Project Glow

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Last week, I wrote Angela at Oh She Glows an e-mail whining about my sallow, uneven skin tone and breakouts.  "I’m 25!" I wrote.  "Shouldn’t my skin be more… adult?!"  She asked me to describe my current skin care routine, and I must admit I blushed when I described my daily face scrubs with a bar of Irish Spring soap:

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Yes… I use a bar of man’s body soap to wash my delicate, lady skin.  As a result, my face currently looks like this:

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That’s me sans makeup — not terrible by any means (you should’ve seen my teenager face!), but check out the dull, blotchy, and uneven skin.  No ‘glow’ like Angela.  I begged Angela to prescribe me a Oh She Glows skin routine and promised I would follow it for a whole month.

 

Project Glow:  30 Days to Healthier, Glowing Skin

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Here is Angela’s excellent program for beautiful skin from the inside-out:

 

What You’ll Need:

 

  • St. Ives Apricot Scrub
  • St. Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish Fighting Cleanser (For Oily/Acne Prone Skin)
  • Exfoliating Gloves 
  • Neutrogena Daily Moisturizer (SPF 30/45) OR Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Cream in SPF 15
  • Optional: Coconut Oil for body moisturizing (Found at health food stores or bulk stores)
  • Optional: Oil Blotting Sheets

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I purchased the St. Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish Fighting Cleanser, but I could not locate the body scrub, so I’m using an Olay Ultra Moisture body wash.

 

I also chose to use the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Cream in SPF 15 because… well, let’s stop those wrinkles before they start!

 

Skin Care Regimen

 

  • Morning Face Wash: Remove any leftover racoon eyes. 🙂 Put on one exfoliating glove and wet. Place a quarter sized amount of St Ives Apricot Scrub on wet glove. Gently exfoliate your face with circular motions. Pay close attention to problem spots where blackheads form: around the nose, chin, etc. CIMG4472
  • In the Shower: Use exfoliating glove and some more St Ives Scrub to exfoliate entire body. When you get out of the shower pay dry and while skin is still damp, apply Coconut oil everywhere except your face. On your face, use Neutrogena moisturizer when skin is still damp. If you are applying concealer or foundation, apply it when moisturizer is still a bit damp. It will go on smoother.
  • Before bed: Remove eye make-up. Use St Ives Blemish Fighting Cleanser. Be sure to clean entire face well. It really makes a difference if you wash face well and get all the dirt out. Pay dry and apply your favorite night cream.  Be sure that the night cream won’t clog pores!

 

I will use two new products in addition to Angela’s recommendations:

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The Juice Beauty line is an all-organic line of beauty products.  Juice Beauty uses freshly-squeezed organic juice concentrates as the base for their products, not water. Organic juices are rich in potent antioxidants, essential vitamins, vital phytonutrients and powerful hydroxy acids.  Antioxidants help prevent the signs of aging, thus bringing back the skin’s natural radiance.  Juice Beauty products are pH balanced and formulated for even the most sensitive skin!  YAY, Organics!

 

I’m using the Juice Beauty Organic Rejuvenating Mask and Moisture Concentrate.  The Moisture Concentrate will serve as my night-time treatment, and I’ll use the mask several times a week.

 

Glow From the Inside Out:  Food for Healthy Skin

 

As part of the challenge, Angela directed me to drink 1 Green Monster everyday, with increasing amounts of kale or spinach, both of which are full of Vitamins A and C!

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  • Week 1: 1-2 cups of kale or spinach
  • Week 2: 2-3 cups of kale or spinach
  • Week 3: 3-4 cups of kale or spinach
  • Week 4: 4 cups of kale or spinach
  • Note: The more greens you use, the more liquid you need or your smoothie will be too thick- ick! 🙂
  • For Green Monster recipes, check out Angela’s Recipes page.

Also, Angela has asked that I try to limit dairy, especially heavily processed dairy like cheese and ice cream.  Angela says that in some studies, dairy has been found to cause breakouts.  "Whether this is true or not is a personal thing, but it is worth trying out for yourself," she wrote.  "If you know that dairy doesn’t cause you problems, by all means go on eating it!"

