Time for a little skin update!
As you may or may not recall, in December I wrote about my skin crisis after coming off the pill a few months prior. Ever since this revelation, and my hormone balancing series, I have been getting tons of emails and messages asking for more tips and, of course, if I have been able to get my own skin back to normal. The answer is: yes and no.
No in that I haven’t been able to rebalance my hormones. Rebalancing hormones is a tricky quest, very individual, and takes time. I cannot stress this enough. It takes patience, research, and in most cases, help from a professional. Note: I am not a professional in this respect! I am just a girl on a quest to figue out what works, and what doesn’t, and share that with you.
Yes in that I have found some good products that are really helpful in alleviating the severity of outbreaks, whilst working on the root cause of the problem. Those tips I would like to share with you today.
Here are some photos to show you my improvements (all unedited and without make-up, of course).
Before…
Now…
Topical Acne Treatments (Skin Care Routine)
MSM
MSM is an organic form of sulphur and used as a dietary supplement. I only recently discovered the many health benefits of MSM, though I had heard the name many times before. I will do a comprehensive post on MSM soon but for now I will tell you MSM is used by many cells in our bodies, namely the cells in our skin, hair and nails. Most people get in way too little MSM via our diets. So, supplementation with this organic compound will make for healthier and stronger skin, hair and nails. I, however, found that MSM also makes for a wonderful facial scrub/peeling! Because MSM powder is very cristalline, it is really effective at scrubbing away dead skin cells and leaving your skin feeling smoother than ever. Getting rid of dead skin cells is imperative for better, clearer skin because that way your pores are less prone to getting clogged. I don’t think there is a more natural and more effective skin peeling out there.
Scrub with MSM once daily, preferably in the evening, and determine for yourself if your skin is sensitive or not and adjust your applied pressure to that. You can mix MSM with raw, organic honey (preferably Manuka honey) to make it more gentle on your face, and you can leave the honey/MSM mix on your face as a mask.
Black Sesame Oil & Tea Tree Oil
After scrubbing my face with MSM I apply black sesame oil and tea tree oil. Black sesame oil is a wonderful moisturizer that balances out the harshness of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has a mild antibacterial effect which helps reducing the amount of bacteria that can be responsible for outbreaks. Black sesame oil is also rich in vitamin E, which helps with scar recovery.
Black sesame oil can be purchased here (UK site, they are also located in the US and Canada). You can also replace black sesame with another carrier oil, like avocado, coconut, or almond oil, which may be easier to obtain in local shops.
Oral Acne Treatments (Supplements)
Dong Quai
Although technically Dong Quai falls more in the hormone balancing/curing acne department, it is taken as a supplement so I will include it here too. Dong Quai is actually what has helped me the most with my skin so far, and with getting my cycle more regular again. Note to self: I need to get a refill!
Dong Quai is a Chinese herb that has been used for centuries for female health and hormonal balance. Other than helping with acne, it is also great for PMS symptoms, menopause, irregular cycles and healthy hormone levels. I prefer this particular herb over some other herbs for hormone balancing I have come across since most tend to work to increase or decrease one specific hormone, and for that you really need to know what you are doing, and be tested for hormone irregularities!
Here is a sweet deal for Dong Quai from the US, and the herb can be found online in Holland here and here (among other places, I’m sure).
MSM
When taken orally, MSM has a strong detoxifying effect and will also help with scar healing. MSM tastes gross (I warned you!) but the powdered form is more potent than the capsule form (plus, this way you can use it as a facial peeling too). Because of the strong detoxifying effects, MSM dosage needs to be increased slowly and gradually. Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon a day. Max is 4 teaspoons a day. Detox symptoms may occur in the beginning (I did not experience these) such as headaches and fatigue. If so, lower the dosage.
MSM also does wonders for your overall health, and your hair and nails (the latter two may take 2 months before you will see improvement, though).
Burdock (Arctium Lappa)
A friend tipped me this herb in capsule form for better skin. Burdock is another one of those herbs thats has been used for centuries and is often used in traditional chinese medicine. Burdock is a blood purifier, helping your body get rid of toxins, and regulates your skins sebum (talg) production. Your skin will be less oily and shiny and thus less prone to breaking out. Interestingly enough, this seems to help with greasy scalp too.
For my Dutch friends: the Dutch name for Burdock is ‘grote klis’ or ‘grote klit’ and is available at De Tuinen.
