It has been awhile since I have mentioned anything about my acne struggle. My last real update was in early August where I gave my face plan of attack to get rid of my cystic acne.
I apologize for not doing a better job in keeping everyone updated as I feel it is a topic that I hope more people talk about and not be ashamed. With so many people suffering with some kind of skin/acne issue during their life it is worth talking about more. Learning more about why it happens and how to control acne, with the hopes of never having it again.
As you know by know Michelle and I are open to pretty much any topic and like to be honest with our health struggles. Acne has been one of my biggest struggles recently. And I admit it has been a difficult one for me, as pimples are not really fun nor pretty. So sharing my pictures is embarrassing, but I hope it is helping someone out there that you are not alone and to have hope!
I did a video re-caping my latest update with face and what I am doing. Plus I share my oil mixture that I use in one of my steps to wash my face and my eats to help with acne.
Here is the link to the one product I mentioned in the video that I love – it’s really expensive but a little goes a long way and I only use it as spot treatment when I need it. And here is the link to the hormone book that I read and loved to help with hormones.
One thing I did forget to mention in the video is that back in my plan of attack I mentioned doing progesterone cream I ended up doing it just for a few days, as got mixed reviews on that if progesterone would really help or make my acne worse. So basically I got scared and stopped taking it, but still kept up with the oral antibiotic and differin creme, like I mentioned in the video.
Another thing is that I did not do a great job with keeping up with my MACA powder. I really just kept forgetting it.
I do still take my probiotic, Vitamin B-5 supplement, and cod liver oil daily! Along with keeping up with about 4 tablespoons of coconut oil a day to help. I do not really take the holy basil any more, but did feel it was worth taking for a few months that I did. As I felt it really helped with stress control. I also take Niacin 100mg each night that I feel helps with my poor circulation and with my acne.
I feel more confident with my make-up on, which helps me to overcome my acne battle. I know I still have a lot of work still to do with the redness and scars but I am getting there! And so will you on your battle to better skin!
Here are a few pictures of me recently (this past Thursday and Friday), some with make-up on and some without. I wanted people to see what I am dealing with now in terms of left over acne scars and redness of face.
When you see pictures of me now, I usually have make-up on and a little photoshop editing (I do not do that much editing but just a little.) In all these pictures today I did no extra editing, this is what I look like.
two pictures on left I have no make-up and the two pictures on the right I have make-up on
face with no make-up, you can see my acne scars that I am trying to heal now
When you take a look at these pictures back in March or back in February or from my very first pictures of my acne back in January of this year, I have come A LONG WAY!!
I have to admit it is nice to see my face getting better now, but wow is it hard to look at those old pictures of my face. Really brings back so many emotions looking at those pictures.
What I look like now: again left no make-up and right have make-up on.
Guess you could say having acne was a blessing in disguse as I was able to learn so much about myself, my personal strength, my personal will power, and about what my body needs. It was not an easy road…especially emotionally. As I mentioned that I struggled with depression because of my acne.
But I still have one wish that I am working on…to be able to wear no-makeup and feel beautiful (to see no acne scars). What I mean is… I am talking about more along the lines of being beautiful with no acne scars remaining, for those that have acne scars understand what I mean. I do look at myself in the mirror and tell myself that I am beautiful. Those little words have helped me so much during my really tough days.
Remember whatever your battle is that you are fighting, remember to tell yourself daily that you are worth it and that you are beautiful!
That is my update on my face and acne battle. Of course I will continue to give updates and let you all know if I find anything else new that I feel is worth it. For anyone who is suffering my acne or pimples, don’t give up! You will get there! I am here cheering you on 
Please let me know if you have any more questions for me about acne or my treatment. I am here to help.
Twins Question: Do you tell yourself that you are beautiful? When you are going through a life struggle how do you overcome it?
till next time,
xoxo
Lori
Your skin looks amazing! It’s a testament to how important healthy eating/living is to all aspects of our body!
I love that you’re so positive about your experience, viewing it as a chance to learn about your body’s needs and your strength. Your attitude is so inspiring!