Additionally, I need to try to eat  lots of vegetables and fruits!  According to Angela, the more V + F I eat, the less processed foods I will eat, which means less breakouts.  YAY!

 

Also, I’m going to try to:

 

  • Drink 1 cup of green tea each day.
  • Drink lemon water when possible.

Reduce Stress

Stress causes breakouts and dull, sallow skin.  Angela has asked that I target what is making me unhappy and write down a game plan how I can do to improve the situation.  Other healthy ways to deal with stress include exercising, read, sleeping, meditating, stretching, listen to music, laughing, etc. 

 

Some Final Tips From Angela:

 

  • Always wash face before working out if you have make-up on. Don’t worry about it if you are working out first thing in the AM though. Give your face a quick wash post workout with St Ives Blemish Fighting Cleanser. Moisturize if necessary.
  • If you have sensitive skin you may not want to exfoliate every day. It is fine for ‘tough’ skin, but everyone is different! You are the best judge of your skin type.
  • Disclaimer: The above tips are what has worked for Angela’s skin and may not work for you. Try this regime at your own risk! 🙂

I’m so excited to try this challenge and (hopefully) achieve a beautiful, healthy GLOW!  Anyone want to join me?

 

NOTEMrs. LC just pointed out that the St. Ives Scrub contains WALNUTS, which is important to know if you have a tree nut allergy or are just allergic to walnuts (like me).  I will be conferring with Angela on a replace product and will update everyone soon!  Thanks for the feedback (God, the blog world is wonderful!) 🙂

 

 

TO READ THE RESULTS OF PROJECT GLOW, CHECK OUT this post.

{ 65 comments }

 

  • Olga April 28, 2009, 8:13 am

    what a great challenge!

    I use the CLINIQUE three step system: face wash, lotion and toner. It is catered to different skin types and it great!

    Good luck with this!

  • Thinspired April 28, 2009, 8:16 am

    Irish Spring…oh man! Sounds like you have a solid plan to get glowing 😉
    The Juice Beauty products look really great! I agree that fruits and veggies have really helped my skin. Just remember though that the specific products that make Angela glow might not work for your skin, but it's definitely worth giving it a try.
    Actually in that photo your skin looks lovely to me! I wish St Ives worked for me but it really irritated my acne more. Now I have to pay and arm and a leg for Dermalogica 🙁
    Can't wait to hear a report after you follow Angela's advice! You girls are both beautiful on the inside & out.

  • J April 28, 2009, 8:19 am

    I can’t believe you wash your face with that soap! I’m quite devoted to my skincare routine but I will be following along to see your results!

  • Anonymous April 28, 2009, 8:22 am

    I agree with the above reader. I’d be careful with the St. Ives Apricot scrub (promise I’m not trying to sound condescending or like a know-it-all) but most dermatologist say really bad things about it, it is extremely harsh on skin.

  • Mrs. LC April 28, 2009, 8:25 am

    Woo hoo, you’re gonna glow in no time! (I am sorry to say I giggled when I saw you were just using a bar of men’s soap before!)

    Just a note to any of your readers who may suffer from similar tree nut allergies like myself – the last time I checked both the St. Ive’s Apricot Scrub and the Target brand version both contain walnuts/ walnut shells. (a natural exfoliant, which is great unless you’re deathly allergic!)

    I tried to check the St. Ive’s website to see if it still contains tree nuts, but found no ingredient list. Do you know if they still contain walnuts?

  • Erica April 28, 2009, 8:25 am

    My skin breaks out all the time too! I use to be on the proactive routine but it was like hit or miss if it really helped. Maybe I will try some of these products too!

  • runnerskitchen April 28, 2009, 8:27 am

    I currently use St. Ives apricot scrub and Garnier Fructis SPF 15 moisturizer and it seems to be working out ok. But there is always room for improvement and I am really excited to try a green monster sometime soon!