Zinc
Zinc (mineral) plays an important role in acne for two reasons. First, zinc deficiency can trigger acne. Second, zinc has anti-inflammatory properties which are not only helpful for clearing acne but also good for overall health. It is suspected many people are zinc deficient which can be causes by a host of things, like an excess of copper in the body (through diet, hormones, copper IUD), a lack of zinc in the diet, malabsorption, being on ‘the pill’, too much coffee consumption and other dietary choices (even healthy ones!).
Zinc should always be taken with food or it will cause nausea. The best form of zinc to take is zinc monomethionine since this is the most bio-available form. In this form, 15-30 mg daily should work great (always start out with the lowest dosage). Other good forms are zinc acetate and zinc zinc picolinate. Zinc gluconate is ok, and zinc sulfate is the least bio-available form. I would advice to not exceed 50 mg/day and take breaks every now and then. Too much zinc will interfere with copper absorption, though too much copper is a bigger problem than a copper deficiency for most people.
As with MSM, zinc supplementation can help with the prevention and healing of scars. Zinc also supports a healthy immune system and healthy hair and nails.
There are some great reviews on zinc supplementation for acne on acne.org, make sure to check it out!
Maca
As with Dong Quai, maca can help with rebalancing hormones. Maca powder is extremely good at balancing your hormones, it is an adaptogen, which means it will work on the body according to needs, age and gender of the person taking it. Maca is not specifically for balancing female/reproductive hormones but all hormones, including stress-related hormones. Maca has the ability to affect key hormones in both women and men without containing hormones itself.
Maca also enhances your mood, energy, vitality and, um, sex drive…. so take at your own risk 
General notes on taking supplements:
* Always start with the lowest dosage option, increase when you feel your body responds well or you see no changes, positive or negative
* Don’t take too many things at once. Choose one supplement, preferably, and see if it works for you (finish the whole treatment). If it doesn’t, try another one. Taking too many things at once may upset your body and you will never be able to tell which product works and which didn’t. Some supplements may have the similar properties (like MSM and Burdock) and should not be taken at the same time.
* Supplementation may take a few weeks before showing results, some have faster results than others.It is always recommended to at least finish ‘one round’. I’d say, try one supplement for 2 months to see if it works for you!
* Take breaks in between treatments, even if a particular supplement is working for you
Please note these are tips for treating your acne on a superficial level, not a cure for the root problem (except Dong Quai and which may help tackling the root cause).
Phew, that is quite some information! I’ll be back soon with even more tips to get and keep your skin clear and glowing, naturally (think: diet and lifestyle tips).
Thanks for the tips! I’ve found coconut oil as a moisturizer/face mask works wonders as well
I’ve tried CO and it clogs my skin
I still use it on my body though, as it smells heavenly and moisturizes like a dream!
Shay recently posted..Silver
At first, it didn’t do much good for my skin either but I’ve found I put too much on. Now I wash my face with warm water, put some coconut oil on and after about 5 minutes or so, I rinse my face again so that the excess oil comes off. Made quite a difference! But I guess it’s different for everyone.
Oh! That’s a great idea! Thanks for that. I’ll have to try that. Maybe my problem was too much. Somehow, I never thought of that!
Shay recently posted..Silver
oops I forgot to mention coconut oil! perhaps because ive been using it for months hehe. For me it doesn’t really ‘do’ much for acne, but its a great moisturizer. Def up there with black sesame oil!
Sabine recently posted..Natural Acne Treatments
Wow what a transformation! Your skin is glowing again! I’ve been using Manuka Honey as a cleanser/mask, ACV/water as a toner and moisturizing with jojoba oil, and in just 2 days I have literally seen inflammation subside. It’s amazing! Best of luck!
Shay recently posted..Silver
Thanks for reminding me of ACV. I read a lot that it works really good as a tonic for skin, will start using this! ps, taking it orally should then work well too (like, mix a Tbsp with water!)
Sabine recently posted..Natural Acne Treatments: Products & Supplements
I’ve had exactly the same problem. I’m not exactly off the pill (I have the mirena iud), but I was on a very heavy pill so the switch did mean a very big difference for my body. Mostly positive things, but also consistent break-outs on my cheeks, where I’ve never actually had pimples before! Always had them on my forehead/chin or near my nose when I was a teenager. I also use tea trea oil, and I use Weleda Baby every day oil which is a mixture of sesame seed oil and calendula, which works wonders.
Can I ask why you use black sesame oil rather than normal sesame oil? Is there a difference they don’t mention on the website you linked?
And on a different topic, can I still order your e-book in say, two weeks? I am completely broke right now but I really really want it lol.
