Beauty Review: No Mo Stache Facial Razor*

Does it feel like it’s been ages since I’ve done a beauty review? It does, because it has been!

For a long time, beauty products were my go-to to feel good. However, I started to get really burnt out. Sometimes, it feels like hobbies are driven by consuming more and more products—beauty gurus have to always have what’s new, trying what’s new, rather than using what they have. It just plain wasn’t sustainable for my life anymore, I just didn’t have room for that many products.

Over the last few years, I’ve been really working to narrow down my skincare routine so it’s easier for me to use and, ultimately, more effective.

One huge piece for me has been, surprise, dermaplaning. You’ve probably seen these videos on TikTok or Instagram, but, per a quick Google, this is the definition of dermaplaning: “Dermaplaning is a skin treatment that uses an exfoliating blade to skim dead skin cells and hair from your face.”

Basically: you use a little facial razor to shave your face. It’s fun to watch, kind of soothing, very ASMR. The benefits are that this can exfoliate your face, as well as help your makeup apply more smoothly. One of my biggest issues is skin texture—and the reality is all of us have skin texture (all beauty gurus use a blurring filter, if not multiple!). But having my make up apply a little more smoothly is a big draw.

I was approached by the brand No Mo-Stache a few weeks ago to try out their compact facial razor. This was a really exciting email to receive, because I’ve seen No Mo-Stache in stores before. Their branding and packaging is so cute. Plus, I’m always down to try something new.

They sent me their folding facial razor, along with their eyebrow and face waxing strips. Full disclosure: I actually can’t use the waxing strips right now since I use Retinol. I’ll share a great insert they sent along that includes some information about what to do before waxing—if you use Retinol, however, you can’t wax, as it can cause burns and a reaction.

I can use the razor though, and good thing, because I have been looking for a non-scrub, physical exfoliation for a while.

I have very textured skin, probably because I’ve never met a drop of water I liked that much. I know scrubs are bad for your skin, but chemical exfoliation is simply not enough for my skin—it doesn’t do much. Dermaplaning is a great, gentle way to physically exfoliate, plus remove any hair on your face that you don’t want.

So how do you dermaplane?

Firstly, you wash your face to remove all make up and built up oil. Dry and apply aloe vera. Then, holding the facial razor at about a 45% angle to your skin, you just…. shave your face.

That’s it. That’s literally it. You’re shaving your face with a tiny straight blade. It’s surprisingly fun! And again: it’s really cathartic to see all that build up being physically removed from your face.

The first time I dermaplaned, my skin felt so smooth afterwards. I did a light second wash with my foaming Cetaphil cleanser, then applied First Aid Beauty’s Repair Cream (I’m working to repair my acid mantle—I don’t want to talk about it). The next day, I put on foundation and was actually surprised at how much of a difference there was. Just much smoother application.

Dermaplaning isn’t a fix to every problem. The hair on your face will grow back, but you don’t want to dermaplane too often. I’ve done it twice now over the course of 4 weeks. It feels really nice, it’s fun, and it’s a simple way to just feel better about your skin.

Here’s that ”before waxing” checklist I promised! Most importantly, you just want to make sure you test your skin first, don’t have too dry of skin, and aren’t using medications that could cause a reaction with the wax.

No Mo Stache is available from Ulta and Target, but you can also purchase from their website here.

Disclaimer: as denoted by the asterisk (*) in this title, I was sent these items free in exchange for review and posting. However, all opinions remain my own. To learn more about my disclosure policy, click here.

Master the Order of Your Skincare Routine (+Free Printables)

Hello there! I’m so excited to bring you a guest post from Fragrance X, a fantastic resource for fragrances and more. I hope you enjoy!

Lets face it, finding the perfect skincare routine can seem almost impossible. With the endless amount of skincare products and complicated routines, it can be very overwhelming. Where do you even start?

The first step is to understand which skin type you have. That way, you know what  products to look for (and what to avoid!). Here’s a quick recap if you aren’t sure which skin type you have:

Dry skin - Your face feels tight and there might be noticeable flaking. You easily scar and there are irritated red patches on your face. Hydration is the most important thing for you! 

Oily skin - Your face is shiny and feels greasy throughout the day. If you take a piece of tissue or blotting paper and it comes back damp, then it’s likely you have oily skin! Daily cleanse and exfoliation are the most important things for you!

Combination skin - You break out in your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin), but the rest of your face feels dried out.  Balancing your pH is the most important thing for you!