  • Oh She Glows April 28, 2009, 8:28 am

    hahah I looove this. I need to kick my own glow routine into gear for the summer too!

  • Thinspired April 28, 2009, 8:28 am

    Sorry Caitlin, if that came out condescending…I just meant to share that it didn’t work for me 🙁

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point April 28, 2009, 8:31 am

    thinispired and anon – thanks for the feedback!! i have pretty tough skin (obvi, i wash with soap LOL) so i think i’ll be OK. but that’s good to know for other readers (anon, i didnt think your comment was condescending at all — different things work for different people!)

    mrs lc – GOOD POINT. yes, i just checked the label and it contains WALNUTS… WHICH I AM ALLERGIC TO.

  • Brandi April 28, 2009, 8:33 am

    sounds like a great challenge!

    I love that face scrub – i can’t wait to see your “glow” 🙂

  • Missy April 28, 2009, 8:33 am

    Great post! I can’t wait to see your results! I am going to start making the green monsters that I see on everyone’s blog!

  • iowagirleats April 28, 2009, 8:40 am

    Ooo, I’d totally join you, but face scrubs make me break out 🙁 Let us know how the Juice Beauty products work – they look great!

  • Anonymous April 28, 2009, 8:42 am

    do you make the green monsters in a juicer, food processor or blender? I have been wanting to try one but I don’t have a juicer and was wondering if i could make it in a blender or food processor. Thanks!

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point April 28, 2009, 8:43 am

    anon – blender 🙂 you just blend the almond milk, kale, banana, and flax together. viola! 🙂

  • mel April 28, 2009, 8:43 am

    I have sensitive skin so I love cetaphill face wash! its wonderful! and I also have bobby brown exfoliate that I use once or twice a week!!

  • Danielle April 28, 2009, 8:46 am

    I love St. Ive’s products, I use the apricot scrub in the summer I love it!

  • Sara April 28, 2009, 8:49 am

    What a great skin care routine! I can’t wait to see the results on you. I use just simple Cetaphil face wash and moisturizer; however I want to start using an anti-wrinkle cream. Maybe I’ll try out the Neutrogena one.

  • Run Sarah April 28, 2009, 8:53 am

    Great tips! I need to get my skin in gear for my
    wedding but I am always scared of new products as I break out so easily.

  • Sarah (lovINmytummy) April 28, 2009, 8:55 am

    This is FANTASTIC! I can’t wait to see your results.

  • Mrs. LC April 28, 2009, 8:57 am

    Oh gosh, I had no idea you were allergic to walnuts!! SO GLAD I pointed that out!!

  • Christina April 28, 2009, 9:09 am

    Love this post – I just bought a new cleanser (Ole Henriksen African Red Tea foaming cleanser) but I’ll be joining you on a few of the other skincare ideas!

  • K from ksgoodeats April 28, 2009, 9:12 am

    What a great challenge!! Can’t wait to hear what you think! I have to say ever since I became vegetarian (consequently eating more fruits and veggies) my skin has cleared up tenfold!

  • Dori April 28, 2009, 9:15 am

    Exciting to use new products! Before working out I always use an oil-free makeup removing pad to quickly get the crap off my face.

    If you are prone to breakouts, every dermatologist I have ever gone to has said to use ONLY oil-free lotions and makeup.

  • Katie April 28, 2009, 9:22 am

    I LOVE the Patricia Wexler, MD line from Bath and Body works! They have a scrub that I adore. The acnostat line is acne fighting, wrinkle preventing. Gotta love that!

  • Kelly April 28, 2009, 9:28 am

    HOw cool. I also just use soap. Not good.
    My daughter’s dermatologist said not to use the apricot scrub. HUH. I’ll have to find out why. It’s got to be better than my soap routine. 🙂

  • Amandaaa April 28, 2009, 9:33 am

    I hope that Angela’s works
    lead you to glowing skin!

