The Effects of Acne Are More Than Skin Deep

As I continue writing my first book, I’ve been reminded of the reason I really started doing the work that I do. It’s great to share recipes, vent about the many issues going on in food and healthcare politics, and talk about other topics in nutrition, fitness, alternative healing, and healthy living, but all of this really started because of my longtime battle with acne. What I’ve realized in particular, is that even though I’ve resolved my own acne, there are other issues that accompanied the acne that I still struggle with.

Many people don’t realize that acne is not just about zits.

Whether the acne starts when it typically does at adolescence, or whether it develops later on during a pregnancy or as a result of poor diet and lifestyle choices, there’s a whole lot of stuff that comes along with the actual pimples. Sometimes these issues are physical such as weight gain, digestive issues, other co-existing bacterial or fungal infections, chronic inflammation.

Other times, however, the issues are emotional and even spiritual. This was the case for me. I cleared up my skin for good (and simultaneously lost 80 lbs) once I cleaned up my diet and upgraded my lifestyle. Even though I looked and felt better on the outside and was healthier on the inside, I still had issues having to do with my own self image on my mind and in my heart.

I know I’m not alone. I’ve met many people (some clients, some not) with past and current self image issues that were caused by their skin conditions. These issues remained longer than the physical condition did. I still see teens with acne who feel isolated from their friends and feel that they need to hide. I see new moms who have just had their entire lives completely rocked with the arrival of their new babies. Though they are emotional and overwhelmed, they feel joy at the sight of their new miracles, but then pain when they look in the mirror and see what the pregnancies did to their skin. I’ve even worked with other holistic practitioners who live to inspire others to be well, but feel like frauds because they have breakouts or flare ups on their own skin.

Part of the mission of my book, as well as my work in general, is to let these people know:

• They are not alone
• There is nothing wrong with them
• They CAN get better, physically, emotionally, and spiritually

Do you have acne or another skin condition currently, or are you a “bad skin” survivor who still feels the impact of this condition? I’m here to help. Schedule your HH Hash it Out phone or Skype session and learn the Holistically Haute way to heal inside out and outside in 🙂

Stay tuned for my first book!

I’ve nearly completed my manuscript, am working with a wonderful publisher, and am set for my digital release in a few short months! Stay in the loop by signing up for my FREE updates.?

UPDATE: My first book, Love Your Skin, Love Yourself: Achieve Beauty, Health, and Vitality from the Inside Out and Outside In, was published in August 2013! Get your copy HERE.