Lea @ Greens and Coffee Beans recently posted..Farm Day & The Importance of Local Food
thanks Lea, I do my best to keep that positive attitude
some days easier than others. xoxo
YES!! So incredibly happy for you girl
amazing to see how your hard work is paying off. I was just thinking this weekend that I needed to do an update as well.
My face is certainly much better than it has been in a very long time. It’s funny how you can get pulled into negative thoughts, when you still see issues when looking in the mirror. I have to remind myself how bad it really was a few months ago and far I’ve come since then. The clustered, cystic acne for me is gone as well, I do still have some acne that keeps coming back. Through a few products, eating whole clean foods, and yes scaling back on the raw foods has helped immensely. The tincture I am taking through my naturopath is a huge help as well. I have been learning more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda to learn more about my patterns and how my body reacts to different foods, etc. I have learned a great deal, and am starting to pay more attention to warming foods as well
One thing that I never thought about while dealing with the cystic acne is sleep. Getting enough, GOOD sleep has made an incredible difference, and making sure I take me time much more often. Prayer and devotionals, spending time with God has been amazing. It has allowed me to give my stress and worry over much easier, I know that I cannot do any of this on my own.
Again, I am so happy you are on the mend. I am now dealing with the scarring as well, I need to get back on the manuka honey. It is definitely beneficial. I haven’t used it in a long time. Thanks for the reminder!
Thinking of you my friend, we will conquer this!! xoxo
Christa @ Edible Balance recently posted..One Step at a Time
awesome Christa!!! Yay for warming foods and learning more about the body
oh yes sleep is huge too, totally agree! HUGS
This post comes in a great time for me… for few months now i have been struggling with melasma.. during my early 20′s i had acne issues and started on birth control and even though it worked for my face it messed me up in many other ways… after i had my baby girl the acne was not a big problem but now its melasma! ugh! depressing, frustrating.. you brought a smile to my face, thanks for being so inspirational. Im beautiful! and you rock!
so glad to help Yanet!! I wish you all the best, and yes you are beautiful!! hugs
Ugh I’m having SUCH skin struggles, friend. I’m not sure what it is exactly (my suspects are sugar and nuts), but I’m working on it too — cleaning with oil-based cleansers, moisturizing with argan oil, scrubbing and washing with Lush products, using only natural makeup (from Tarte)….. it’s going slowly but surely. I’m also working on NOT wearing face makeup to the gym but it’s soooo hard when I’m embarrassed by my acne. It’s sad to admit but true. I try to cover it up!
Anyways, my love to you. You are BEAUTIFUL and we are all in this together: men AND women!
xo love!!!
Katelyn thanks girl! And sorry to hear that you are going through skin issues as well, but sounds like you got a great plan!! It is hard not to want to always cover it up, I feel your pain! Love you too! xoxo
i see such beauty, despite everything you see. But i love that these are working. Thanks for the update friend. xxoo
lindsay recently posted..Marvelous Attitude Check & Recipe
thanks Lindsay love ya!!
I’m so happy for you that your skin has improved but I can imagine it must have been a journey of lots of ups and downs! Keep at it, you’re clearly doing something right and eventually your body will respond!
Anna @ The Guiltless Life recently posted..The Healthy Breakfast Challenge!
thanks Anna for the sweet words!! hugs
Wow! I am so blown away by your awesomeness, courage, and bad-ass ways to do this post! You not only are beautiful and amazing… but you are going to help and inspire so many too.
Living L.A., I can’t stand how much make up women will put on just to go out for a walk or coffee or worse… a workout! I agree with you… true beauty shines from within and the more natural, the better. You are amazing Lori! Great tips and info too.
thank you so much Moni!!!! xoxo
you’re beautiful. that’s all. xoxo friend
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Bean Bytes #13
you are too dear friend!! xoxo
Your skin looks like it has definitely improved! I feel you on the acne. I have it all on my chin and lip area and it seems that when I think I have a handle on it, it wreaks havoc and creates more to deal with. I have been resorting to herbal/natural remedies, but nothing has helped tremendously. I am with you on the road to clear skin! You are awesome for being so open with this issue!
Christy recently posted..#MotivationalMondays- Drop and Gimme 20 (BURPEES)!
thanks Christy!, sorry to hear that you are having issues as well, but I know you will figure it out and get that beautiful skin!!! Both of us will get there!