  • thresholdofgreatness April 28, 2009, 9:36 am

    I hope you find something that works for you!

    I used St. Ives produts when I was in middle school, but they tend to irritate my skin now. Philosophy skincare is amazing if the St. Ives doesn’t work out for you. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had success with Philosophy!

    I agree with using coconut oil as moisturizer though. It works really well, and it feels good knowing you aren’t absorbing any chemicals from it.

  • Audrey W. April 28, 2009, 9:40 am

    props for the makeup-less pic, you wouldnt catch me doing that! i was going through the same skin issuses like 8 months ago and then i found the patricia wexler line at bath and body works and it worked like a charm! good luck on your challenge!

  • Help Meghan Run April 28, 2009, 9:46 am

    That looks awesome! Angela seems lovely, doesn’t she. 🙂 I’m still looking for my perfect face regimen… :/
    http://www.HelpMeghanRun.com

  • healthy ashley April 28, 2009, 9:48 am

    I can’t believe the scrub has walnuts in it! That’s odd 🙂

    Good luck! I do love Angela’s Glow!

  • SP April 28, 2009, 9:49 am

    DONT SCRUB EVERYDAY! Regardless of what scrub you use. When you scrub everyday, regardless of skin type, your face will dry out, when your face dries out, it will naturally produce more oil to overcompensate for the drying, as a result, even more oil and more breakouts. Whatever scrub you use, only use a couple times a week, at most! The BEST SCRUB I have ever used, is taken a regular vitamin E based lotion and broken up a vitamin C tablet in it and scrubed away, or poppy seeds will turn any soap/lotion into a scrub… HAPPY GLOWING!

  • Amanda April 28, 2009, 9:49 am

    Sounds great! I love these challenges and seeing the before and after results!! I definitely need to be better about removing makeup before working out!

  • Amy April 28, 2009, 9:50 am

    What a great idea! I’ll join the challenge, but maybe not with the exact products. I currently use Cetaphil to wash my sensitive skin and will stick with that, but coconut oil and all-over loofah-ing sound like great ideas!

  • Lea April 28, 2009, 10:02 am

    Gurl you look pretty even without makeup. ^^

    My HG cleanser is Purity by Philosophy. It cleanses your skin squeaky clean without drying it out.

    For a natural exfoliator, I suggest using baking soda. Mix a teaspoon or less with water and scrub your face in a circular motion. Your skin feels awesome afterward and plus it's super cheap.

    && I also use EVOO to moisturize my skin. Take a quarter size of EVOO and massage it into your skin. The key is to massage it for at least 5 minutes so your skin absorbs it. No need to wash afterwards.

    I could go on and on, but I don't want to write a novel on your blog. *blush*

  • Runeatrepeat April 28, 2009, 10:09 am

    I’m copying your crap free week, just thought I’d let ya know!

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point April 28, 2009, 10:14 am

    lea – those are great natural beauty tips!! thank you!

  • Amy April 28, 2009, 10:14 am

    Good luck with that! Just don’t look for overnight results. I am 31 years old with the same skin problems you are talking about-After i switched to Juice and changed my eating habits-it still took almost 3 months for everything to clear up, but well worth the extra effort 🙂

  • Erin April 28, 2009, 10:27 am

    This is great, I was having serious skin issues a couple of months ago that made me very upset. I know it’s not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things, but healthy skin makes me happy. I’ve always had good skin, so this sort of took me by surprise.
    I went in for a facial and had my skin analyzed (pricey, but worth it on occasion if you can’t find anything that works). I use dermalogica now, which is certainly expensive but worth it to me. I have very very oily skin but regular products were too harsh for me. Just something to keep in mind! I was told that most products on the market are made for teenage skin which is much more resilient than our older skin 🙁

  • elissa April 28, 2009, 10:30 am

    Quick question about the GM!…..do you think I could make it the night before and leave in the freezer? I work out in the morning, get ready at the gym and then head to work. Thus, having to pack my bfast and eat at work.

    Do you think it would still taste ok? Or would it separate?

