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Veganism and clear skin

Veganism and clear skin

Started by Ragdolly on February 25, 2011

49 Comments

Ragdolly said #1 Feb 25, 2011 at 5:04pm

Hi,

I have been 100% vegan diet for almost 8 months now. My problem skin has never seized because of it. My zits are just as stubborn and persistent as they were when I was lacto-ovo vegetarian. In fact, they're just as there as they were when I was a meateater.

I'm not trying to be one of those vegan debunkers because I see the good it does for the animals.

And to be completely honest with you, I bake a lot of vegan cookies (most of them chocolate), but the last time I had those was over a week ago.

Another honest thing is I love my coffee and green tea (caffeine loaded).

Although I am a vegan who drinks a lot of water, this still remains a problem for me. What do you think is wrong with me?

I almost forgot that I love fried foods, but I fry them myself in vegetable oil, never from restaurants who share a vat with meat and dairy. And again, I don't consume fried foods every day.

Am I supposed to quit vegan sugars and oil altogether? That seems harsh, especially considering I use vegan butters to cook some foods in.

It seems to me other vegans are able to enjoy vegan sweets/baked goods/pastries without skin problems.

Maybe it's just my genetics.

Ashley H said #2 Feb 25, 2011 at 8:14pm

to tell you the truth i don't think veganism cures the skin issue for everyone. i think genetics still plays a roll. i was vegetarian for 3 years prior to being vegan, i've been vegan for one year and i have not seen any change in the state of my skin. : ( my acne is as bad as it's ever been. i think this is just the way it is for some people. it's just starting to get really anoying as i am 27 years old and still break out. i love being vegan and feel fantastic so i would never go back.

Emily said #3 Feb 25, 2011 at 8:45pm

I think it is also important to not just look at being vegan, but how much processed food you may be eating. Vegan butter and other substitutes have a lot of unnatural things in them. After rereading The Kind Diet, what I found to be the underlying message is to eat as much whole foods as possible. Like Alicia says, baked goods such are treats, and to obtain maximum benefits should only be consumed occasionally. I think if you haven't already tried, go superhero for a month. In my opinion, a week without a vegan cookie isn't long enough to start seeing results. Also, try to ease up on the caffeine, it can tend to dry skin out which may be contributing to your skin issues. Hope you two can find something that works, good luck!

Ragdolly said #4 Feb 25, 2011 at 10:06pm

TY for the replies...

Emily, that's so true about the processed foods and striving for them in their most natural form... I don't think caffeine quitting is going to be all that difficult as it used to be the dozens of times I quit before. This is day 2 without any coffee or green tea and it was by accident. I lost a taste for coffee for some reason. It's bitter and nasty tasting.

Green tea however... <- well i kinda like that, but i do have some decaff.

Ashley, I think we need to probably (I know I do eat less fake meats aka processed foods). Again, that's not going to be a problem either. I'm getting tired of those.

Actually I do not feel very good last couple days. People don't understand that vegans can get sick like everybody else. It started out as heartburn and then when I tried to cure the heartburn with apple cider vinegar and water, it turned into nausea.

This is one of the first times I have truly been sick in 8 months though, that's miraculous.

I do wonder if it's possible to quit all sugar (except for fruit) altogether. I've never heard of Superhero. If that's what they mean by all raw, then that's not an option for me. I love hot, hearty foods. When people eat sandwiches or sack lunches, I cringe and wonder how they can eat something cold/room temp. :P

Emily said #5 Feb 26, 2011 at 6:07am

Ragdolly, you read The Kind Diet? I'm assuming not, because that's where the term "superhero" comes from. It's described in the book as a mostly macrobiotic diet, with a vegan twist. The main focus is on fresh veggies and whole grains, like quinoa. Quite a few of the suggested foods were foreign to me (lots of asian foods like umeboshi plums), but are really very delicious! I'd definitely recommend renting The Kind Diet from your local library and giving some of the superhero recipes a try. Under superhero, you don't have to cut out all sugar, but you do significantly reduce your intake. When you do consume sugar, it's in a gentler form like maple syrup or agave syrup. It is more restrictive than a traditional "vegan" diet, but from what I've heard the results are much more significant!

Kathleen Stewart said #6 Feb 26, 2011 at 6:51am

Hi Ragdolly, I drink green tea every day and I don't think it contributes to acne. Everyone has given you great advice for your food intake, but I was wondering what type of skin care you use? I have sensitive, acne scarred (but not active) skin that responds well to gentle, natural skin care. Right now I use Evan Healy's skincare : www.evanhealy.com You may want to check the site. She doesn't use parabens or other unnatural ingredients, just essential oils, herbal extracts, flower essences, etc. She uses a holistic approach. And her products are vegan!

Kathleen

Ragdolly said #7 Feb 26, 2011 at 12:05pm

Tania,

My blemishes are consistent whether before my period or after and same w/ sex... Interesting you mention that though...

I'm leaning toward too many processed foods atm, Emily, but I'll look for a copy of The Kind Diet. No never read it unfortunately.

For my face and body I usually use Kirk's Cocoanut Castile (which is extremely harsh and drying) or Dr. Bronner's peppermint, baby mild, or tea tree. At the moment, though, I am trying out (for a week now) Kiss My Face olive oil bar.

I don't like liquid soaps or body washes, I like the bars.

My shampoo was John Freida blonde, but now I went back to my natural color this week; brunette, so I switched to Stonybrook shampoo and conditioner. I doubt that's causing it because I only wash my hair once a week. It's been through so much it doesn't need it as much these days.

Also, I'm glad you also have green tea Kathleen and don't get acne because I need it and will make some!

Hazel said #8 Feb 26, 2011 at 2:49pm

Ragdolly - keep in mind that some people simply have a more sensitive system. Sugar could cause your acne, processed foods, even caffeine. It depends on you. As Emily mentioned, you should read The Kind Diet, and seriously try to be strict superhero for at least a whole month. You are unlikely to see a change in acne, or a lot of other things, after only a few days of not having something - like sugar, or caffeine, or soy - or whatever it is that you may be sensitive to. It could also be hormones, as Tania suggested, but even some of that may be helped with your sugar and caffeine consumption. There is a member on here, Justin, who is an acupuncturist and has mentioned his acne issues. If I recall correctly, he had to go through a lot before he found a way to control his acne. I think his diet focuses mostly on veggies and tofu, and I think he said that he only eats a small amount of whole grains, and variations in this cause him to break out terribly. Maybe he'll respond to this thread, as I certainly can't speak for him. The point being, our bodies are different and may respond drastically different to different foods because of the way they are broken down and used by our bodies.

Ragdolly said #9 Feb 26, 2011 at 3:06pm

Hazel - i am a very sensitive person all the way around, good point...

kat said #10 Feb 27, 2011 at 11:45am

ragdolly- i feel for you. i had acne very severe from 18-26 yrs old. best thing i ever did was a course of accutane. not for everyone, but it cured my acne. i should have done it years ago. good luck to you!

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