Now that you can identify which skin type you have, let’s move on to how to master the order of your skincare routine. To keep it simple and organized, download this handy skincare routine planner that sets you up for success.

Morning Skincare Routine:

Starting off your day with a morning beauty routine that helps energize you is super important. When you wake up, your skin needs nourishment. Follow this six step morning skincare routine to give your skin some refreshment!

Step 1: Cleanser

Cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser is the perfect way to start off your skincare routine. Opt for a cleanser that’s gentle but suitable for your skin type. Remember to be gentle and rub in circular motions rather than scrubbing with something too harsh like a washcloth.

Step 2: Toner

After cleansing, it’s time to apply a toner! Toners are great for balancing your skin’s ph (which gets acidic overnight) and is the mediator between cleansing and applying other skin care products. 

Step 3: Serum

Serums are foundational for providing your skin with the vitamins it needs to be healthy. Serums are full of nutrients, making them the fruits and vegetables of your skincare routine. Opt for one with Vitamin C, as it brightens and tightens your skin while also creating a protective barrier against UV rays and pollutants. 

Step 4: Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is super thin, so you’ll start to see aging around your eyes first. Start early and find an eye cream with peptides, Vitamin K, caffeine, or shea butter to combat early aging and dark circles!

Step 5: Moisturizer

No matter which skin type you have, you don’t want to skip the moisturizer! A moisturizer locks in moisture and provides the skin with extra hydration. Apply one when your skin is slightly damp and wait for it to sink in before applying any makeup.

Step 6: SPF

You’ve probably heard it enough, but SPF is extremely important to wear everyday! Even if it’s a rainy day or you plan to spend your day indoors, sunscreen is always a must! It protects your skin from harmful UV rays that cause cancer, premature aging, and acne scarring.

Evening Skincare Routine:

After a long day, you and your skin have been through a lot together. It’s time to recuperate and recover with this six step evening skincare regimen!

Step 1: Double Cleanse

Cleansing your skin twice a day may sound like overkill, but it’s actually very beneficial. The first cleanse (an oil based cleanser) is to loosen up any dirt, oil and makeup that built up throughout the day. The second cleanse (which can be the same cleanser as your gentle morning wash)  is to actually wash those things away.

Step 2: Toner

This step is optional in the evening, depending on what skin type you have. If you have oily skin, opt for only toning once a day, preferably in the morning. 

Step 3: Eye Cream

Look for an evening eye cream that is centered around hydration more than anything else. Eye creams that include ingredients like shea butter are ideal for an evening routine.

Step 4: Spot Treatment

If you have any blemishes, a spot treatment is great for zapping it overnight. Be careful not to overdo it and only apply the treatment on the affected area.

Step 5: Moisturizer

As you sleep, your skin loses hydration. For sensitive skin, you can use the same moisturizer you use in the morning. However, a thick night cream is great for creating a layer to retain your skin's moisture - perfect for those with dry skin.

Step 6: Retinoids

Retinoids are great for anti-aging and preventing acne. However, you’ll only want to apply this step three times a week rather than every night. If you have sensitive skin, ease into this step and try it out once a week first. As always, consult your dermatologist before using any specific products or treatments.

The journey to clear and supple skin won’t happen overnight. Even if you have the best products and a strict skincare regimen, that doesn’t always mean our skin will cooperate. Regardless, anchor your skincare to the foundations outlined here. Most of all, love the skin you’re in!

5 Drugstore Swaps for Skincare & Make Up

I didn’t wear make up for the first 3 weeks of stay-at-home orders. I’m sure I’m not alone there. I really didn’t see the point. I wasn’t following my routines, I was flailing, and I was feeling pretty crappy to be honest.

3 weeks in, I realized that getting ready was a huge part of my routine and letting go of it left me feeling bad. Plus, I started having more Zoom calls and staring at my face, with no makeup and my hair in an ever-present bun, felt a little bit too much. I started getting ready again and it make me feel so much better.

But then, a few more weeks in… I realized I was dangerously close to being out of a few make up essentials. Worse, I was close to being out of some skincare essentials. This isn’t the worst problem to have, but I’ve been trying hard not to order things on Amazon or that require shipping—I just don’t want to endanger anyone. (No shade if you do! I have ordered a few things, but I’ve been trying to limit it to essentials I can’t get elsewhere.)

I decided to look at some drugstore swaps for my daily essentials and tested a few out, that I got via Target pick up or my weekly run to Walmart for prescriptions. These are all affordable options, available primarily at Target, but also at most drugstores. If you’re doing a grocery or prescription run, these will be there for you to pop into your cart. If you’re in need of some basics, here are a few swaps.

