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Kris Carr

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5 Ways to Clear Up Your Skin Naturally

Hiya Radiant You,

I wrote an article for Well+Good on how making some changes to your diet can help clear up your skin naturally, and the topic seemed to really hit home with folks. Since it was such a hit, I wanted to share the info—plus expand on the topic—here, too. I hope you find it helpful.

Now, let me ask you:

How are you feeling about the skin you’re in?

I hope fantastic, but I know it can be a struggle to feel content with your complexion, particularly when an angry pimple—or, ugh, a full-on breakout—pops up.

Adult acne can be a big bummer that leads us to ask, aren’t we supposed to be done with pimples post-puberty?

It’s confusing and frustrating.

Luckily, there are things you can do (and be sure to not do) to clear up your skin naturally. Below, I shed some light on why in the world you could be dealing with zits and the easy habits and practices you can work in to get yourself on a blemish-free path.

1. Figure out the best skin care routine for YOU

We are unique little unicorns and as such our nutrition needs, sleeping habits, supplement protocols and so on are as individual as snowflakes.

The same is true for skin care routines: What’s effective for me may be a flop for you. Likewise, what’s cleansing for some may be drying for others; what moisturizes one face may transform another into an oil slick.

You could already have an idea of the techniques and products that give you good results, or perhaps you’re still trying to figure it out. If it’s the latter, I suggest the following two-step protocol:

1) learn your skin type

2) experiment, experiment, experiment!

Even if you’ve been around the skin-care block a time or two, there are always new things to try (oils, coal, you name it). You never know what might help your fabulous face.

Bottom line: Find out what works for Y-O-U.

A great place to start is with Annmarie Gianni’s organic, non-toxic skin care sample kits here. More details below…

2. Don’t sleep or work out in makeup

Head straight to the gym from work, or head straight to bed after a night out—without making time to swipe off the day’s makeup?

These are big no-nos in the clear-skin department.

Even the purest of makeup products don’t belong in your pores for extended periods, which is exactly the scenario when you sleep in your makeup (and you can imagine the nasties that sink into your skin if you use less-than-clean cosmetics. Bleh!).

As for getting your sweat on with a made-up face, you’re creating a “bacterial stew” of makeup and perspiration on your visage—basically a clogged-pore invitation for pimples to set up shop (source). Ew, don’t do it.

3. Keep all the shiz that touches your face clean

This is an easy concept to understand, but it’s just as easy to forget:
You can spread all kinds of crap onto your marvelous mug from the many items that come into contact with your face every day.

Think about it: your makeup brushes, your phone, your sunglasses, your pillowcase… How often do you clean these things? And how often do they touch your face? Right. Make a habit of wiping them down and washing them out.

For cell phones in particular, explore ways to talk without pressing the phone against your face, like using earbuds or chatting on speakerphone. When you hold your cell to your face for long stretches, you can block or trap oil in your pores (and trapped oil can lead to acne cysts. No thank you!).

4. Balance your hormones

If you’ve ever googled “why is my jawline breaking out?” you’ve likely been referred to an article on hormones.

A sudden appearance of jaw blemishes is a classic indicator of fluctuating hormones; it’s a PMS symptom for many women (source). It can be a problem any time of the month, though—from too much testosterone to a thyroid glitch, your skin may freak out if your hormones are on the fritz (source).

If you suspect your hormones are to blame for your skin woes, I’d recommend working with an integrative practitioner to develop a plan for for balancing things out.

One thing you can absolutely work on right away, though, is reducing stress. When your nervous system is on edge, you start perceiving no-big-deal happenings as threatening events, which leads to the secretion of excess stress hormones. That’s no bueno for your skin or your overall well-being.

5. Clean up (and power up!) your diet

The wide-ranging impact our diets can have just continuously amazes me.

It’s really no surprise, though, that removing problematic foods and adding in beneficial ones can give our skin the help it needs—our outer appearance is often a reflection of our inner health. Some specifics to consider: Dairy and sugar (specifically refined sugar, like you’ll find in many processed foods) are at the top of the list of acne-causing ingredients.

There’s been an abundance of anecdotal evidence about these two culprits for years, but the medical community is now nodding in agreement, too. If you haven’t already, try cutting these out of your diet to see if it banishes your breakouts. Other items that cause skin problems for some are gluten and fruits and veggies in the nightshade family (common ones: potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant).

Now, what to add:

A probiotic is reportedly good for skin, in the sense that it keeps your digestive tract humming along nicely. You can also try incorporating papaya and pineapple into meals and snacks for more digestive support—they’ve got natural digestive enzymes. And elderberry is another ingredient with skin benefits, as well as onions, cacao and plums.

But here’s the thing I—and NYC facialist Joanna Vargas—think is going to make the biggest difference for you: green drinks.