S. recently posted..A new year – a new start
Yes the book will be available indefinitely!
Good question that off the top off my head I can’t really describe well, I just know black sesame is touted as a miracle food/product for beauty, not the same is the case for ‘generic’ sesame oil
Sabine recently posted..Natural Acne Treatments: Products & Supplements
Holy ….. your skin looks fabulous now! I am actually quite stunned you booked such remarkable results with natural treatments only, never imagined that to be possible. Thank you so much for all of this information, I think I will try zinc and msm first, can those be used together?
Zinc and msm together shouldn’t be a problem since they both have such different qualities (but with a similar end result: healthier hair, skin & nails, amon other things).
Sabine recently posted..Natural Acne Treatments: Products & Supplements
There’s a tea I’m dying to try, don’t know if you’re familiar with it, here’s the link:
http://www.pukkaherbs.com/tea-room/all-our-teas/cleanse.html
It says to purify the skin. And here’s other:
http://www.pukkaherbs.com/tea-room/all-our-teas/detox.html
Curiously, this brand has supplements to, all organic, I suppose. Indeed, your skin looks amazing now.
Ooh I love Pukka tea! But to be honest I think you’d have to drink tons of tea to notice any effect, especially tea in bags! Loose leaf tea brewed for at least 5-10 minutes would have a stronger effect
. In that respect, nettle tea is supposed to be really good for skin 
Sabine recently posted..Natural Acne Treatments: Products & Supplements
I’ve never thought about nettle as tea option, thank you for the tip! I’ll try to find. Are you a tea person? Can you recomend me some organic and fairtrade tea brands? For no particular problem, and caffeine free. I looked at Hampstead and their teas seem amazing.
Sabine! Im completely addicted to your blog- I absolutely LOVE it! With the new year and all im on a quest for physical and spiritual health and you are inspiring me greatly- so THANK YOU!! xxx
Yay!
Sabine recently posted..Natural Acne Treatments: Products & Supplements
Sabine, I love your blog and this is the first time I’ve left a comment. I have had nothing but a constant battle with acne since I was a teenager and of course I have tried everything. Of course nothing has ever really worked, that is until I started taking live probiotics and now for the first time in forever my face is clear.
Yes probiotics are very very important! It’s so stupid to use ANTIbiotics to treat acne, really…
Sabine recently posted..Natural Acne Treatments: Products & Supplements
Awesome post- your skin looks amazing!
Oh sounds good! I got off the pill about 4 months ago and since then suffered, well, not from acne, but from heavier breakouts than before. Would your advice be the same for less serious skin problems?
Joy recently posted..Een nieuw begin
Yes you can certainly use these things too, I’d just say you need less of them/less strong dose. And definitely in your case, go with 1 supplement or topical product, not more.
Sabine recently posted..Natural Acne Treatments: Products & Supplements
goede blog! Zou je me kunnen vertellen wat MSM is en waar ik het kan halen? Ik kan er niet meer info over vinden namelijk. bedankt!
Ik koop het zelf in poedervorm bij een raw food cafe in amsterdam (centrum voor energieregie) maar ze verkopen het in capsule vorm bij vitaminstore.nl en dergelijke!
Sabine, congrats on going off the pill! It takes time for the hormones to re-balance themselves and eating is a big of it. I stooped taking birth control pills 3 years ago and was diagnosed with PCOS soon afterwards. With no periods for over a year, my doctor wanted me to go back on a pill as a permanent solution. Skin issues, blood sugar swings, and digestion problems go hand in hand with PCOS. After I refused to work with western docs and to go back on the pill, I started studying ayurveda, reading on live-giving foods, and natural healing modalities. Now my cycsts are completely gone, periods back to normal, skin is healthy, and I am happy! Along the way to health, I met amazing healers, ayurvedic practitioners, went to India and to Hippocrates Institute in FL, completed a Wellness Coaching certification and started coaching people on digestion-related issues. In your search to balance hormones, Claudia Welch’s book ‘Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life’ could be an interesting read! Good luck on your journey and let me know if you ever want to chat!
Nadya @ Spinach and Yoga recently posted..5 Amazing Benefits of Breathing Deeper
I love using tea tree oil! I also love how it can help keep hair lice away, as the lice despise the smell.
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner recently posted..Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes!
Congrats Sabine for going “Chem Free” on birth control!
My daughter had sent me a link from your site about MSM.
