I’ve always struggled with my skin. Since the time I was a little girl, my skin has broken out in rashes and hives, it’s been dry, cracked, itchy, peeling, and bleeding.
Sometimes, it’s been all of these things at once. Sometimes, it’s just been some of them. But there’s always been something unsightly or uncomfortable going on with my skin.
It was worst on my feet when I was little girl and until I was pre-teen. I remember trying to pull off my socks or tights and having them be stuck on my feet because my feet would be cracked and bleeding and the socks would be stuck to the dried blood.
When I was about 12 years old, it moved to my hands. For years, I went to bed with Vaseline or Bag Balm and socks on my hands just to keep them from being all itchy, cracked, and bleeding.
My parents took me to dermatologists and we tried different creams and lotions. Nothing made a big difference, but at least I could manage it with the different lotions and being really careful what I kinds of things I touched, what jewelry I wore, and so on.
Some Days, I Didn’t Want to Look in the Mirror
The skin issues moved to face when I was an adult and it was kind of scary. It would be itchy, red, splotchy, dry, and swell up. Some days, I would wake up to my eyes almost swollen shut.
There was a short window of time when it got so bad that I didn’t want to look in the mirror because it was so discouraging and embarrassing. I tried to stay home as much as possible and when I had to go out, I would plaster my face with multiple layers of concealer and foundation, wear my hair so it would cover up the side of my face where it was the worst, and keep my head down.
The biggest problem over the years with my face has been that I have both acne and eczema and we’ve discovered that the majority of treatments for acne will flare up my eczema and the majority of treatments for acne will flare up my eczema.
Even though I never wanted to have to go on medication, for a number of years, I was on two different medicines plus two different topical steroids in order to have skin that — with a lot of good makeup — looked decent most of the time.
I Felt Like I Had Tried It All & Nothing Worked
I know that this is a very minor thing in the grand scheme of life. I know that the majority of the reason why this has been a struggle is because I care what people think and I like to avoid people staring at red splotches on my face, if I can help it.
But I won’t pretend that it’s not been extremely frustrating at times. I hate that during times when things got really bad skin-wise, I’ve avoided social situations and looking people in the eye just because I was self-conscious of red splotchy patches on my skin.
I always assumed that this was just my lot in life. I’d tried elimination diets. I once removed every single processed chemical from my diet for a 3-month period. I went off of dairy for a time period. I tried going gluten-free. I researched all sorts of natural remedies and tried them. I’ve done way more Googling than a person ever should about skin conditions.
And I’d gotten to a place where I just had decided: there’s nothing more I can do. Because I feel like I’m doing everything that the books and articles and doctors and experts are suggesting. It just doesn’t work for me.
But you guys, I was wrong.
Really wrong.
I looked through my pictures to try to find a “before” photo. This was the best I could find because I never published pictures when my face was really bad! But this one was a video I did with another company… and I look at this photo and read so much between the lines.I was exhausted on this day… it was right in the middle of a crazy busy time where I was running myself ragged. Notice how short my nails were? That was because I was also a chronic nail biter and it always got worse when my anxiety was especially high.
The Email That Changed My Life
I happened to do a Periscope one day about a lesson that I’d learned from acne and how what I see in the mirror doesn’t have to dictate who I am or what I believe about myself.
One of my readers and Periscope followers, Rachel, emailed me that week and told me about her nutritionist. She said she had struggled with infertility for years and had been to many doctors — to no avail.
She had started working with a nutritionist and had gotten pregnant as a result of the health changes she had made. She told me how it had impacted her life in so many positive ways — one side effect was that her skin had cleared up.
Honestly, I get a lot of emails from readers with suggestions and there’s no way I can do them all or follow them all. But Rachel’s note intrigued me.
She wasn’t selling anything. There wasn’t any financial gain for her to share this information. And she had been working with this nutritionist for around two years. So I knew she wasn’t just suggesting something because it seemed like a good idea; she had proven it to be highly effective.
I went to Jesse and asked him what he would think about me trying this nutritionist. I was sure it wouldn’t work. But what if it did?
