6 BASIC STEPS TO CLEARER SKIN

Believe it or not, a clear skin starts with what you put in your body and basic hygiene, not in using countless of expensive skincare products. They can be used to enhance what you already have and complement how you're already treating your body. I understand some conditions may require more attention than others - for example, some skin conditions may require prescriptions, or the skin conditions are hormonal thus require different treatments - but the basic principle remains the same: eating clean and basic face hygiene are the first steps to a seamless skin. You may find that you don't need to use complex ingredients on your face if these steps are taken.

At the start of my hair journey, I switched my diet from eating takeouts and processed food almost every day to eating home cooked meals 95% of the time, leaving takeouts as a last option. I've been eating more vegetables and fruits, drinking more water, eliminating stress and exercising (I'm still trying to find what works best for me). I have given up a lot of things diet-wise; others I simply reduce. Not only did I see more hair growth - paired with using the right air products, of course - but I also noticed the difference in other areas of my body, including my face.

Recently, an acquaintance complimented me on my skin, which surprised me since I haven't been doing anything special to my face aside from eating clean and using a separate face towel. That's when it occurred to me that I've been dealing with fewer pimples than in previous years. I'm still dealing with the occasional acne under my skin. Nonetheless, I will outline what I've been doing that contribute to my healthy skin and hair:

My current face cleanser

• Making sure everything that will come in contact with my face is clean: bedsheets, pillowcases, face towels... they need to change regularly and often to keep bacteria and mold at bay.
• Eliminating food I'm allergic to. Your body reacts differently to the food you eat, some more obvious than others. For example, I reduced the amount of peanut butter I consume because I would notice pimples on my face after a while. I now limit myself to consuming peanut butter or any kind of nuts once or twice a week and I can see the difference.
• Drinking a lot of water and exercising regularly - anything that gets your heart pumping - is good for your skin and hair.
• Using all-natural or plant-derived skincare products. There's nothing better than knowing what's in your DIY products. It's good for our skin and your wallet ;-) You control what ingredients work for you and you can change your formula as you wish. If you have water, aloe vera juice or gel, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, your favorite carrier oil (olive, coconut, almond...), or your favorite butter (shea, mango or cocoa butter) and essential oils, you have ingredients to create your own skincare products. 
• Reducing and/or removing stress from your life. Whether it's a stressful situation or over-bearing people, minimize or eliminate your exposure to them. Not only it will be good for your skin and hair, it will also be good for your sanity.
• Being consistent with your skincare routine and paying attention to your skin. Routine change according to the season. The products and steps that may have worked during summer may not work as efficiently during fall or winter as the water gets colder. You may find yourself reading for thicker moisturizers or gentler cleansers, or eliminate/add some steps to your skincare routine.

In my next post, I will share my skincare products. They are not all natural but I'm working on having all organic components in my skincare routine because it's better for me.

Stay tuned :-)