You make an excellent point about food grown under roof. Even outdoor crops that may get enough MSM from rainwater are typically grown in mineral depleted soil and of course harvested before ripening, so as to ship efficiently, thus producing fruits/vegetables lacking many health related nutrients. Your article stirred me to do more research on MSM. I use MSM in the “Joint Pain” formula, but will be adding it to several others. We have had hundreds of success stories from the “Acne Relief” bar and balm that we manufacture. You should check it out at: http://www.econaturalsoap.com website (testimonies).
Thanks for your help. You are making a difference by sharing accurate information. We all have got to become responsible for ourselves…reading and researching label ingredients, not just assuming because the word “Natural” is printed makes it safe!!!
What is avc water?
Hi Eleni, ACV stands for apple cider vinegar
Have you ever tried enriching yourself with fruits and vegetables without even using products nor natural remedy that you apply on your acne? I guess it’s a better strategy than to persistently use treatment in which you were not so sure that it gonna be working for you rather than doing anything yet you get to detoxify your body through filling out the basic supplements that our body has to meet daily. And you’ll be able to see great difference in just a week. Sometimes the secret of a total flawless skin is just right through proper diet and observance of things that we need to have daily.
Akhira recently posted..tea tree oil for acne
From a different perspective (in short): The Skin is internally connected with 2 internal organs. The most important are the lungs (yin) secondary is the Large intestine (yang). Acne is a product of heat, element of fire. A good way to treat acne is to tonify the lungs and Large Intestine (L.I.) en expel the heat from these organs although the reason for this is different in every individual and can include more unbalanced organs that are indirectly connected. Make sure to not overload your L.I. especially for those on Raw food diets, too much friction in the intestines can produce heat, avoid spicy food for a period as well. The (pathological) emotion that is connected with the lungs is sadness and connected to the L.I. the ability of (not) letting go. So it might help to see if one of these under laying emotions are blocking the chi-channels of the corresponding organs. The Lungs and L.I. are connected by a special hormone system, hormones are micro carriers of chi and do travel in the meridian system. The whole endocrine system is controlled by the chakras (and visa versa), do some research on the sacred glands that are connected with them. It might indeed take some time to restore balance within that system. Take your time, be patient en try to endure to enjoy the path of the wounded healer. Bless you.L.X. (for more details and support contact me)
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great tips! i love burdock root! it helped to heal my acne tremendously! x
Hi there, I found your web site by the use of Google at the same time as searching for a comparable matter, your site came up, it seems to be great. I’ve added to my favourites|added to bookmarks.
to get rid of acne recently posted..1
I also want to contribute one natural remedy for acne— honey.
Many people do not know it but it’s really effective which is why there are now many beauty products with honey in it. i experienced having acne before and I’m already free from it.
read more about honey benefits
Awesome website! About acne, one thing I know works for some people, including myself (and I hated having to do this) … but you can try and stop eating chocolate : (
Excellent advice, Sabine! I was wondering how much Dong Quai you are taking per day? And should a person start out at a low dose and increase it gradually? Thanks so much for your insightful tips!
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Howdy! This post could not be written much better!
Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about
this. I’ll forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Lucia recently posted..Lucia
Just out of interest…What was the time period in between your photo with acne and photo without?
Best,
Harriet
Hello!
I love reading this post because it makes me feel hopeful.
I have been suffering from mild/severe acne ever for a two years since going on and off the birth control pill twice in that same span of time. I eat an all vegan diet and recently my naturopath prescribed sulfur, biotin, vitamin A, probiotics, and a dandelion root, burdock, and nettle tea. I also did a three day liver cleanse, but after almost three weeks my skin looks red, bumpy, and horrible. My self-esteem is at an all time low especially since I was so hoping that my trip to the naturopath would be the beginning of me having healthy, radiant skin. I haven’t been out to see friends in months! After re-reading this, I am considering trying maca again and am feeling a little less disheartened. I hope that I can stay positive too as that can affect the skin.
Thanks you for all the information.
Hope all is well,
M.
How do you take the burdock root?
thanks,
lisa
Hi, I found your article really useful. And I’ve been thinking that I’d really like to use dong quai however I have an IUD? Will it effect the use of it or move it in anyway? Any information you have on this would be useful. Thank you xx
Hi Sabine, Thank you soooooooo much for the post!
I’ve had my acne since 11/2011, because of a stressful job (I guess), my acne distributes around my jawline and neck, I am willing to try the supplements treatments, would you please give me some instructions on when and how to take the supplements?
Appreciate!!
Jiajia