Hey! This is so exciting to hear this update! When you first posted your ‘plan’ in August, it inspired me to finally go see a naturopath and she had me do many similar things to what you are doing (ie/ probiotic, omega-3′s but not the exact same one, etc) and it IS working!!
I also LOVE Eminence – have been using it for a couple of years. And I love SkinCeuticals too!! And Jane Iredale – encouraging to know we are doing similar things and getting similar results 
Question – I could clearly understand your nighttime routine – except, which face wash from Eminence do you use? And do you ever have issues with your skin being able to naturally exfoliate enough? Mine doesn’t do that very well.
Secondly – what do you do for your morning routine?
Thank you sooo much lady!
xx
Thanks Katie, glad to hear you are having success with similar products too!! yay!
I use the Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser http://us.eminenceorganics.com/Clear-Skin-Probiotic-Cleanser_p_448.html love it and I toss in a few sprinkles of baking soda to be my natural exfoliate, that I forgot to mention. My morning routine is just using the witch hazel to clean face then put Moisturizer on followed my make-up.
Awesome! That’s the one I use as well. BS works well for me too – and it helps my skin to be able to clean itself out when I remember to exfoliate!
Witch hazel and moisturizer … I want to try that. My skin is so calm and smooth when I wake up. Then I wash it, and my scars become much deeper and more pronounced, and my face gets red again! Thanks dear
Hi girls big hug to both of you. My daughter little one keep telling me that mom you are beautiful it is so nice to hear even when I do not have any make up. Can I just ask for what reason you take 4TB of coconut oil? It is because of its antiinflamantory properties? Thanks a lot
Thanks! And yes for the antiinflamantory benefits along with helps with my metabolism and overall skin, keeping it soft not dry.
[...] Alyson mentioned to me about some of her co-workers are enjoying planking!! Wahoo! I also meet a few blog readers, one being Heather and her parents! What an amazing story they have – Heather and her mom have lost 100 lbs and running their first half marathon together!! So inspiring to hear stories like this and Joe’s! The body is an amazing thing if we give it time, love, and never give up! Lori would agree. [...]
Thank you so much for your video! I am new to your website but found you on instagram a few weeks ago and found your food posts so inspiring, that’s how I found this video. I am dealing with acne scars and some days I feel like it’s never going to get better so thank you for your encouragement. Right now I am using Silver soap to wash my face and Tea Trea Oil toner and a vitamin E moisturizer. It has helped me alot but I feel like I should be doing more maybe? I am excited to try your honey and oil mixture!! Thanks again for your inspiration! You are beautiful!
Glad you found me, and yes give the honey and oil a try, you face might breakout a little from them but give it time, your face should end up loving them
good luck! hugs
The last time I saw a pic of you on Instagram, I thought that your skin looked amazing!!! Good to hear
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige recently posted..Twofer Tuesday + Egg White Raspberry Quinoa Breakfast
thanks girl!
LOVE YOU LORI!! Love you for doing this – it’s so brave and you’ll be helping so many people out there
I don’t suffer from acne but had impetigo last year and it looked like huge burns over my face. It really knocked my confidence so I can imagine how hard it has been for you. You look so beautiful, skin issues aside and you have continued to inspire me since the early pure2raw days. ooh….i went to my post-natal check today and can officially start planking now!! wohoo!!! x x x
emma green recently posted..“I’m dying to move again!!”
awesome Emma! thanks as always for the continued love and support! HUGS and yay for planks!
It truly is amazing that you are doing these updates Lori! Most people won’t speak up on this topic, but trust me that it is a huge battle for a lot of people. I actually suffered from cystic acne a few years ago, and it was a really depressing time, but it also made me look into my health more and made me improve my mental health a lot! Being positive, being gracious and accepting myself for me not for my skin. It’s a long process, but your skin has improved so much already! You look beautiful. I’m always a little scared to share my story, just because I know a lot of people from high school read my blog and people can be critical. However, my skin has improved so much I think it could help others. I definitely found coconut oil was a saving grace! I take about 4 T a day as well, and it improved my skin like crazy. As well as tons of water, moderate amount of apple cider vinegar (not everyday) and same with citrus fruits, and zinc also. I’m so happy that you are sharing this and that you’ve seen improvement. Keep it up! xo P.S. sorry this was so long;)
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Wow, girl. You’ve come so far and are working SO hard. My heart is with you! YOU ARE STUNNING regardless of what your ego tells you.