1. Need a foundation? Try Revlon PhotoReady Candid Moisture Glow Foundation.

This foundation is around $7.99-$8.99 depending on where you buy it and one of my favorite new foundations. Full disclosure, Revlon is obviously not cruelty free. But in a pinch, it works. It is definitely a more sheer foundation, but stays in place shockingly well. I find that for Zoom calls and all my digital meetings, this is all I really need; just something so I don’t look red or tired. For reference, I previously wore Too Faced Dew You foundation, which was heavier coverage, but a dewy, moisturizing formula.

2. Need a concealer? Try Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer.

Some days, you don’t want a full foundation, but want to cover any blemishes for a Zoom call, Facetime, whatever. Or just because you like to. However, that concealer stick is running low. What do you reach for that you can get at the drugstore?

Honestly, Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer (well known for its little puffball applicator) is pretty famous and it’s so affordable. I find that the color matching is great too. That being said, I do not recommend using the applicator as it comes; when I see people swipe this on their face, I cringe. You can’t wash it! You just rub it on your face over and over without washing! My recommendation is to use a small concealer or eyeshadow brush to swipe the product off the applicator and onto your face—but that’s just me, the one who easily breaks out if the wind blows a bit wrong.

3. Need powder? Try COVERGIRL Professional Loose Powder.

I put on powder most days, even when I’m not wearing make up, because I am always a bit oily and this tends to keep my face from feeling grimy. I usually use either my It Cosmetic’s Bye Bye Pores loose powder or a compact I got from my Ipsy bag a few months ago (it’s my not favorite, but I keep it at my desk and it helps!) However, I’m running low on both so I reached for my former tried-and-true favorite: the COVERGIRL Professional Loose Powder. For years this was my go-to powder; I used it probably from age 17 to 25 or 26. That’s nearly 10 years!

I still really like it, but I stopped using it when I went primarily cruelty-free. However, without being able to pop into Ulta, I’m relying on drugstore and this COVERGIRL powder is still as good as I remember. It comes in great color options, goes on sheer, doesn’t look like you’re a Victorian when you use it, and is super affordable.

4. Need a face wash? Try Soap & Glory’s Face Soap & Clarify Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash.

I love Soap & Glory’s products and this face wash, their Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash, is a great stand in for two products. If you’re in need of a new face wash because your favorite is running low and/or you also need to re-up on your Vitamin C product, this is a great fill in for both. And it’s less than $15 for a huge bottle. It smells fantastic and makes your skin feel amazing without being too aggressive of a cleanser. Plus, that dose of Vitamin C helps with dark spots, uneven skin, acne scars—you name it. (As a note, make sure to slather on the SPF if you plan to be outside or sitting near a window!)

5. Need a cleansing oil? Try Burt’s Bee’s Facial Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Oil.

I typically buy my cleansing oil (plain jojoba) at Trader Joe’s. But ever since the quarantine, I’ve avoided TJ’s because they are always the smallest stores and they just get too crowded. So, I started looking for a good drugstore alternative and I settled on this one: Burt’s Bees makes some great skincare products and this cleansing oil is lovely. At first, I was suspicious of the coconut oil, which is comedogenic and not great for acne prone skin. But the amount in it is negligible and since I’m double cleansing anyway, I decided to try it. I’ve been really happy with the results, it smells amazing (like rosemary, which isn’t for everyone, but I love), and it works beautifully.

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Do you have a good skincare or make up swap you’ve made recently? Let me know in the comments. Let’s make it easier for everyone to find what works right now!

How to Restore Your Skin's pH Balance & Barrier

In the last few years, it felt like I’ve learned more about how to take care of my skin—and yet, it becomes increasingly more complicated.

There are so many methods to good skincare: Korean beauty methods, long 15+ step skincare programs, stripped down programs, cruelty free, all natural, low pH… it can get really, really overwhelming.

But in the last few months, I’ve started to focus on a simplified routine with one main focus: nurturing and taking care of my skin’s pH barrier (sometimes called the acid mantle). If you’d told me 10 years ago that I would be focusing on something like this, I would have probably short circuited. Skincare feels like it should be easy: pick up something in the store that says it will fix your problems, use it, and success! But it’s not quite so easy.