Jesse said I should at least look into it and see about trying the program for two months. I was quite confident the whole thing would be another one in a long string of disappointments. But you never know until you try, right?
The Elimination Diet Was Pure Torture!
Jason (the nutritionist) talked to me on the phone, gave me all of the details of the program, answered my questions, and got a lot of medical information from me. He explained that I was going to have to give up a lot of things at first — including COFFEE and sugar and basically every other food that I love.
I wanted to run and hide and pretend I’d never heard about this program. But I was too far in at that point to turn back. From the research I had done and what I felt in my heart, I knew I needed to try.
So I did. And it was pure torture in the beginning.
The detox was horrible. I was miserable. I went into this sort of withdrawal thing for a few days where I struggled to function and literally wanted to cry because I missed coffee and sugar so much. I realized that I had become addicted to sugar and that food was much more to me than just something I ate in order to nourish my body.
My Six Month Anniversary — And My Skin Is Better Than Ever!
Last week, I celebrated my six month anniversary of being on this eating plan. I’m now in Phase 3 and feel more amazing and energetic than I ever remember feeling.
And Rachel was right — my skin is clearer and healthier than it’s probably been since I was toddler!
This is the part where you probably expect me to try to pitch you some sort of product or diet or opportunity or something. But that’s not what this post is about. If you want details on my nutritionist, I’m happy to share them (just email me), but I wanted to tell you about the three things I changed that I believe have had the greatest effect on my skin.
I don’t have flawless skin — and I doubt I ever will. But my skin is remarkably better.
I Went Off All of My Meds & Prescription Creams!
Here’s the biggest reason I am excited: I am no longer on any medication — including the medications I was taking and prescription creams I was using for my acne and eczema. I can’t believe it! I still use an over-the-counter eczema cream when I stare having little flare-ups, but that’s it and it’s only as needed.
I only have minor eczema and acne breakouts and those are usually only once a month — instead of almost every few days! I still have a little eczema on my hands, but I rarely need to put anything on it. And some days, I go out without putting on a stitch of makeup — something I never dreamed I would consider doing!
My skin is a lot less dry, it feels so much softer, and it looks so much healthier and vibrant. I sometimes can’t even believe it’s my own skin when I look in the mirror because I just don’t recognize it!
The 3 Things That Made the Biggest Impact on My Skin (They’re FREE!)
Guess what? The three changes I made that have had the biggest on my skin are completely free. You don’t need to go run to the drugstore, you don’t need to shop online, you don’t have to go to a dermatologist, and you don’t need to spend any money at all.
1. I Cut Out Sugar-y Desserts
Y’all. I can’t believe I’m putting this on this list. You know I’m the woman with a massive sweet tooth. But it really is true: I believe that giving up sugar-y desserts have had a major impact on my skin.
Why do I say this? Because the few times I’ve had dessert in the past six months, my skin has broken out the following day. I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
Now, don’t be feeling all badly for me about this, because in all honesty, when I crave dessert now, I crave something fruity and healthful. And sugar-y desserts taste way too sweet to me.
{I know. What is WRONG with me??! I gave up coffee and don’t really miss it + I’m saying that desserts are too sweet for me?? Is this a midlife crisis??}
2. I Drink a Gallon of Water Per Day
Yes, I do. And I think this is one of the big reasons my skin looks so much healthier and vibrant… It’s finally hydrated after years of being dehydrated!
If you are interested in all the details on how I drink a gallon of water per day and how I got started doing this, I shared all the details in this post here.
3. I Get Enough Sleep {Almost} Every Single Night
Okay, this one really surprised me. Why? Because I had no idea that I was woefully sleep-deprived and it was killing my complexion, among many other things.
I always just thought I was probably one of those people who could function on less sleep. I prided myself on the fact that I could go for a whole week and function well on 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours of sleep. I always tried to shoot for 7 hours, but I never did a lot to rearrange my life to make it consistently happen because I thought I was fine just as I was.