The blast of nutrients you get from a green juice or smoothie can brighten, lighten, de-bloat and more—that whole “outer appearance reflects inner health” thing at work again (source). Juicing and blending are the foundation of my wellness practice. These super-beverages are great ways to get in your plant-based nutrition, and the enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants packed into each one are amazing for your skin and immunity. Sip your way to a glowing epidermis, more energy and better health, gorgeous!

Need a little help in the healthy drink department?

I gotcha covered. I created over 100 simple, delicious, ultra-nourishing juice, smoothie and nut milk recipes for my book, Crazy Sexy Juice! In it you’ll find everything you need to know about juicing and blending, a gajillion fantastic recipes and even a 3-day cleanse. (And if you haven’t yet invested in a juicer, don’t worry—there are actually more blender-friendly recipes in the book than juices.)

So there you have it, beauty—five things you can do to get a clear complexion naturally. Try them today!

Now I’d love to hear from you: What’s one thing you do—or don’t do—to keep your skin clear?

Peace & Confident Complexions,

Add a comment
  1. Elizabeth says:

    Awesome tips, Kris! Cleaning up my diet (which was already pretty clean) made a huge difference with my acne. I talk about this in my blog at elizres.com. I believe all women deserve to feel happy, healthy and hot!

  2. Elizabeth says:

    Oh, and totally agree with you about the greens…so great for your skin!!! Thanks for all you do, you are awesome!

  3. Cindy R says:

    All of the above are musts for keeping a clear complexion. Eating clean is the most important. And, what your put on your skin should be of the same ingredients you put in your mouth, since your skin absorbs what is put on it. One product that I love is a Norwex face cloth. It is antibacterial and I don’t have to use any cleanser. Takes off all makeup, even mascara. For those with acne, it can’t be beat. Just wet the cloth with warm water, hold on your face a few seconds, and gently wipe of all the grunge.

  4. Great article! As a holistic Esthetician for over 25 years, most of these tips are the same I write about and tell my clients….especially “your skin in unique” and one size does not fit all. Much of the imbalances I see are from people not using the correct products for their skin type or not moisturizing at all. Diet and hormones play a big part, especially in adult acne. Thanks for spreading the word.

  5. I found my skin gets so much better when I avoid sugar and dairy.

  6. Rachel says:

    Thank you for all the information you share with us! I have suffered from sensitive skin and acne since I was 12 and I’m now in my 30’s. I started using Annmarie Gianni about two years ago when I read about it on your website and love it! These products have been the best for my skin and clearing out my pores. Sugar and dairy aside, I have issues with some really healthy foods, so don’t be afraid to be suspicious of those too! I actually avoid citrus fruits because they aren’t good for my skin texture (lemon in my water every morning will do the same thing after a few days). Maca powder is a big no-no! I’m a Pitta type in Ayurveda, and Maca powder is warming to Pitta’s. Spirulina and other algae are an issue for me as well because extra iodine can irritate the pores when it’s sweated out. Eating too many nuts will also cause skin issues for me. Green smoothies and juices are amazing for my skin (assuming they don’t include the above ingredients) as are goji berries! Figure out what works for you, but I found an Ayurvedic diet a great starting place!

    • Kris Carr says:

      Hi Rachel, I just love Annmarie Gianni’s products, too. 🙂 And it’s fantastic that you’ve been able to identify your dietary skin triggers. Hats off to your sleuthing efforts!

  7. Jeannie Danford says:

    No dairy!!!!!!!! Also no sugar and eating clean works best for me.

  8. Mandy says:

    Drink more water. I can see instantly by looking in the mirror if I didn’t hit my 100 oz goal the day before. I’m also a big fan of the 10-step K Beauty routine. Oh – and, limit alcohol intake 😉

  9. Angelique says:

    My favorite skin care line is DermaE! I always wash my face before working out and going to bed. One thing I need, need NEED to do is drink more water. I know I have not been drinking enough H2O.

  10. Laura says:

    I break out when I don’t put kale in my smoothie every morning. No lie!! Kale is my powerhouse green for clear skin.

  11. Mariana says:

    Hi, i’m from Brasil and Love your website! I’m transitioning to vegan life Style and since i started clean eating and doing liver flush my skin had a terrible breakout! I heard it migth be my body detoxing, is it commun? Thanks! Xoxo

    • Sarah says:

      That is definitely common! I went vegan two months ago (from being lacto-vegetarian for 7 years) and I went through the same thing. It lasted almost two weeks and then voila – my skin has never looked better!
      I wash my face with pure coconut oil every morning and evening. It sounds weird but it leaves the skin soft and perfect – not greasy at all! Also, adding baking soda to the coconut oil twice a week and using it as an exfoliating face wash – that may help too.
      Welcome to the veg club!

      • BeBe Mckenney says:

        Love the tip about baking Soda. Will be putting that in my skin care routine.

        • Mariana says:

          great isn’t it? did it this nigth and woke up much better! i’m doing it every nigth now!

