Around a month ago my skin started to flare up a little more than normal, noticeably around my forehead. It started around ovulation, yet got surprisingly clear, perfect and glowy around my period.

Now we’re approaching ovulation again, and it’s flared once again, ever so slightly worse than last month.

Hmm, I thought, I must dig deeper.

I’m really interested in my gut flora, how I’m digesting food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. Because even though it’s hard to wrap my mind around it sometimes, it’s all connected in there. Which may seem obvious, but to me it is sometimes overwhelming.

I want to do what I can to naturally help my body, and after researching into it more I’ve decided to add probiotics, digestive enzymes, dandelion root tea and add evening primrose oil to my new acne regime.

Below I’ve taken the time to list some of the benefits of each, in correlation to acne, but their benefits go way beyond that.

Probiotics: (If you’re interested in the connection between the gut, brain and skin I highly suggest looking into it. It’s fascinating)

-promote a healthy digestive tract and immune system

-reduce inflammation

-reduce levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (something that drives acne)

-helps deal with food allergies

-helps absorb skin-essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals

-strengthens immunity against gut and skin harming pathogens.

Digestive Enzymes:

-help to keep your gut healthy

-aids in breaking down your food

-beneficial for absorption of nutrients

I also drink a glass of water with Apple Cider Vinegar in it each morning, and use it as a toner on my face:

-helps regulate skin (and body’s) pH levels (keeps skin from being too oily or dry)

-keep a healthy, alkaline state

-vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E

-it is antibacterial, anti fungal and antiviral (which is great for acne)

-fights wrinkles and age spots

-removes toxins from skin

I’ve also picked up some Evening Primrose to use topically:

-helps to even out hormone imbalances (I don’t think people realize what a huge impact hormones has on our entire body)

-contains omega 6, which helps eliminate inflammatory skin conditions

-moisturizes and nourishes (I’ve been on the hunt for a natural moisturizer to replace my old ones I’m almost out of)

Now, the final thing that I’ve added is Dandelion Root tea. Firstly, I love the earthy taste of it (I’m drinking a cup right now), but let’s list off some benefits:

-balances natural bacteria in intestines, and aids digestion

-helps kidneys clear out waste

-helps your liver remove toxins, reestablish electrolyte and hydration balance

-rich in antioxidants

-contains essential fatty acids (and a few other things) that reduce inflammation throughout body

-boosts immune function

Now, I know this is a lot of information, and definitely isn’t a quick fix pill. But I bet you’ve realized by now that I’m not a quick fix pill sort of girl. I’m about digging deep and finding the real problem and treating that naturally.

I’ve had varying levels of acne from the time I was a preteen. It has been an ongoing journey, where I am continually learning and tweaking my methods. I’ve gone through periods of really bad acne, and really clear skin. For the most part, these past few years I have had really good skin. Currently I just look at it as I’m just going through a patch where there is obviously something that needs to be addressed.

And I’m doing just that.