Jason (my nutritionist) started pushing me to really pay attention to how much sleep I was getting and how I felt as a result. He was convinced I wasn’t getting enough sleep and pushed me to try to make 7-8 hours of sleep per night my goal.
Well, let’s just say, I couldn’t deny the results. When I consistently got 7 hours of sleep per night for 5-6 nights in a row, I felt like a different woman! I was happier, healthier, less anxious, much more relaxed, and much more focused.
A huge added benefit was that my skin started looking remarkably better when I made sleep more of a priority.
Now, it’s rare for me to get less than 7 hours of sleep and I shoot for 7 1/2 to 8 hours every night. Yes, it means that I’ve had to re-prioritize some things to make it happen, but it has been SO worth it for me!
So there you go. Three free ways I’ve drastically improved my complexion. No dermatologist appointment required.
I can’t guarantee that if you try these things you’ll have the same results, but hey, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! 🙂
My son had mild eczema on his back and his doctor recommended eczema baby serum of foderma. It cleared up after less than a week of use. We’ve discontinued daily use but will apply after any flair ups. It is very thick and stays on great.
Thanks for sharing! -Jordan, MSM Team
Controls acne flair up. I normally have very red, swollen, sore acne. Dermalmd reduced all symptoms to a minor bump. Pimple never formed. Highly recommend for problem acne.
Thanks for sharing! -Jordan, MSM Team
At a few weeks old my little one had a rash all over his face which I was told by Drs was either baby acne or eczema. Tried so many different creams and natural ointments recommended by other mums whose babies had had the same sort of rash but nothing worked. Then came across Foderma baby eczema serum. It cleared up perfectly in 2 days. I still use it now and the baby is 9 months old.
My 4-month-old daughter had eczema all over her arms, legs, and face. Foderma serum cleared it up in a matter of days. We have been applying it three times daily for about two weeks and the condition has not returned.
Could you please give me the name and contact info of that nutritionist? Even though I’ve struggled with acne for years, I really want it for my friend who struggles with infertility.
Thank you
Are these three things what healed your feet? I have been suffering for three years with cracked, flaking, bleeding feet. I’ve been to numerous doctors and, in fact, went to a new dermatologist (who I waited over three months to see) last week and he took a biopsy of my skin to send it out for testing. There are days I can barely walk and my socks are caked with blood at the end of the day. I’m at the point where I will try anything to heal them and get my life back. Since you said your feet were an issue a long time ago, I was wondering if they continued to be a problem or if the issue resolved before now.
It moved more to my hands and then my face. Which is good and bad. I’m so sorry about your feet. 🙁 I hope the doctor is able to give you some answers. It is SO painful to have cracked and bleeding skin!
Did you have to give up fruit and carbs during your detox from sugar? Or just processed sugary foods?
During the detox, I gave up almost everything — in fact, there were only a few things I ate. But I slowly added foods back in.
I am so thankful to find this article! I have always had eczema, my whole life. This winter, all of a sudden, my 7 y/o daughter got it! She has it sooo bad!! I kept trying coconut oil and it got worse. I switched over to the “Trim Healthy Mama” diet at about that time and was feeding her erythritol/stevia and heard she could have been allergic to that so I stopped. I’ve tried taking her off dairy, but I have failed completely at that!!
My Question is… are you using a natural sugar substitute, like erythritol, zylitol, or stevia? I have learned to accept these as healthy alternatives, and am learning to like them. She likes them, too. I would really appreciate an answer! 🙂
I’m not using any natural sugar substitute… other than eating fruit and dried fruit. 🙂
Thank our for posting. I have always had some acne but as I reached 40 it has gotten worse. My teenagers have clearer skin than me. Embarrassing. I too have found that the food and drinks I put into my body seem to show on my face. What I am wondering is if you use a certain facial cleaner.
Thank you for sharing your struggle & victory with these skin conditions. My teenage son has struggled with eczema since he was two & now is dealing with acne as well. I’ve heard so many times that if you have gut issues it will manifest itself through your skin. I think these tips are great, but getting a teen to believe that is another story. The acne doesn’t seem to bother him, but the eczema does. Hoping I can convince him to put some of these tips into practice & see some positive results. I would like to have more information about the nutritionist you used. Thanks!