Skincare also doesn’t have to be so hard. Yes, you’ll have to try and remember your chemistry lessons; personally, it’s been 14 years since I even thought about chemistry and while science is important, it’s absolutely not my strong suit. I get overwhelmed easily with information, which is probably why I spend so much of my time making lists and journaling, trying to make sense of all this information.

In this blog post, I want to help you figure out what the pH barrier of your skin really is and how it protects your skin—as well as the signs you’ve damaged it. As I wrote recently, I’ve started to notice some serious effects of damage to my skin’s pH barrier—most likely from years of using stripping, oil free products with too much acid or soap in them—and fixing it has become a huge focus for me as I get older. So let’s talk about your skin’s acid mantle: what is it, why does it matter, and how do you know if you’ve damaged it.

What is the pH level of your skin? What does acid mantle mean?

Naturally, skin’s pH level is around 5.5 (on average), which makes it slightly acidic. When we talk about the acid mantle, this is primarily what is being discussed. From the New York Times, here’s a great summary of what composes the acid mantle of your skin: “The acid mantle is the protective film of natural oils, amino acids and sweat that covers your skin.”

For those who aren’t great at chemistry (you can count me among that crew, although I’m trying!) that means that all of our skin has a natural protective barrier, with its own pH level, that can be relatively easily damaged with products that are either too alkaline or too acidic for our skin. Once your skin’s pH barrier is damaged, it can be a huge pain to get it back to rights—and you can begin to experience some pretty severe signs of damage along the way. Let’s discuss those.

What are the signs of damage to your skin’s pH barrier?

As I mentioned in my review of First Aid Beauty’s Cleanser, there are a few classic signs of a damaged pH barrier: acne, dryness, increased sensitivity, patchy, and flaky skin, as well as your skin feeling tight and dehydrated (while sill being very oily). More and more, talk on skincare forums revolves around your skin’s pH barrier; it’s because the products we all have access to tend to be designed specifically to strip our skin of oils.

As well, a damaged pH barrier can make you more prone to struggling with other skin conditions, like rosacea and eczema. I always know something is up with my skin when I start getting red, blotchy spots across my cheeks. This is my sign to start removing products from my skincare arsenal; no more toner, no more acid, just gentle non-lathering face wash and a good, gentle moisturizer.

What causes damage to your skin’s barrier?

As I said, the average skin pH level is 5.5, slightly acidic. However, most drugstore skincare products are highly alkaline; any soap that foams is alkaline and designed to strip your face of any oil. Your skin needs oil! It needs that layer! However, these products may work for some people who have a slightly higher pH; 5.5 is just an average.

However, let’s take a look at the pH level of other products.

Our skin, on average, is at a 5.5—that’s the pH level of our skin’s acid mantle. That’s about the same level as a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Now, look at soap: it’s alkaline at a pH of 12. Again, from the New York Times: “Cleansing your skin with anything alkaline interferes with the skin’s ability to repair itself and makes it less elastic.” Our skin grows more alkaline as we age, which means that we need more acidic products to help balance the acid mantle and keep it from being damaged.

One further note: check where baking soda is on this list! Baking soda has a pH of 9, quite alkaline, which is why you should absolutely never put baking soda on your face! So many homemade masks include baking soda. This is also why you should never use toothpaste on your skin to help acne. This is a personal bugbear of mine. Stop putting baking soda on your face! Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.

How long does it take to fix this damage?

That depends on how bad the damage is your acid mantle. If you’re noticing signs of damage, including redness that you never had before or worsening acne, it’s time to strip everything back and focus on repairing your skin’s pH barrier. According to Krave Beauty, “This really depends on the severity of the damage and the individual's skin condition. Just like there are people whose wounds heal faster, skin is the same. For healthy skin, it can take 2 weeks and up to a month to repair the barrier function. Once your skin barrier is back on full force, you’ll notice a decrease in redness, skin-sensitivity, inflammation, and dehydration! You will definitely be able to tell when your skin can handle a new product.”

The good news is: it’s not like it will take 6+ months (although if your skin is highly damaged, it might). The bad news is that it won’t be instantaneous. This will be a process that will take a long time.

How do you fix your skin’s pH balance/barrier?

Fixing your skin’s barrier is relatively simple, but requires sticking to a pretty strict routine for a while.

• Strip your skincare down to the basics. For the next month, you’re not going to want to use any acids on your skin, as when your skin barrier is damaged, your skin is more permeable. That means, no exfoliation, no acids, nothing. You’ll be using a face wash (that does not contain soap or alcohol) and a pH balanced moisturizer. You can also use a nourishing facial oil, like jojoba or something that contains a high amount of lipids and cholesterol. That’s it. No masks. Nothing else.