    Thanks

  • Kelly April 28, 2009, 10:32 am

    What a great post! Thanks for sharing…I also suffered from breakouts, at 35yrs old its a little discouraging to have grey hairs and pimples!! But than I found pro-active. I swear by it! what a difference it has made for me…

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point April 28, 2009, 10:36 am

    elissa- hmm i think you probably could put it in the FRIDGE overnight and it would be fine. you might want to shake/stir it. if you try it, let me know!

  • PRT April 28, 2009, 10:43 am

    I use Dove products to moisturize mostly in winter time and then in spring-summer I change to a more light-texture products done by demand in my local drug store/pharmacy.

    For the face and to clean my skin I use mostly Olay products.

    For what I know, not everything is good for everyone, so you need to experiment for a while and find your perfect combination for your type of skin, your food habit, and the weather you live on.

  • shawna April 28, 2009, 10:46 am

    I’m going to let you know what my derm. told me years and years ago about St. Ives scrubs – don’t use them! Why? The exfoliant they use (ground up nut shells/pits) are too jagged and harsh for your skin. The tiny pieces actually create little tears in your skin that will allow bacteria and other junk in = possibly more breakouts and redness. Look for an exfoliant with microbeads or some smooth surface. I prefer either a clinique version or even the garnier where the microbeads pop and release a toner or moisturizer (whichever you need for dry or oily skin). Use your exfoliant every 2-3 days and on other days, use a cream cleanser for dry skin or a clear/gel cleanser for oily skin.

    Hope that helps a bit! Not trying to sound “know-it-all” but just sharing a bit of knowledge I’ve learned from my own experiences.

  • Lynne April 28, 2009, 10:50 am

    My skin also breaks out, and at 29, I thought I would have grown out of it by now. I’m always trying new products when others don’t work, and have not tried the ones you mentioned. Maybe if they work for you…

  • Melissa @ For the Love of Health April 28, 2009, 11:10 am

    What a great idea!

    I love the Aveeno line. It’s very refreshing and smells great!

  • Meredith (Pursuing Balance) April 28, 2009, 11:24 am

    You should check out the Skin Deep cosmetic safety database online! They are linked with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and you can search for your product to see how safe it is. St. Ive’s products actually have a high hazard score 🙁

  • Fitnessista April 28, 2009, 11:36 am

    i use juice beauty and LOVE it!!!
    what an awesome challenge 😀

  • Amy April 28, 2009, 11:37 am

    Wow, I am going to start up a similar challenge – not the same exact products, but following a skincare regimen and drinking green monsters. I made my first green monster this weekend and I truly enjoyed it. I am terrible about having products and not using them!! You’ve encouraged me to get a routine going and see what happens!

  • Amy April 28, 2009, 11:56 am

    That’s a great challenge. I use the Clinique three step system and really enjoy it. I think I will try eating even more fruits and veggies along with drinking a green monster every day. I’m going to give the baking soda face scrub a try too!

    A tip for drinking green tea each day. When it’s hot out, I put cold water and 1-2 green tea bags into a water bottle. I leave it in a sunny spot near a window and let it steep for a few hours. Then I stick it in the fridge after taking the tea bags out. It makes great sun iced tea. It’s a really easy, refreshing way to get in some tea each day.

  • Christy April 28, 2009, 12:17 pm

    I found the St Ives irritating to my skin as I got older, so I have switched to Be Fine Exfoliating Cleanser. It is made with almond oil instead of walnuts. And it’s all natural but still foams up really nice due to the sugar cane extract. It’s a lot gentler on my skin and I still get that exfoliated feeling! Not to mention there are no funky ingredients in it. 😉

  • just me April 28, 2009, 12:22 pm

    sounds like a great and interesting challenge! if only i had the $$ to get all that stuff!

    but want to know what i thought when i saw that bar of soap? “oh, i wash my face w/ my bar soap too.” and know what my mom says? “remember that clearasil commercial where the boy is talking to his brother when he’s in the shower and says something along the lines of, “you wash your face w/ the same thing you wash your face with?” hahahahaha

  • HangryPants April 28, 2009, 12:31 pm

    I can’t believe you use Irish Spring on your face. My face would be red and raw!!!! At least you have strong skin I guess. I use purity face cleanser.