I’m so happy to read this post! I found out today (after struggling for 2 years without a correct diagnosis) that I have eczema. I’ve tried different creams, prescriptions, eliminating things from my diet. I will try these things you recomended! Thank you so much for sharing!!! This is a blessing!
I searched for your details of how you drank a gallon of water a day & it brought me back to this post. Can you help me find it, please. I don’t drink coffee so that’s not a problem, but sugar is another story! I have a problem not drinking enough but, I’m trying. Thanks for all your tips.
Here you go: https://moneysavingmom.com/2017/01/drink-gallon-water-every-day-saves-money.html
Never mind~~I found it plus a lot more articles about the benefits of water & I’m going to do my best to accomplish this!
For those of you who don’t want to give up coffee…I was with you! Drinking two cups of coffee a day. Then a friend recommended Teeccino. It’s an all natural coffee alternative and it’s organic. I am not a tea fan (unless I’m sick) but this is very satisfying and actually good for you! Just wanted to share the happiness!
Thanks for sharing! -Meg, MSM Team
I have to agree, I’ve always thought you had great skin. I’ve been following you for 6 years or more. Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty! I think it’s great that you were willing to try such drastic measures to feel better. It’s one of the reasons I’ve followed you for so long…you don’t give up. 🙂 I have recently gone on a crazy elimination diet – Candida Diet – because I developed perioral dermatitis when pregnant. Topical medication didn’t work for me…I was on it for over 6 months. They wanted to put me on oral antibiotics long term, but I very much do not want to go that route. I’ve been sugar, gluten, dairy, grain (except quinoa and brown rice), and caffeine free for 8 weeks. All for the sake of my skin…my face…and my self esteem. It was terrible. My skin is getting better. Thank goodness. I don’t know if I will ever completely stay off of sugar and cafeinne. I’m looking forward to when I can add them back in. :). I’ve thought about you and your diet the whole time. Thinking I’d eventually start feeling better… like Crystal. It’s great to see you so happy!!
This is very encouraging. I really need to work on getting more sleep, cutting out caffeine and drinking more water. I have been focusing on reducing stress, but these three are biggies. Thanks for this post and letting us know your results. This will be hard, but worth it!
I would love more details on how you increased the amount of sleep you get. It is hard to cut out time out of our busy lives.
Makes total sense!! I have recently been having headaches, like hangover headaches but yet I haven’t had a drink in months. I figured out I would get them the day after having something sugar-y. The only way to get through the day with one of those headaches was to drink a gallon of water. Once I gave up the sugar, and drank the water every day I felt a whole lot better. Glad you are feeling better also!
My son had horrible eczema at 2 months of age. When we went to see the allergist for my daughter(age 2 at the time), he saw my baby and wanted to see him. We did the elimination diet, since I am breastfeeding. The allergist said that all eczema is caused by food allergies. Peanuts, eggs, and milk are the most common causes. My son is allergic to milk and allergic to eggs unless it’s baked in things at a certain temperature. I was so thankful for his help, so we could get it under control! Then he had something with pineapple in it, and BAM! Eczema outbreak! So glad you got the help you needed!!!
Hi Crystal,
I can really relate to your post as I have struggled with acne and eczema for a very long time. I even started on Accutane but the side effects made me discontinue the meds. I drink very little water but I have resolved to increase my intake. Giving up coffee and sugar would be much harder for me as I can’t really take any of the sugar substitutes as I am allergic to lots of different foods. I have been meaning to give up dairy but I need to work on that too. I would love to get the contact info of your nutritionist if you don’t mind sharing.
Are you able to share the contact information for Jason, for any of us that would like to try his plan?
I have a glass of warm water with the juice of a lemon or a lime squeezed in it every morning prior to coffee. The first 2 weeks were a struggle but now I actually look forward to it (hard to believe, but true).