• Focus on lifestyle changes. Reducing stress, getting more sleep, and drinking more water have all been shown to also effect our skin’s barrier. While this is primarily anecdotal, and there isn’t a ton of evidence to it, I do think it’s worth changing any of these aspects to help your skin. You never know!

• Use SPF. Damage to your skin barrier, to repeat it, makes your skin more permeable. That means you’re at risk of increased sun damage. So wear SPF like your life depends on it; if you’re going to be outside for any amount of time, make sure to employ physical barriers as well, such as long sleeves and hats.

• Use gentle products. In the next section, I’ll make a few recommendations that also won’t break the bank.

• Be careful with make up products. I wear foundation and powder every day and I’ve made sure these are good for my skin’s pH barrier. I have been avoiding any unnecessary make up items, such as contour, eye shadow, etc. to avoid having to use anything besides oil and my face wash to remove them.

Product recommendations

• Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil has a high content of wax esters, making is suitable to help repair the skin barrier. It’s anti-inflammatory and good for all skin types. Make sure you buy pure jojoba oil with nothing else added. I use Leven Rose Jojoba Oil.

• Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair: This “velvety moisturizer helps fortify sensitized skin with a damaged barrier” is perfect to use underneath foundation, as it can double as a primer. I would add a dollop of SPF as well.

• First Aid Beauty Cleanser: This cleanser is a pure, unscented basic that doesn’t lather and will help restore your skin’s barrier.

• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: This is the OG of repairing your skin barrier: it’s ultra hydrating and very gentle, free of any ingredients that might continue to wear down your skin’s barrier. Also, it’s super affordable.

I Tried Birchbox (So You Don't Have To) | April 2019

I love a beauty subscription. As you probably know, I’ve been an Ipsy subscriber for months (although we’ve been on a break recently) and have been looking for other beauty boxes to review and use each month. There is something to a beauty box, isn’t there? It’s like a special little treat.

I told Danny that the reason I love them is because it gives me the option of trying new things every single month… without spending a ton of money. To try a new moisturizer might cost $15+, depending on the brand—but I can get a deluxe sample of a moisturizer in a subscription box that I can use throughout the month, as well as other things to try, all for around $10-15 depending on the subscription.

That’s incredibly valuable to me! I love trying new things, but I hate spending money.

A few weeks ago, I was approached by Birchbox to review their beauty box subscription and to share with my readers. Of course, I said yes immediately!

Birchbox is the first beauty subscription box I ever remember hearing about: they really changed the game when they came on the scene! They are a tried-and-true brand with a ton of fans, so I was honored to be able to work with them.

I received my first beauty box this month and wanted to share everything I received, what I loved about Birchbox, and what I didn’t.

What I Got

Here’s everything I received:

• Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

• Number 4 Lumiere d’Hiver Clarifying Shampoo

• Marcell City Tinted Cream

• Sunday Riley Luna Night Sleeping Oil

• 100% Pure Green Tea Concentrate Cream

• Number 4 Lumiere d’Hiver Reconstructing Masque

• Love of Color Liquid Shimmer Eyeshadow (not pictured)

That’s $10 for 7 samples. Unlike Ipsy, there is no set number of samples every month. However, some of the samples in Birchbox are quite small; the clarifying shampoo and hair masque are both from the brand Number 4 Lumiere d’Hiver, but the shampoo is 1 fluid ounce in a travel size tube, while the mask is simply a packet (and much less than 1 fluid ounce). For that reason, it’s a lot more difficult to put a value on these products because you do receive a significantly smaller amount!

A prime example is that a full-size tube of the Oribe Texturizing Spray has 8.5 ounces and costs $46; the sample tube I received has 1 ounce. So, it would be valued at about 1/8 of $46: $5.75. However, not everything splits up quite that easily.

That’s ok though! I think even without strict numbers, we can talk about how valuable something feels: even though the tube of Sunday Riley’s Luna oil is quite small, a full-size bottle is only a little over an ounce and costs $105.

You read that correctly: full size is 1 ounce for $105. So receiving a sample tube, no matter the size, is going to be pretty valuable in terms of testing it out!

Birchbox costs between $10-15 a month to receive, depending on the status if your subscription. (You can learn more about Birchbox’s updated payment system here.) You can buy subscriptions in 6- and 12-month packages as well, which can help reduce your cost (and you can often get full-size gifts when you sign up. Score!)

