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A review by inkerly
Clear Skin Forever: A Revolutionary, Holistic Approach to Curing Acne by Sonia Carlson, Devin Mooers
informative
fast-paced
4.25
This is an excellent book! See book notes here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AfqQjikC6_tu09Qh424bv9bKiJ_BarHk8A0Yd6k2NwI/edit?usp=sharing
I was recommended this book by a YouTuber whose journey with severe cystic acne mirrored my own, and I'm so glad I read it. It is more than just the typical advice sprinkled across articles on the internet, it talks about what causes acne from the inside out and why conventional solutions may not be enough. As someone who used to have pretty decent skin but over the last 2 years has been hit with severe cystic acne that has worn away most of my confidence in social circles, I was ecstatic to say the least that a book like this had a lot of grounded and sound knowledge and step-by-step solutions on how to change acne for the long haul.
If you are interested in this book, chances are conventional medication failed you, or you are at your breaking point with finding solutions. I picked up this book because I'd tried nearly everything during my 1.5 year journey of trying to eliminate my acne - topical treatments and peels, washing pillowcases, washing my face 2x/day and removing toxic triggers from my life - nothing. Acne is not a vain thing to worry about, it's a sign your body is not well. I had already been curious about holistic medicine so this was an easy introduction to this space, and to my research this book is well researched and isn't just "cooky nonsense".
Basically this book says that 3 things impede your chance of clear skin: Diet, Environmental Factors, and Psychological Stress Factors. And its up to you to figure out which of those 3 impact your acne your most, through the knowledge, checklists, charts, and sample plans and resources in this book. I think my triggers are a mix of all three but I will start with Diet for good measure, then progress to Environmental and Psychological.
I will say this, I cannot in good faith give this 5 stars because even though there isn't "cooky" evidence thrown in this book, there is a lot of demonization of dermatology and doctor-studied/approved things. The author ENCOURAGES drinking RAW MILK instead of "regular pasteurized milk that can trigger acne", DEMONIZES fluoride that is present in our water/dental care products, DISCOURAGES use of *any* skincare (including soap, saying that "Warm water is all you need", and DISCOURAGES sunscreen (but in all fairness, they are proponents of UPF clothing and of using mineral sunscreen 15 minutes after laying in the sun and "getting your daily dose of vitamin d".) While I understand where the authors are coming from, these points are just easily refuted by the horror stories of generations who've gotten tuberculosis from diseased cows, teeth bone decay from fluoride-deficiency, skin cancer due to years of not applying sunscreen, and scalp/skin issues from not using soap properly --- most of which are irreversible. I think the key here is to consume things in MODERATION . And what's good for the environment (i.e. nontoxic chemicals) in the long run is usually good for us .
All in all, I respect and recommend 85% of the advice in this book, and to keep it by your side during your acne journey.
UPDATE 8/8/24: It's been almost a year since reading this book, and it has changed my life. After changing my diet/exercise regimen, stress levels, skincare routine, and UPF clothing usage, my skin has done a complete 180. Cystic acne, where. I still consume foods with the "don'ts": wheat/soy/vegetable oils in moderation, but I am anal about no dairy/processed sugars/raw corn/seafood (Yes unbeknownst to me I have a food sensitivity to corn and seafood that I only figured out by doing an elimination diet - which includes my favs: popcorn and tuna-salad). UPF clothing has been a lifesaver and has eliminated those pesky pimples I would get from using topical sunscreens. I did go against the authors' advice, and still incorporate skincare products into my routine : AHA/BHA peels, and prescription hydroquinone and tretinoin (moreso hydroquinone) healed my severe hyperpigmentation which was a huge insecurity of mine after curing my acne. So all I can say is, read this book, take what you can from it, and let the magic happen.
I was recommended this book by a YouTuber whose journey with severe cystic acne mirrored my own, and I'm so glad I read it. It is more than just the typical advice sprinkled across articles on the internet, it talks about what causes acne from the inside out and why conventional solutions may not be enough. As someone who used to have pretty decent skin but over the last 2 years has been hit with severe cystic acne that has worn away most of my confidence in social circles, I was ecstatic to say the least that a book like this had a lot of grounded and sound knowledge and step-by-step solutions on how to change acne for the long haul.
If you are interested in this book, chances are conventional medication failed you, or you are at your breaking point with finding solutions. I picked up this book because I'd tried nearly everything during my 1.5 year journey of trying to eliminate my acne - topical treatments and peels, washing pillowcases, washing my face 2x/day and removing toxic triggers from my life - nothing. Acne is not a vain thing to worry about, it's a sign your body is not well. I had already been curious about holistic medicine so this was an easy introduction to this space, and to my research this book is well researched and isn't just "cooky nonsense".
Basically this book says that 3 things impede your chance of clear skin: Diet, Environmental Factors, and Psychological Stress Factors. And its up to you to figure out which of those 3 impact your acne your most, through the knowledge, checklists, charts, and sample plans and resources in this book. I think my triggers are a mix of all three but I will start with Diet for good measure, then progress to Environmental and Psychological.
I will say this, I cannot in good faith give this 5 stars because even though there isn't "cooky" evidence thrown in this book, there is a lot of demonization of dermatology and doctor-studied/approved things. The author ENCOURAGES drinking RAW MILK instead of "regular pasteurized milk that can trigger acne", DEMONIZES fluoride that is present in our water/dental care products, DISCOURAGES use of *any* skincare (including soap, saying that "Warm water is all you need", and DISCOURAGES sunscreen (but in all fairness, they are proponents of UPF clothing and of using mineral sunscreen 15 minutes after laying in the sun and "getting your daily dose of vitamin d".) While I understand where the authors are coming from, these points are just easily refuted by the horror stories of generations who've gotten tuberculosis from diseased cows, teeth bone decay from fluoride-deficiency, skin cancer due to years of not applying sunscreen, and scalp/skin issues from not using soap properly --- most of which are irreversible. I think the key here is to consume things in MODERATION . And what's good for the environment (i.e. nontoxic chemicals) in the long run is usually good for us .
All in all, I respect and recommend 85% of the advice in this book, and to keep it by your side during your acne journey.
UPDATE 8/8/24: It's been almost a year since reading this book, and it has changed my life. After changing my diet/exercise regimen, stress levels, skincare routine, and UPF clothing usage, my skin has done a complete 180. Cystic acne, where. I still consume foods with the "don'ts": wheat/soy/vegetable oils in moderation, but I am anal about no dairy/processed sugars/raw corn/seafood (Yes unbeknownst to me I have a food sensitivity to corn and seafood that I only figured out by doing an elimination diet - which includes my favs: popcorn and tuna-salad). UPF clothing has been a lifesaver and has eliminated those pesky pimples I would get from using topical sunscreens. I did go against the authors' advice, and still incorporate skincare products into my routine : AHA/BHA peels, and prescription hydroquinone and tretinoin (moreso hydroquinone) healed my severe hyperpigmentation which was a huge insecurity of mine after curing my acne. So all I can say is, read this book, take what you can from it, and let the magic happen.