I also used a YouTube hypnosis video (from WalkingTall) to help me stop eating sugar. I now look at chocolate and say, “you’re nothing but congealed fat and sugar…blech”.
The difference in my skin and, more importantly for me, my arthritis is amazing.
Crystal, thanks so much for this post. I have both acne rosacea and eczema on my face and it was really bad about a month ago. I can totally relate to the feelings of it being so troublesome and yet that it’s a minor problem when compared to many others. And, yes, the medication for one would make the other worse, too.
When I read your previous post about quitting coffee and drinking a gallon of water a day, I quit the coffee and am up to a half a gallon of water a day. That alone took away much of the redness, bumps and itching. And, now I read about the sugar, so, like you said, I’m going to try to eliminate at least the big amounts in desserts and wherever I can. And, continue upping the water. Again, thank you very much. Your post was really timely when I was getting quite discouraged.
Something that helped me tremendously with eczama that I had on my hands was taking fish or flax oil daily. I believe eczama is something you have to treat internally not just externally. Tried cremes, etc and nothing helped until I started taking fish oil. Now I don’t have any breakouts at all. Plus stress is a big factor as well. I switched to only drinking coffee now on Sundays for the past year. It is like a special treat when I read the Sunday newspaper. I agree with you on that it makes a difference and you feel so much better. I also switched to coconut sugar. Thanks for all you do!
I found out that I was “allergic” to tomatoes. Had horrible eczema for about 20 years. My hands, my feet, my ankles, my thighs. It was easier to bandage my hands sometimes than to have people look on in disgust at my palms. Then I cut out tomato sauce for dinner because I was getting heartburn at night. And a lightbulb went on. No more tomato products for me (fresh, sauce, pizza sauce, ketchup included) and I have not one bit of eczema!!! I cut sugar out about 6 months ago and my skin cleared up, too. Yup, it is all diet!
Someone may have already asked this, but I sort of scanned and didn’t see this question. I’m curious to know approximately how much a nutritionist cost? Does it fall under the therapy part of insurance or does insurance even cover such things? Thanks
I agree with this so much. I have been eating healthy whole foods for months now and my skin was looking great. I became gluten free 3 months ago and things were all going well. Until recently I found lots of gluten free snacks, cookies, and desserts that I felt like I “needed to try”. I have been eating a lot more sugar than I have in the past 6 months or so and allowing crap back into my nutrition. Right now my face is in a major breakout unlike any I have seen before. I know it is from me falling off the wagon and I need to get back on. This post is just a little extra motivation.
I just mentioned to my husband this morning that I want to cut out sugary desserts at night. That’s kind of our “thing” but I know it’s so bad for our health. I eat relatively healthy all day (green smoothies, fruits, nuts, lean proteins, etc) but night time is my weakness. I honestly cannot even remember the last time I DIDN’T have dessert! That’s bad, haha!
Your results are incredible; and best of all it’s so great you have so much energy! Ok, I think I’m going to give this no-dessert more-water thing a try 🙂 (I’m not ready to eliminate caffeine yet, but maybe that’s next!!)
Thanks, Crystal!!
This is awesome Crystal!
One of my girls has eczema on her hands and arms. I know it’s due to a milk allergy, but I can’t get her to stay on her diet. 🙁 Eating milk products makes her have postnasal drip and coughing, which disrupts her sleep, and causes the eczema too. It’s hard with a tween because you can’t simply forbid them from eating certain things. She’s not with me all the time. It makes my heart hurt to see how she suffers.
As for me, I gave up sugar over a year ago and it’s the best thing I ever did for my health and my looks. The puffiness in my face, bags under my eyes disappeared. My feet and hands aren’t puffy and sore anymore. I lost weight effortlessly and have kept it off. At 41 and after 7 kids that’s no small thing!
I have a question. What would you say made the biggest impact with your anxiety? Giving up caffeine? Or some supplement you’re taking? I didn’t really have a problem with anxiety until after my preemie was born, but I can’t seem to shake it now. Thanks.
