Like a 13 Year Old Boy

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Good afternoon! WHAT A MORNING! I’m busy at work, trying to catch up on election news, and just generally feeling GREAT.  I can’t WAIT to go on a run later!

 

Around 9:30, I had a snack.  I signed up to get a free Clif Bar sample about 8 weeks ago, and I finally got this little baby in the mail.

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A 100-calorie sample of crunchy peanut butter, one of my fav Clif Bar flavors (dude, look how terribly scratched up my cell is?!).

 

I also had a plum in my favorite dish. 🙂

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Meghann forgot to take home her Dad’s homemade leftover pork last night, so I ate it for lunch (thanks, Meghann!).  It was REALLY good.  I smothered it in a little bit of Anne’s Organic BBQ sauce.

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On the side, I had roasted Brussel Sprouts, drizzled with some maple syrup prior to baking.  Vegetables are BEAUTIFUL!

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And 1/2 a sweet potato, cut into "fries" and roasted.

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It was a VERY nutritious and delicious lunch.  Food like this makes me feel GREAT!

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And for my first mid-afternoon snack (eaten around 1 PM), I had Grape Nuts + yogurt.

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Breaking Out Like a 13 Year Old Boy

 

My skin is going CRAZY.  I normally only get a few zits a month, but right now my forehead looks like a minefield.  I think it’s a combination of wedding-, work-, and election-related stress.  Normally, Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 (with 10% benzoyl peroxide) squashes my zits immediately, but it’s NOT WORKING.

 

I was also wondering if my new headbands (Goody Stay Put) contain latex because I’m allergic, and it’s the only other new thing in my routine that may be causing the zits.  I looked online, but I could find no mention of the product containing latex, so I don’t think it’s that.

 

Does anyone have any natural acne relief methods I could try? I don’t want to put more product on my face! 

{ 38 comments }

 

  • Halie November 5, 2008, 11:30 am

    Sorry about the blemish situation! I am so not an expert in the skin care department – I get zits and I don’t have a clue what do! The only thing that really works for me is making sure I don’t have any bit of makeup on when I go to bed, thats about it. One of my main problems is dry skin! It’s really bad right now, now that it’s freezing cold where I am.

    I am determined to have Brussel Sprouts as soon as I can! I’ve never had them! I really want to now that I’ve seen them look delicious on so many blogs!

  • Lee (seeleelive) November 5, 2008, 11:34 am

    Your lunch does look good-and can help your skin too! pumpkin seeds help as well. fiber and beta carotene is very good for skin so keep munchin those carrots!!

    as for me, at home remedies i like:
    tea bags to prevent inflamation
    ice to sooth down red spots
    toothe paste on the zit (i use that same zit cream from clearsil too) but dont stress about it it will eventualy go away! do everything u can not to pick at it and if you slip use some Sea breeze astringent to pick up germs from fingers!

  • Meghann November 5, 2008, 11:40 am

    I am glad you enjoyed the pork! 🙂 I was going to do the same thing with it today! we think alike.

    Where did you go to sign up for the sample Clif bar? You know I have never had a cllif bar, ever. I have only ever had Z-bars.

  • Erica November 5, 2008, 11:43 am

    I’m a proactive girl! What an awesome lunch! I can’t get enough brussels- they’re so freaking good!

  • Katlyn November 5, 2008, 11:45 am

    Drink lots of water!!! That always helps my skin! Also, I’m studying to be an RD right now and I remember my nutrition teacher said that eating omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon) helps you skin because its anti-inflammatory! 🙂

  • Danielle November 5, 2008, 11:48 am

    I've been having the same problem, I don't know what it's from! I've been a devoted Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 fan, but it just stopped working! I just picked up the Clean & Clear Advantage Kit (benzoyl peroxide face wash, salycic acid cream) and it's been working wonderfully. I know you don't want to put more product on your face, but it's extremely gentle (I have very very sensitive skin) and I would definitely recommend it. I just found it on sale at Target too!

  • VeggieGirl November 5, 2008, 11:55 am

    Such a cute little Clif bar 😀

    SWEET POTATOES!!