What I Liked

One of the great things about Birchbox, compared to Ipsy, is that you don’t just receive 5 samples: you get a variety and often 5+ things. In my first box alone, I got 7 samples, some of them bigger than others. I’d say everything except the hair mask, I can use for at least 3 weeks, potentially more. That gives me a ton of product to experience with.

I also like that Birchbox gave me options when it came to selecting my samples. As with Ipsy, the more you review the things you receive, the better the products will be suited to you. However, with Birchbox, you can receive a sneak peek of samples starting the month before; at the end of March, I was able to choose either one sample I definitely wanted in my box, or I could have chosen two curated boxes to receive. That meant that no matter what, I got to choose something to try—which is really, really fun!

I liked all of the products I received, except perhaps the clarifying shampoo (it made my scalp itch, which is 100% a “my scalp” problem!) and the CC cream (it didn’t match my skintone, but I did like the texture).

My favorite product is probably the 100% Pure Green Tea Concentrate Cream; I thought for sure I would love the Sunday Riley Luna oil, which I do, but it doesn’t wow me as much as I thought. What did wow me was the Green Tea Concentrate Cream! It smells amazing and feels beautiful on my skin; I love wearing it under my makeup. It’s one of those things that I would have never looked for, but thanks to Birchbox, I’ll probably be buying a fullsize tube!

Things You Need to Know

What are a few things I would want to know about signing up for Birchbox?

Firstly, I think you need to remember that these are samples: not necessarily even deluxe size samples, in some cases. I don’t think that’s necessarily a draw back, but I do think it is important to have realistic expectations of what you’re going to receive.

Secondly, you can earn points on Birchbox by reviewing items; these points can then be used to purchase full size items. That’s pretty amazing!

Lastly, Birchbox is not like ipsy. They are both beauty-focused subscriptions and while I’ve compared and contrasted them here, ultimately they serve two different purposes. Birchbox focuses a little more on tried-and-true skincare products; Ipsy is much more trendy and makeup focused. What you choose depends entirely on what you want to receive! Looking to find a skincare routine that changes your life? Birchbox would be the best choice. Want to experiment with makeup? Ipsy is your best bet.

If you’d like to sign up for Birchbox, you can do so by clicking here**.

Have you received Birchbox? What did you think?

Does Eating a Plant-Based Diet Really Improve Your Skin?

When it comes to advice about getting clear skin, I take everything with a grain of salt.

There has always been lots of advice to help clear your skin. When I was in middle school, everyone swore that if you stopped eating potato chips, you’re skin would clear up. Then, throughout high school and college, there was always some solution someone offered me: try this, stop eating that, find out if you have any allergies.

The truth is for some people there is no miracle cure for acne. No matter how much I avoided potato chips in middle school, I still had acne. No matter how much I tried the things people suggested for my skin, very few of them caused any real difference.

I have noticed a huge improvement in my skin since cutting dairy, which was a huge challenge (and one I still struggle with because, I love cheese), but that took actual months to see any sort of change—and the change was incredibly gradual. (You can read my posts about quitting dairy here and here.)

Lately, I’ve seen a ton of posts claiming that switching to a plant-based, or essentially vegan, diet can improve your skin. This sounds like a lot of claims I’ve had repeated to me over and over again (about cutting carbs, or not eating greasy foods, or eating less sugar) about improving your skin through diet… and I was of course immediately suspicious.

Today, I wanted to talk about the claims for a plant-based diet and improving acne.

You Don’t Owe Anyone Clear Skin

First and foremost, here’s something to remember: none of us owe anyone clear skin. It’s ok to have acne. Acne is just a thing that happens. I spent a long time trying to improve my acne—trying just about everything and damaging my skin in the process. (You can read about my acne journey here.) It was only really recently that it clicked for me that, just as I don’t owe anyone a body that looks a certain way, I don’t owe the world clear skin—and at the end of the day, people who know and love me aren’t judging me for having “bad” skin.

This is all to say: if you’re here, reading this post feeling desperate about your skin, just remember you don’t owe it to anybody. It’s ok to want clear skin for yourself—that’s your right—but if nothing is working, it’s ok to throw in the towel. It’s ok to love your skin, and everything it does for you, even if you have acne.

The Evidence is Wrapped in Diet Culture

I’m going to avoid linking to most of the articles I read—and the reason is because a lot of the information I found, including those from registered dietitians, is wrapped up and packaged in diet culture.