I have an idea for your tween! Invite/challenge (cater to her personality!) her to going dairy free for one month. Let her be in control of this and have a special “award” planned for the end of that month-something she wants to do with you. If she makes a mistake and consumes dairy, the month will need to restart. If she is willing to commit to a trial run, she will see for herself how life-changing it is not to have to deal with the sinus issues the dairy causes and be more likely to choose to give up dairy. As she becomes a teen and discovers boys, she will want to get rid of the skin issues. Those skin problems from dairy can get really really bad with age.
I’ve been dealing with exactly the same thing as you & have done so much research too. I tried everything. I have stayed aways from sugary desserts. Coffee is going to be difficult but if it works than I’ll do it. Can you please email me & share any more information from your nutritionist that you can?
I can say a hearty AMEN to the gallon of water a day. During the SoCal summer, I have to drink that much. During the winter, I’d rather have second and third cups of water. Everything functions better hydrated, and I feel my best during the hottest days.
Is your nutritionist taking new clients?! Need so much help and guidance!
My family has horrible acne genetics. Some very powerful creams helped control mine eventually but I had to go off them while pregnant. Strangely enough pregnancy completely cleared my skin. Now I just use baby oil on my face and it stays clear 90% of the time ?
I did this same nutrition plan with very similar results! I was blown away by the changes in my sleep patterns, energy and focus. I spent the last 8 years waking up for a few hours each night. The other step I added was drinking apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon w/ 6 onces of water) a few times a day and any remaining skin issues cleared completely. One other benefit is that I don’t miss sugar at all!
The apple cider vinegar was huge for me too! I tried taking it internally, but it upset my stomach acid, so instead I use it as a toner (diluted with water) and it does wonder for my skin and any remaining acne! I also go very light on sugar and dairy, because they impacts my skin a ton as well. I can’t speak on how it would work for eczema, but ACV is amazing for acne!
Wow, so excited that you have found some answers!! My mom has gotten me into doing a lot of food-related research and seeking out a natural health lifestyle as a result of her chronic Lyme’s. It is fascinating to learn how much food affects our bodies, our health and our lives. Hippocrates had it right so many years ago when he said “Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food.” It gets really interesting too, when you start finding out not only that “you are what you eat,” rather, “you are what you absorb.” Even just eating good food might not be enough, as some people don’t have the right enzymes/gut bacteria to absorb it. It sounds like you have an excellent nutritionist though, if you have seen such astounding results so quickly! Our skin is our biggest organ, and a huge signal of health/unhealth. I am so excited for you that you have been able to turn around your health situation – you will never regret it:) And what an example to others of working towards excellence even in an area that was previously difficult/inconvenient/uncomfortable!!
I have a sensitivity to latex that kept my feet and hands broken out a lot during my childhood. Doctors could not figure it out and prescribed creams to no avail. I finally figured it out myself. I’m sure diet exacerbates symptoms. Just thought I’d mention, since your symptoms sounded similar.
Love to know what worked on your feet as I have scaly, cracked, bleeding feet and can barely walk some days.
I’m cutting way back on sugar and artificial sweeteners. I’ve also been drinking 66-80 oz of water a day (my physical therapist told me to drink half my weight in oz! That would be 71 so I’m doing pretty well!) And I got myself a Fitbit that tracks sleep. Work has been stressful lately though and chronic pain had flared up and u was desperately needing relief so I’m trying acupuncture and last night I got the best 7 hours of sleep I’ve had in months! My next step will probably be a nutritionist though. How much does yours charge? I might need to see if there is one my insurance covers…
Thanks for sharing this! I started going to a dermatologist as a 10 year old for severe acne and have continued to have it as an adult. It’s not as severe now, but my skin has never been that great. I have also noticed an improvement when I’m doing well with water intake as well as eating less sugar. Giving up coffee seems so hard! Have you become a tea drinker instead? Would love to give up the sugar all together, but it seems so hard! I’ll bet having the nutritionist for accountability and cheerleading helped!
Yes! Accountability has been huge!
I can have herbal tea and some decaf teas (though I couldn’t at first) and have found a cinnamon tea that I love!