    Also, just a note that after this and the floss you are gonna be one hot(ter) mamma!!!

  • Andrea of Care to Eat April 28, 2009, 12:34 pm

    If you feel like investing more in your skin, I would highly recommend a Clairsonic face brush. It exfoliates your face without all the harsh scrubs (watch out with that St. Ives – it might break you out more because it’s not gentle!) and it really does even out your skin tone. Plus, when I feel a zit coming on, a couple of minutes with the Clairsonic usually prevents it from creeping up. It’s kinda expensive, but worth EVERY penny.

  • Andrea of Care to Eat April 28, 2009, 12:39 pm

    Ok, one more thing – I was just reading through the comments and saw the one asking about making the GM ahead of time. Fruits and veggies once you blend them will start to lose their enzymes and nutrients within 15 minutes after breaking down, so for the most “bang for your buck” it’s best to drink a smoothie or juice right away. Of course drinking one whenever is better than not drinking one at all!
    I’m gonna stop talking now!

  • Susan April 28, 2009, 12:49 pm

    Glad to here I’m not the only one doing preventative wrinkle care!! I bought wrinkle cream as soon as I turned 20 😛

    I love St. Ives products, I use their face mask. I have sensitive/highly reactive skin though. For a cleanser, Spectro Gel is one of the few that don’t make me break out in a rash.

  • emily April 28, 2009, 2:04 pm

    My husband and I were complaining about this the other day, I am 23, when do I get to stop having breakouts! I will totally join you on this challenge!

  • Anonymous April 28, 2009, 3:53 pm

    Caitlin- I know others have said this but I’d be careful about using that scrub every day. I’ve always heard no more than once a week. I used that same scrub but only once a week and I used neutrogena stress face wash the other days. Also- scrubbing makes your skin SENSITIVE to sun! so since you live in Florida, you might want to keep that in mind. I’d start with the scrub once a week and gradually increase if your skin can handle it. Please take a pic in a few weeks to let us know how its going!

  • Hi! I'm Erin April 28, 2009, 6:40 pm

    As for a replacement exfoliant, I highly recommend the one made by Clinque. No, you can’t buy it at a drug store, but it’s so much gentler than the St. Ives one. Plus, it has something minty in it which always leaves my face feeling so refreshed.

    Also, if you’re concerned about breakouts, I suggest washing with something with salicylic acid in it.

  • brittany April 28, 2009, 7:09 pm

    I love your blog, and I love using tea tree oil wipes and aubrey blemish cream as well as my antioxident cream, Alaffia.

  • MareBare April 28, 2009, 8:38 pm

    i bought a whole juice sample size regimen from sephora and i love it- it has done wonders for my skin which usually has a mind of its own. i definitely recommend their other products- especially the spot treatment! good luck!

  • Bridget April 28, 2009, 10:49 pm

    Green tea does amazing things for the body! My breakouts have almost stopped, save for extremely stressful times. Also, it seems to give me more of an energy boost than coffee.

    I also recommend the Clinique three step system.

    I hope that you enjoy using the new stuff! I can never wait to break it out when I buy it!

  • Anonymous June 19, 2009, 12:45 pm

    Only thing about St. Ives is that it can put little tears in your skin which may agitate it… =[ Or so says my skincare professional, that is.

    To exfoliate I use papaya wash, leave it on a bit, and then gently wash it off with my Clarisonic brush. That's nto a daily routine though or else my skin would get dried out.

    Other than that, looks like a plan. Good luck! 😉

  • Ashley July 31, 2012, 2:43 pm

    Are you using a cleanser besides the St.Ives scrub or just the scrub???? Can I use my dove bar soap to remove any dirt, etc and then the scrub???

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