The Young Skin Diet: Science-Based Recipes & Treatments for Glowing Skin | Anti-Aging Nutrition Guide for Healthy Complexion | Perfect for Daily Skincare Routine & Wellness Regimen

I have struggled with wanting a pimple-free face for most of my life. I’ve always assumed, or suppose I hoped, that upon becoming an adult I wouldn’t have to worry about zits. After all, I put my zit popping time in as a teenager so I could have a reprieve as an adult. Alas, as I am now in my mid 30’s, I am still dealing with some major flare-ups and facial issues. Zits that I can’t “pop” because they are painful, swollen, large red boils are my nemesis along with small bumps and dark spots. I was guaranteed to get a zit if I did any of the following: wore make up, increased stress, or if I was about to start my period. It wasn’t until I put two and two together that I realized the majority of my zits occurred if I ate certain foods. The likely culprits were fatty foods, preservatives, sweets, chocolate, etc.I was at wits end this past December as my break-outs were occurring at record pace. With the stress of the holidays and the excesses of delicious rich foods caused for some out of control breakouts. At that point I was willing to try (and pay) anything to figure out a solution. I started asking my colleagues what they used as most of them seemed blessed with perfect skin. As you can imagine I ended up with a list of skin care products all with a hefty price tag. I also listened to a sales pitch for a skin care line that was Pro-Active’s next generation of products (I used Pro-Active in College but in the end this skin care line was too harsh on my skin and ended up drying it out excessively).In the midst of all this I called my colleague roommate, Michelle Lee, who in my eyes always had gorgeous skin. She had just recently written a book called “Living Luxe Gluten Free”. I really wanted to know her secrets. She chuckled as she confessed to her own struggles. I couldn’t believe it! This is what led Michelle to her newest book “The Young Skin Diet”. Scientific, factual, and evidence based information about naturally organic products that help us maintain healthier looking skin. Michelle helped me realize what I had been doing up to this point was hurting my skin more than it was helping. My facial washes and creams all had a lot of chemicals in them to attribute to my issues. She ultimately broke her book down to two parts; external and internal.I essentially threw everything away and started fresh. For my external change, I purchased a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, non-dye with a short list of ingredients for my facial wash, and purchased unrefined coconut oil as my moisturizer (each of these items can be purchase for under $10). From the book “The Young Skin Diet”, I learned that coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer proven to hydrate by over 100%, and it is a natural antimicrobial and anti-bacterial ointment. For my internal change, I also evaluated my diet and realized I needed to cut out a lot including Gluten, refined carbs and refined sugars. I focused more on natural fruits and vegetables that packed a punch, oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, fish, eggs, sweet potatoes and limiting my dairy intake. I’ll have to be honest; I do cheat and have my occasional delights or pastas, and pay the price with an occasional break-out. But such is life, right? Can’t have it all.Overall, the impact was quite drastic! The interesting fact is that I also started to really enjoy washing my face. As you can imagine my face wasn’t transformed overnight, but I stuck to my daily routine of washing my face, moisturizing and maintained my diet, and in due time I got my skin under control. I now wash my face in the morning, again before I run or exercise, and then at night while also moisturizing with coconut oil. I use different natural scrubs based on what my facial needs are for that week. The natural facial scrubs range from a Skin-Brightening Coconut Oil Exfoliant, Eliminate-Free Radicals Olive Oil, a Ginger Bath, and even a No-More-Inflammation Honey and Olive Oil Mask which are all in Michelle’s book. I also maintained a proper diet which is conveniently provided as a guide in “The Young Skin Diet”. The guide outlines a daily diet routine for one month while teaching you to help you to think for yourself to create options based on guidelines and scientific data. Michelle even offers up great recipes.What I learned out of all of this is that “Less is More”. Words of Wisdom from Michelle in her wonderful book “The Young Skin Diet”.I am attaching private pictures for you to see a compare and contrast: Side by sides of before and after I started my Young Skin Diet, using a gentle facial cleanser and coconut oil as my moisturizer.Thank you Michelle!!!!!!