        • Please do not use baking soda on the skin. The Ph is way to high, in other words it is too alkaline for the skin. While you may see good results at first, ultimately it will upset your acid mantle leaving your skin open to imbalances such as inflammation, irritation, rosacea, and other issues.

  12. Sarah says:

    I agree with everything! My diet is the biggest contributor to skin – and that includes that I will look red saggy and blotchy when I do not have enough water the day before.
    I recently started using apple cider vinegar mixture as a face tonic and I must say – I am love the results!

  13. Hilary says:

    One thing I want to add is that people might also want to pay attention to their allergies. And ingredients that might not be harmful that they might be sensitive to.

    For me my skin breaks out really bad with cones (dimethicone, silicone.) Removing products with them as ingredients wasn’t a cure all but I have WAY less acne and breakout problems by removing them alone. And when I’ve made the mistake of trying a lip product or a primer with those ingredients in them, I’ll have a major breakout the next day. The more painful cystic acne kind that I almost never get now unless I use products with cones.

    This goes with point number 1 above but is focused not just on the products you use but paying attention to the exact ingredients. Your face might react badly to say one clay mask but not another because of a single ingredient. It took me a long time to figure out that dimeticone and other cones were a problem for me because it was in SO many products. Including natural healthy ones! I don’t think a lot of people are reactive to that specifically but just wanted to mention the allergy/sensitivity to ingredients angle.

  14. Mojca says:

    I really believe a clean diet and natural cosmetics are the biggest keys to a healthy complexion. I personally had a miraculous skin transformation (for the better!) when I ate raw vegan diet for 2 months straight. I felt and looked amazing (if I may say so myself). Didn’t stick with the full raw diet longer, but I think it’s great doing it even just as an extended mild cleanse like I did. So that was a really great thing I noticed during that time. My skin has gotten completely clear, soft & supple, and the reddish patches (I tend to have broken capillaries) have evened out! Besides that, I had tons of energy and lost a few pounds while never feeling hungry. Needless to say I ate LOADS of veggies, good fats like avocado and nuts, and lots of juice and smoothies!

  15. Judy says:

    I am an adult with cystic acne. One day as I was reaching for a container of cottage cheese with an angry pimple on my face, I had an epiphany. Maybe the cottage cheese and other cheese snacks I had been having were the culprits to my current situation. I cut way back on dairy and haven’t had a breakout since.

  16. Thank you Kris for your awesome blog!
    My skin cleared up when I went vegan and it got even better when I quit ALL caffeine. I know coffee was causing breakouts and dark circles under my eyes, in addition to dehydration. Your green smoothes are also helping. Thanks for being you! xo

  17. Donna says:

    I have great skin. I have been taking care of my skin for a very long time. Water, water, water is also the key to keeping your skin supple and hydrated. I don’t eat potatoes, green peppers and don’t like cooking eggplant and I limit my intake of tomatoes too. Watching your sugar intake is primo. I am learning to eat better and have lost an amazing 16 pounds and feel great. I do have a weight loss goal and because my mindset is clear and ready, I will achieve it. As Elizabeth says, “all women deserve to feel happy, healthy and hot,” however, my take on that is they have to change their mindset to get there.

  18. Geri Teeter says:

    Hi, Kris! Thank you so much for all your work. I have 3 of your books, including Crazy Sexy Juice! I’ve been having terrible issues with my face for a while now. There are cracks in the corners of my eyes, the skin around them is parched and flaky and I can’t open them all the way. I’ve been prone to eczema my whole life and now with menopause and hot flashes, my skin and hair are so dry when they used to be super oily. I don’t have a juicer but I have a Vitamix and hope the smoothies I’m going to start making will crowd out the sugar and dairy until they’re history. Hopefully this will help my skin get back on track.

  19. Elsa N says:

    – Wearing natural mineral powder instead of liquid foundation
    – Drinking water especially when being in air conditioned places or out in the elements
    – Drinking large amounts of cold pressed juice of spinach, pineapple, carrot, beets and parsley together I find really brightens my skin
    – Meditating to keep that stress at bay
    – Using a spin brush with a natural cleanser gets rid of blackheads and minimizes pores
    – Wearing my hair up out of my face while sleeping, exercising or working hard helps because you’re not touching your face all the time with dirty hands trying to brush it away
    – Blending papaya and coconut/olive oil or manuka honey and using it as a face mask is amazing too! The anti bacterial properties of the coconut oil and honey help to clear up acne and the enzymes in papaya eat away the dead skin so you end up with bright clear skin
    These are all the things I swear by and I try and help anyone I see suffering with bad skin because I’ve been there with the lowered self confidence and feeling ugly with my bad skin for years. Am now a proud owner of freakin beautiful skin 😀

  20. Linda says:

    Thanks God for this educative and interesting article, right now am head to my cupboard to trash out all ‘Who- Knows-What. l need to look my best. Look health, radiant and good living. Thank you and God bless.

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