). I would say though, that this post was written back in October at the start of my diet, which went on until early January. I did go through a test period reintroducing gluten, then sugar, then coffee separately and didn’t get any breakouts, which was incredible, because when I cheated a few times in November, even a block of chocolate was followed by a solid week of breakouts. I think this may have to do with some gut healing that went on and the berberine. This is an encouragement to say that it might seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be so strict forever! 🙂 I am back on a sugar-free, coffee-free and gluten-limited diet because I just feel so much better on it and it doesn’t feel hard anymore.
You are an amazing person to finally take the big leap into holistic healing for your acne. it’s not an easy journey, but it can be so rewarding. You WILL get the clear skin of your dreams! One other blog that might help you that I’ve been plugging a lot here in the comments because it’s a super duper good one is http://www.larabriden.com. She just released a whole book on how to ‘repair’ your periods and hormones, which may help you after such a long time on the pill. There isn’t an easy fix, but, hey, how many YEARS have we been abusing our bodies and hormones? It seems logical that it might take years to heal and have clear skin.
All the best to you.
Meagan
Hi im in desperate need of help! Im only 16 years old, but have been suffering form acne since I was ten(Im a female fyi). My acne is always moderate on my face, but will go severe once in a while, but my back, chest and shoulders are alway covered in small pustules and sometime nodules. I hate wearing shirts that you can see my chest at all cause it is so embarrassing. I ave tried everything form prescriptions, to topical,creams, and washes nothing ever works for more than 1 month. I also have changed my diet numerous times. I have cut out dairy and lessened sugar intake and still nothing happens. Please help me