A prime example is one of the top results when you google “does eating plant-based improve skin?” isn’t an article about skin, necessarily; it’s an article about the “health benefits” of eating plant-based, or vegan, and it starts off talking about losing weight and different diets in comparison to eating plant-based or vegan.

This is not great.

I am automatically suspicious of any expert who starts an article listing various diets she recommends to clients for “health” and “weight loss”. Most leading experts now understand that you can be healthy at every size. (Christy Harrison’s podcast Food Psych is a great one for more information on this!)

It is concerning that many people frame eating plant-based as a “diet”. Yes, eating more fruits & vegetables is better for our bodies—but that doesn’t necessarily always lead to losing weight for some people. Even worse, many of the articles asserted that eating plant-based improved your skin because “you lose weight”. Listen, vegans are a lovely bunch, but even they know that eating vegan won’t necessarily lead to weight loss (and it doesn’t have to to be a good and valid way of eating).

This was a red flag for me. Is diet culture seeping into skincare? Honestly, yes: both are wrapped up in societal ideas of what our bodies and skin should look like. Already, people will talk about eating clean and using “nontoxic” (or “chemical free”) products in the same breath. Using “clean” skincare isn’t inherently better than anything else, just as eating “clean” isn’t a better way to eat. When you try to apply diets to skincare, you get into a slippery slope of diet talk—and, whew, I don’t really want any of us to go there.

There’s No Statistical Evidence

There is no research data, currently, regarding whether a plant-based diet improves acne. At this point in time, all the information I found was purely anecdotal from RD’s who had commented to magazines and websites. Without statistical evidence, there really is no way to say something for sure… so it is concerning to see so many people recommending eating entirely plant-based to improve acne.

Without some kind of science to back up a statement, I’m not going to take someone’s word for it—especially when their word is often wrapped up in framing one way of eating as inherently better, or more moral, than another (or frames their evidence in diet culture). Veganism, and eating plant-based, is great; I’m going to keep repeating that because it’s true. It’s better for the environment; it is more nutritious than eating more processed foods (although one isn’t better than the other inherently); and it can help you feel good.

But can it improve your skin? I haven’t been able to find a single study, besides the word of a few dermatologists and nutritionists that are not cited.

Genetics vs. Environment

What determines what our skin is like?

Here’s a pretty good guess: look at your parents. Have they taken care of their skin? Do they smoke? If the answer is, they take care of their skin and they don’t smoke, then that’s pretty much genetically what you’re going to look like. If one of your parents had bad acne as a teenager, you have a 50/50 chance of also having bad acne at the onset of puberty. And if your parents are oily-skinned or look young into their late 30s and 40s, then, guess what, that’s probably what your skin is going to be like.

Our skin is like any other organ. There are things we can do to help it work better and there are some things we can’t. Some of us, genetically, have weaker hearts (or congenital defects), and some of us have heartier organs. Some of us are just going to have skin that is more difficult than others—and there is little we can do about it.

Sometimes, that’s the bad thing about skincare. Our skin isn’t quite as absorbent as we think it is (and despite what those MLM scaremongering graphics say, very little of what our skin absorbs gets to our bloodstream) and even with the best skincare regimen out there, there are some things we just cannot change. That’s an unfortunate fact.

This is all to say: you can’t necessarily eat anything to make your skin different from how it’s going to look genetically.

If you have hormonal acne, it’s entirely possible that dropping certain food groups might help—although it’s no guarantee. I’ve had good luck with quitting dairy, but I still get the occasional hormonal cyst; that’s because, genetically, I’m just prone to them. It sucks, but it’s facts.

It will probably benefit you, health wise, to eat more plant-based and vegan foods. Will it change your skin overnight or even within 6 months? It’s possible, but again, no guarantee.

My 2019 Skincare Resolutions

I am getting to that age where every single new year officially feels surreal. 2019? Really? Wasn’t it just 2002? 2007? No? It’s been over 10 years, over 15 years?! I need a hand to hold, this is too much.

I’m also getting to that age where New Years Resolutions just feel like a bit much. I’m a goal-oriented person, but I don’t think I’ve ever kept a New Years Resolution, except for perhaps reading more and having a baby. I tend to work better with shorter goals that add up to something bigger (I’ve written about this before). So, I’m not writing general resolutions for this year.

However, the past 3 months have taught me something really important: I’ve let my skincare routine become an absolute mess. A combination of trying lots of different things in a short amount of time, combined with constant events, a lot of stress, and letting some not-so-great-for-me foods back into my diet has led me to the worst skin I’ve had in about a year. So I wanted to share some of my skincare resolutions for this year.

