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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. NMP Udhyog says:

    Beauty products help us to enhance our complexion and texture so that we are more beautiful, while herbal products are best for skin.

  2. A lot of things matter when it comes to getting healthy and clear skin like proper diet, a healthy skin care routine, proper use of skin care products. This blog is really amazing and I completely agree with the points that you mention in this blog.

  3. I am agreed with the 5th point you mentioned – “Clean up (and power up!) your diet”. Maintaining a balanced diet can show amazing results in clearing skin.

  4. windows 10 says:

    Interesting blog. You wrote emotionally and beatifully. I enjoy reading it.

  5. Acneohno says:

    That’s what I call a great post, I will definitely follow the steps you have given me.

  6. Jason Swales says:

    Great tips and suggestions.
    Organic and natural products are the best way to clear the skin.

  7. pinky says:

    Great article..Just loved it please keep sharing .

  8. Rohit Sharma says:

    Hi Kris,
    Thanks for very nice tips to take care of skin.!

    Step away from your hands. You know how you rest your face on your hand while you’re studying? That might be the reason for those blemishes on your cheek or jaw. You’re constantly touching things that have germs—anything from your phone to your locker—so putting your hands on your face for a long period of time can cause dirt and bacteria from anything you touch to get into your pores.

  9. Wendy C. says:

    Hi,

    Healthy lifestyle for a healthy body and mind. So far, I don’t have acne because I eat what is supposed to be right for my skin. Not eating the proper foods will cause acne. So I always make sure to eat fruits and veggies, drink more water and enough sleep. I also take supplements and use organic natural skincare products. Thanks!

  10. Virginia says:

    I have struggled with Rosacea all my life, and have tried every available product out in the market, both by prescription and OTC. Dermalmd rosacea serum is, without question, THE BEST & MOST EFFECTIVE product I have ever used! No flare ups after use. No large bumps appearing overnight. No white heads suddenly showing up. AND, my face hasn’t been this clear, in….I don’t remember, because it’s been so long ago! This stuff WORKS! At least it does for ME! LOVE IT!!!

  11. Keeping my skin healthy is a big priority for me. My wife makes fun of me sometimes, but I think it’s important! I didn’t know that I should be moisturizing twice a day, so thanks for the tip.

  12. Jenny S. says:

    Hi,
    I love your tips! I’ve read those pieces of advice way too many times already, but it’s really very difficult to follow everything to the letter. Like sleeping without makeup and using the correct skincare regimen. You know it’s a must, but there are nights when the last of your energy can only bring you to your bed and that’s it haha. But it does pay to eat healthy all the time. Thanks for sharing!

  13. Great article. Thank you for all the information you share with us!

  14. Include green vegetable and drink more water ….

  15. When I avoid the starchy and high sugar content food, it has a good impact on my skin.

  16. Pawan Kumar says:

    Good day!!thanks for this tips I’ve learn something and I will do this.thanks for wonderful tips. God bless and more power..

  17. Audrey says:

    Do you recommend any brands of juices for working moms or other busy types?

  18. ileana labrada says:

    Love your make up tips

  19. Sabrina says:

    Thank you for these amazing tips! What are you thoughts on Botox? I am about to be 40 and all my friends are doing it but I am afraid of the toxins. Do you have any advice on natural skin tightening products?

  20. Atul says:

    Personally, I believe that a balanced diet and natural cosmetics are the biggest facts to a healthy skin, or complexion. Because, this is the right way to maintain your health with nature. This post is good and explained very well, thanks for sharing with us. I always looks for ayurvedic treatments to take care of my skin type, as well I prefer to drink more and more water. Recently, I have been searched an online store i.e. kama ayurveda, where one get 100% natural products. I would like to suggest always try natural beauty items to look young. visit – http://www.kamaayurveda.com

  21. Prasanta says:

    I have read your blog, it awesome and informative. As well I want to share my ideas on clear up your skin.

  22. Roop Amrit says:

    Which is the best Ayurvedic face cream for oily skin?

  23. Kelly says:

    My two favorite lines are Living Libations and Annmarie Gianni. Since they are pricey I rotate them with less expensive products like Andalou (from health food stores). I use Jojoba or Coconut oils throughout the week also when doing facial massage. When I cleanse I use a Clarisonic brush. To keep my skin hydrated I like to have a green smoothie every day and drink coconut water☺️.

  24. Michael Kacanich says:

    I wake up every morning and before I even go brush my teeth I drink 40 ounces of room temperature water. From there I oil pull. Oil pulling also known as “kavala” or “gundusha,” is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This draws out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your overall health. By doing this consistently for over a year I have seen blemishes & lines disappear and my black head number has dramatically decreased.

    BUT ADDING GREENS HAS BEEN THE OVERALL WIN!!!!! Kris is right when she is saying “EAT YOUR GREENS” Kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, spinach & broccoli. Those greens will help your machine work better. Thanks again Kris for all you do and they lovely support you always send us. Love & Light – Michael

  25. beside using useful fruit or some chemicals, i think you also have to maintain your try, you will need more and more time to help your skin become better day by day

  26. Cheryl says:

    I found out (by accident) that extra virgin coconut oil, when applied to the face (or anywhere else for that matter), clears up acne better than anything I’ve ever tried. It seems counter intuitive that putting oil on your face would reduce acne, but it does. And it’s a nice moisturizer. Takes a while to absorb but really works. Also works well for healing skin abrasions. Coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties.

  27. Zineb says:

    Eating a plant based diet helped me so much get a clearer skin. It totally makes sense to me now, less toxins in your body = less pimples on your face.

  28. Elderberry, cacao and plums, okay! Thank you for the list. Chemo has cleansed the toxins out of my body, but I suspect my body to go back to where it was soon, so I need to be aware of what goes in, otherwise my skin breast out.
    http://www.beuatythroughthebeast.com

  29. Rosa says:

    Thanks for your great posts Kris. Definitely using natural skincare products has made a massive difference to my skin. The other thing for me has been drinking activated green clay daily helps to clear the gut of toxins, chemicals and heavy metals that play havoc with the skin. I’m past the acne stage, but it has really clarified & smoothed my skin.

  30. Julie says:

    It seems like more and more that your posts, blogs, newsletters are pushing some kind of product and it bothers me.

  31. I love that you are sharing this Kris!

    I definitely do all the things you mentioned but cleaning up my eating has been the biggest improvement for me. More juices, greens, green smoothies, organic, fermented foods, whole foods! I was told by a dermatologist my acne was something I would have forever. When I took charge of my health and changed my eating & lifestyle my skin healed!

    Thanks again for spreading the love and information to help others change their lives!

    ~Michelle

  32. Janice says:

    I love reading your tips to better my health. I have been making a green smoothie for breakfast for about 3 years now. I always love to hear and read new recipe ideas. Thank you Kris for encouraging us to be healthy!!

  33. Carrie says:

    Green juice 3x a week
    Dairy is av thing of my past
    Very little to no makeup on a day to day…organics when I do though
    Peppermint Castile soap to wash
    Coconut oil to moisturize..xtra at night
    Stress care herbal supplements daily
    Clean diet
    Go with the flow
    Smile and laugh a lot

  34. 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.

  35. 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 😀

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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

  39. 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.

  40. 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!

  41. 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.

  42. 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!

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. 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 😉

  47. Jeannie Danford says:

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

  48. 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!

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

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

  52. Elizabeth says:

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

  53. 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!

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