Thank you for giving me some hope. I’m with you on not wanting to look in the mirror. I have some acne, but mostly it’s rosacea. At least that’s what I think it is…my face is bumpy and always red. A dermatologist didn’t know what to diagnose me with…some help she was! It actually used to be worse. At least it’s not flaky and itchy all the time anymore. Try putting makeup over that…
And I’m with you on feeling like I’ve tried Everything! I even went nearly all last year without gluten and it didn’t change a thing. I do get enough sleep, but think I should seriously up my water intake.
Everywhere I read says skin health is a mirror of gut health. I am curious if your nutritionist has you doing anything for that specifically, aside from eating well, of course?
Yes, a big part of the initial detox/cleanse/elimination diet was to completely rid my body of toxins and then heal my body from the inside out!
Oh and makeup over flaky and itchy skin is the WORST! I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with skin issues, too.
Thank you for being real and sharing! I think I’m on the right track with some cleansing/detoxing I’m doing on my own. I suppose if it doesn’t help, next will be seeking help like you did. I am curious how much of a cost commitment hiring a nutritionist is. I’m tired of spending $ on things that don’t even help…
I can tell my body needs serious detoxing. I’m not one of those who eats clean for awhile and viola!, their skin is clear and their health is back! If only!
Hi Lyss. I have rosacea, too. Products containing sulphur really seem to help clear up my face. I use Prosacea on breakouts, and they go away fast. Prosacea is a gel that I find at Walmart or CVS, just about anywhere. Hopefully, that will help you, too. Good luck!
Hi Crystal! So when you say no sugar y desserts, does this also include a handful of chocolate chips and a squeeze or two of honey in tea or oatmeal? ?
For months, I didn’t have really anything with any kind of sugar in it. Now we’ve slowly added back in trace amounts. Next week will be the first week I get to have a little bit of dark chocolate and I’ve also had a little bit of honey in tea, but it’s not something I do very often.
Just to let you know, a small bit of dark chocolate goes along way, esp. if you have cut out any refined sugars. I do a no junk diet a couple times a yr and every time, the first time I eat a sweet or chocolate, my body says No way and I have always gotten stomach aches, but it is so worth it bc my craving for sweets have gone way down.
Crystal-I know you’ve mentioned your struggle with your skin before (maybe Instagram?), but it’s funny-I’ve been following your blog, Facebook live, etc for years and always admired how beautiful and flawless your skin looked. ? I’ve been having some skin issues lately (dark spots from hormones & large pores, both of which have never been a problem before) and was feeling a little envious of your porcelain skin! ?
Ha! Well, I’ve learned to get really good with using concealer and foundation — thanks to tips from YouTube and a few makeup artists who have done my makeup for photo shoots and who taught me tricks. I also haven’t shared a lot of photos in the past or have used black and white filters to help cover up how bad my face was at the time. Sad, but true.
I really relate to this blog post. I began having severe eczema as a child all over my body — any place that was bony I had eczema. I saw multiple doctors and tried everything. As an adult I gave up sugar and my skin finally cleared up. I think most of us are addicted to sugar and don’t even realize it. I’m also calmer and happier without it. Occasionally I will go on a slight sugar binge and a few days in I realize how bad I feel and cut it back out of my diet.
That is soo cool to hear how sugar has made such a difference for you, too!
Thank you for sharing an update with us! You are such an inspiration to all your readers 🙂 Two weeks ago I switched to the grain-free/sugar free Body Ecology Diet, and it is so very hard! But, I know the long term results will be worth it for my health! Sweets were my favorite parts of meals prior, so I totally get how hard it was for you!
I’m cheering for you! You can do it!
I am so happy for you! I’m am completly impressed that you stuck with it! It’s amazing how much our food and sleep affect EVERYTHING. I gave up coffee a few weeks ago because I’m pregnant and I can’t believe how calm I feel ( in spite of morning sickness). Honestly, I’m really starting to believe that caffeine and sugar are majorly toxic to our health.
I’ve really been SHOCKED at how much of a difference it has made!