1. Quit Dairy (Again)

In September 2017, I quit eating dairy to see if it helped my cystic acne. Surprise! It totally did! And yet, this year, around September, I got very tired of having to hunt down my favorite almond milk, as well as having two milks in my fridge, so I just started drinking cow’s milk again. (I only drink milk in my coffee and even though I knew, I still told myself, “it will be fine”.) (Narrator’s Voice: It was Not Fine.) Even as my skin started getting bad in October, I told myself it was unrelated. This was me:

I know I need to quit dairy again. I know! I’ve known! But I’m finally ready to do it again.

2. About That Routine

I’m a little embarrassed by how often I’ve washed my face and gone right to bed. No serum, no moisturizer, nothing. This is embarrassing because I know it’s so important to at least moisturize, especially in the winter! No wonder my textured skin is going absolutely crazy right now. So, getting back into a routine (that is, generally and for my skincare) is really important to me.

For those curious, this is my typical routine (when I’m not lazy):

• AM: Wash face (L’Oreal Foaming Clay Cleanser), hyaluronic acid serum, Yes To Blueberries Anti-Aging moisturizer mixed with a pump of Aveena Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15

• PM: Dissolve makeup with jojoba oil; wash face with Body Shop Tea Tree Cleanser; apply vitamin C cream around eyes & mouth; use Meriance Rejuvenating serum; use Meriance Night Cream.

We’ll see if those stay the same this year.

3. Up My Sun Protection

Protecting my skin from the sun is a minor obsession. I subscribe to the “cover up” routine: if your skin has a physical barrier, that’s the best protection. I use a daily SPF, but I admit it’s a really low amount, especially for my face. So one of my big goals this year is to find a new moisturizer with a higher SPF that doesn’t make me break out, as well as to start using sunscreen every day on my body, especially my arms and chest (aka the spots where we are all most likely to get accidental sun damage).

What are your skincare resolutions for this year? Anything you specifically want to fix or try?

Beauty Review: Bratoxinsta from BRZLNSKIN*

Several months ago, the brand BRZLNSKIN reached out to me about doing a review of one of their products. The more I learned about BRZLNSKIN, the more excited I became about reviewing their products. Here’s what they say is their mission:

“We see balance as a way for nature, science, and humans to coexist in a modern world and all of our products reflect that ideology.

To create balance within the human body, especially as it relates to the body’s largest organ, the skin, we’ve created the secret to beautiful skin and its a combination of science and nature.”

That’s something I can absolutely get behind! Most of their products are dedicated to anti-aging, something that, having just turned 30, I’m just starting to get interested in. I’m somewhat lucky as I don’t really have any visible signs of aging yet; I don’t have crows feet, significant under eye issues, or anything like that. A lot of that is just pure luck and wearing SPF most of my life! However, I’m all about prevention for the future.

BRZLNSKIN sent me their Bratoxinsta product to try out. This product promises to “smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 60 seconds or less.” It is specifically meant for the under eye area, but can be used anywhere really. It doesn’t just instant de puff and smooth out, however; it does have ingredients to help improve the appearance of your skin overtime.

You don’t need very much product to get the benefit either. Just a dab! I could instantly feel it begin to tighten as I patted it onto my skin. At first, it’s a little scary because I’m not used to that part of my face feeling so tight! But when I looked in the mirror, I thought, “wow, I look great!” A few weeks of use and I’ve been absolutely loving it;

I don’t have many fine lines (I’ve just started to notice a tiny bit of creasing under my right eye), but my undereyes are often puffy, thanks to a lack of sleep. I started using this in the morning, after I had washed my face and moisturized. It has made a huge difference in how my concealer looks during the day and I generally just look a little less tired.

I really love Bratoxinsta! I also love that a tube lasts so long! At $59.99, it’s more of an investment than something I would usually buy; but you use so little to get a great effect, I feel like it’s absolutely worth it. As well, the dispenser and component of the product are high quality and designed to help keep the product itself fresh. It’s easy to store and it’s not messy like some pump containers are!

I can’t recommend Bratoxinsta enough, especially if you struggle with undereye wrinkles, fine lines, or puffiness. You can read all about it and try it yourself here.

Disclaimer: as always, an asterisk (*) in the title of this blog post indicates that this post is sponsored. I received this product in exchange for an honest review. Posts like these help me keep the lights on here at Writing Between Pauses. However, all views remain my own. For more about my disclosure policy, click here.