SO BEAUTIFUL ALWAYS!!!
Heather @ For the Love of Kale recently posted..How I Got My Vegas Glow
Glad to hear your staying positive as opposed to stressing over it. A few tips: try sprinkling more tumeric onto food (since its anti-inflammatory) also make sure your cosmetics are all natural to avoid irritating the acne. When most people have scars they of course want to cover them so try RMS beauty or Nvey Eco-concealer.
I also recommend a tumeric facial (yes it will initially stain the skin and look like jaundice- but its only for a few minutes and its ultra calming) – just a side note I had a friend who has acne and was also tested by her doctor for allergies discovered she was allergic to rubber (along with many other things) her iPhone case was rubber and was attributing to her acne breakouts so she bought a different, rubber free phone cover.
Glad to see how much its progressed and is getting better.
In your last post regarding acne, you inspired me to try using oils in my cleansing routine, so I have been doing that for awhile now and really like using natural products. Thanks for clarifying the sequence you go through. I had been putting the oil on first then cleansing but now I’m going to try cleansing then the oil. Thanks so much for sharing, I know it’s probably not always easy, but know it is helpful to others who suffer from adult acne and scarring. Love both you and Michelle’s posts!
Thank you so much for this post! Since I have started following your blog, I have tried some of your acne methods like washing my face once a day, using jojoba oil before bed, and acv in the morning. My cystic acne is soo much better, except when I eat sugar. Now just working on eliminating my scars. Thank you so much for your inspiration!
Lori you are SO brave for sharing and being honest with your struggles with acne and Im sure you’re helping so many people in the process. You’re such a beauty inside and out, and a huge inspiration! xo
Heather @ Sweetly Raw recently posted..Pumpkin Lucuma Fudge and Winter
thank you so much Heather!!! HUGS
I wanted to share 2 products that can really help with fading the scars so make sure to check these out on the amazon links below. They take a little time but are great at fading both old and new scars.
http://www.amazon.com/Trilogy-Certified-Organic-Rosehip-Oil/dp/B002H7HOIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352303903&sr=8-1&keywords=trilogy+rosehip+oil
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_7?url=search-alias%3Dhpc&field-keywords=celsus+bio-intelligence+scar+cream&sprefix=celsus+%2Chpc%2C0
Fiori Beauty recently posted..Q&A of the Day – Makeup Removal
Thank you I will check them out
You’re truly an inspiration with your acne story. It is a road that so many people struggle on, myself included. I know that dealing with the scars and aftermath of acne can sometimes be almost as irritating as when it is full blown, but hang in there. You are already truly beautiful without make-up on, but I understand completely where you are coming from. Good luck to you, keep us posted
I found that when I stuck to whole foods and cut out almost all corn products my skin and hormone problems improved dramatically. I cannot wait to buy the hormone book that you posted about. Thank you for your courage of posting pictures of yourself with acne, please remember that you shine.
[...] already read Lori’s story, but here is her latest update on Purely Twins – ‘Update on How my Acne is Doing‘. I am so incredibly proud of her and excited to see such progress in her life as [...]
Hi. You might want to stop taking the B6 supplement. High doses of B12 and B6 ( especially in the synthetic supplement form) can really aggregate/ cause acne. I found when I stopped these supplements my skin improved a great deal. I also get breakouts from any amino acid supplements. I now try to focus on cleansing the liver, a probiotic, fish oil( really helps) the cod liver did not, it’s actually difficult for the liver to process, pure jojoba oil, raw honey ( amazing for breakouts) , Vapour organic beauty foundation and pretty much avoiding all products meant for acne, along with any fragrances even essential oils. All of this has changed my skin dramatically. Hope this helps!
Thanks Rose. I use jojobal oil on face and love it too, and use manuka honey on face from time to time as well love it