My journey to clean beauty began in my mid 20s. While living overseas, I developed cystic acne: large, inflamed painful pimples. In my desperation to clear up my skin, my bathroom cabinet overflowed with 'sure to cure' harsh acne products in every price range. I also spent years ingesting acne meds and enduring harsh chemical treatments.
Feeling embarrassed and frustrated with my skin, I took matters into my own hands and embarked on a strict food and product elimination diet. I removed wheat, dairy, sugar and all acidic foods from my diet and purged all of my ‘miracle creams' replacing them with more ‘natural’ products and ingredients.
I made homemade yogurt to eat and cleanse my skin. I created face masks with raw honey and essential oils. I introduced alkaline-rich millet, quinoa, amaranth and kale - all foods that I had previously never even heard of, into my diet, all in the name of clearing my skin.