It’s not a secret, I take clean skincare very seriously. My health and that of my skin are very important to me because I have had my fair share of skin woes, over the years. I have combination skin that is hormonal acne-prone. I can remember a season when I had breakouts all over my jawline, cheeks, chest, shoulders and forehead. That’s right, if my skin is clear today, you can trust and believe that I did not just wake up like this. It took a lot of research, listening to my skin as well as trial and error with different products. For years, my {ex} dermatologist prescribed harsh chemical cleansers and creams to control my acne. He even tried to get me on birth control to clear my skin but I was determined to find a healthier way and I did. I made a series of lifestyle changes which led me to where I am today. I may share those steps in a future post but for now, here are 5 things I learned along the way:

1. All clean skincare products are not created equal: Just because a beauty product is clean and toxin-free doesn’t mean that it will work for you or clear your skin. Although the products are non-toxic, their performance and affinity with your specific skin concerns is not guaranteed. 

2. Clean doesn’t mean vegan: If using products that are vegan or cruelty-free (not tested on animals) is important to you, be sure to do your research. Many clean beauty products use animal bi-products in their formulations. Pay close attention to the ingredient lists and FAQs where this question is usually answered. 

3. A clean beauty routine doesn’t start and end with skincare products: It is crucial for everyone who wants to follow a clean beauty routine to understand this. Clear skin happens from the outside in and inside out! That’s right, what you put in your beauty is just as important, if not more, than what you use topically. What you eat and drink will impact how your skin looks so drink lots of water and eat clean. For me, it means eating a plant-based diet free from animal hormones.

4. Patience is key: I don’t know how long it will take for you to achieve your skin goals. I’ve been working on mine for years and I don’t stress about it. When I started eating a plant-based diet, it took 9 months to see results. My advice? Don’t put a deadline on your skin goals. Instead, commit to taking care of yourself for the rest of your life.  

5. The goal shouldn’t be perfect skin but healthy skin: Myth debunked! Perfectly clear skin, without any blemishes, porcelain finish and constant glow is not real. For the majority of us, it’s not even in the realm of possibility. Focus on nurturing the healthiest skin you can have in the most holistic way possible. That’s what my objective is. 

Lastly, I must mention that I didn’t make these changes to cure my acne but created a lifestyle to promote my healthiest skin. In my case, the bottom line is, if I’m not careful, my face will be covered in pimples. So I plan to stick to eating healthy and using clean beauty products for the rest of my life and that’s it! 

Ps: There’s plenty more to know, so expect a part 2 to this post.