Acne: understand it, get rid of it

I have been to dermatologist after dermatologist in search of a cure for my acne. I refuse to take birth control or heavy antibiotics that will kill all the good bacteria in my body just for the sake of cosmetics. And I don't want to risk having future health problems due to the thorough but harsh prescription Acutane. I also tend to disagree with dermatologists when they tell me that my skin is unaffected by my diet and digestion, because digestion is very related to the skin.

One question always comes into my mind while I am at the dermatologist: "What causes my acne? Where does it come from?"

This week I came across some videos explaining how acne forms, the several causes of acne, and how to treat it. 

How acne forms:

Why it forms, and how to treat acne topically:

7 origins of acne, how to know where yours is starting, reasons acne is a sign of much more than a cosmetic crisis, and how to attack it:

There are different approaches, but what I've decided is to 1) wash my face night and morning with sallycillic acid acne wash, leaving it on for a few minutes to really cut excess oil 2)  do a cleanse, and then rebuild my digestive system with NACs, and then 3) supplement my diet with probiotics, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Zinc.

Simple, Wendy's-inspired Salad

Mixed greens

Chopped apple

Snap Peas

Poppyseed Dressing

Chia Seeds

Pecans

Dried Cranberries

Welcome

My name is Lydia, and some recent health concerns have sent me on a hunt for a healthier lifestyle.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I decided a long time ago to center myself around this scripture:

"Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God,  and ye are not your own?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)

I interpret that to mean that it is my duty to take care of my body in a way that gives it a fighting chance at peace.

I spent the last several months on a mission in the American South. But with a poor diet and some other ailments, fatigue and pain became my persistent teachers. My eyes are now open to the reality that with a few changes, I could live a more complete life. I've seen several doctors, and now realize I am actually my own doctor. I can consider others experiences, but then I must ultimately decide which changes I will incorporate. Trial and error in my diet, daily routine, and health care are teaching me the do's and don'ts of a happy body.

I've found a lot of interesting theories on a variety of subjects: the science of posture, the importance of what we eat, disease prevention, and ways to live a longer life. I've also found and created some great recipes. And over the last few weeks, I've seen a couple of my friends start blogs. I would also like to share what some of my findings in hopes that they will speed along someone else's journey to good health. 

And if you do learn here, I believe it's your duty to share. It seems outer beauty is the center of the universe these days. But inner beauty--peace of mind, strength, progression, fighting for your life and the lives of future generations--is the real key to enjoying life.

And now, a poem:

“My Eyes So Soft”

by Hafez, trans. Daniel Ladinsky

Don't surrender your loneliness so quickly.

Let it cut more deep.

Let it ferment and season you

As few human or even divine ingredients can.

Something missing in my heart tonight

Has made my eyes so soft,

My voice so tender,

My need of God

Absolutely

Clear.