    I hope I don’t come across as a snob by saying this, but I’ve never had acne or pimples, so I can’t give advice :0(

  • amy. November 5, 2008, 12:03 pm

    that brussel sprout shot is gorgeous 😀

  • Jordan November 5, 2008, 12:05 pm

    I wish I knew a miracle remedy, because my face has been breaking out like crazy lately too =[

  • Simple and Divine November 5, 2008, 12:12 pm

    I’ll ask my Mommy tonight! (She owns a Medical Spa in Bryn Mawr… I remember you saying you lived in Philadelphia right? Or just PA? Durn… Can’t remember now!) She would know fo sho! 🙂

  • therunningaddict November 5, 2008, 12:21 pm

    Hi Caitlin! Try this: get a normal bath sponge which has a fairly “rough” side (that you could really feel the rub on the skin). Apply a small amount of shower gel (any kind) on the rough side and simply rub your face! It may feel a little itchy/sore initially, and your face will be a little red, but it really works after a few consecutive days.
    Its also great to use after you work out – takes away all the dead cells!
    I am trying to look for a picture of a “sample” sponge on the net but can’t find it, maybe i will take a picture of mine and send it to you !

  • Caitlin (see bride run) November 5, 2008, 12:24 pm

    thanks for the good tips, everyone! they are great!

    simple&divine – we used to live in pittsburgh. id love your mom's advice.

    therunningadvice – i definitely need to do some exfoliating!! thanks for the reminder!

  • healthy ashley November 5, 2008, 12:25 pm

    I just did a post about my skin suddenly breaking out and a lot of good tips were left in the comments. I hope that can help!

    http://healthyashley.blogspot.com/2008/11/breaking-out-bad-way.html

  • lighterportions November 5, 2008, 12:29 pm

    That really IS a nutritious lunch. It looks awesome. Sweet potatoes = yum. BBQ sauce = double yum. Can’t go wrong!

    I used to eat grape nuts and yogurt ALL the time! I haven’t had it in a couple years now. That’s depressing. I think I’m going to go out and buy some grape nuts!

    I don’t know about the breakouts, that’s really weird. I’ve been having similar issues lately. I think stress is a HUGE part of it though. I heard tea tree oil and/or lemon juice is good to dry them up! A “sandy” facial scrub seems to be helpful too.

  • Balance, Joy and Delicias! November 5, 2008, 12:33 pm

    sorry about the acne, it’s probably the stress about the wedding. Natural relief? sleep more and drink more water.

  • Amanda November 5, 2008, 12:37 pm

    I’m allergic to latex and I’m also allergic to some kinds of elastic. I know that doesn’t answer your question but the two may be related which would explain why your headband thing is breaking you out. Just a thought 😛

    I use the Bare Escentuals make up line and I hardly break out ever. When I do have a zit or two though I use the clinique toner and that usually dries the sucker out.

  • Lindsey November 5, 2008, 12:39 pm

    I HIGHLY recommend Aveeno Clear Complexion face wash. It’s got a really mild exfoliant, and it cleared up my stress related “skin situation” in (I kid you not) one day.

  • ashley (sweet and natural) November 5, 2008, 12:51 pm

    I don’t have zit advice, but I do have a headband idea! I always work out with a headband made from pre-wrap (like this stuff…http://www.ithacasports.com/prewrap.html). I pull some off, knot it into a loop and slide it on my head. It stays put SO much better than any wrap-around headbands I own.

  • RhodeyGirl/Sabrina November 5, 2008, 1:04 pm

    are you using a new detergent on ur sheets? it could be from the pillow no?

    if not, try losing the headbands for a couple of weeks and see what happens!

  • tfh November 5, 2008, 1:17 pm

    Ugh, zits. This isn’t going to comfort you much, but I had my worst break outs ever in the weeks before my wedding. It’s incredible how body and mind are so connected, darned stress.

  • Ellen November 5, 2008, 2:05 pm

    the only thing i have found that helps clear up my zits without totally messing up my sensitive skin is good old hydrogen peroxide. i wipe some on whenever i get sweaty, see something coming, or pop a zit (not supposed to do that i know, but they do often clear up after that!)

  • Mrs. LC November 5, 2008, 2:17 pm

    I’m sure someone else has already posted this, but I know before my wedding I was breaking out a lot too (and ew it was the summer so all sorts of hot sweaty-ness 24/7). But what really helped is drinking LOTS of water. If you question at all how much water you drink in a day, get a refillable water bottle that has ounce markings on the side. You may end up being surprised at how much you are or aren’t drinking! Plus it’s much easier to keep track of your H2O intake that way.

    And drinking plenty of water makes your hair healthier and shiner, and your nails stronger, which is good for the making of any beautiful bride! 🙂 🙂

    Haha I should give you a list of last minute random tips for the week of/ day before/ day of wedding stuff that I picked up/ learned. 🙂 So excited for you!

  • Katie November 5, 2008, 3:13 pm

    Don’t know about anything natural (sorry!) but Neutrogena RapidClear Acne Pads are great. They come in a canister in a pack of 60, and you just wipe ’em all over. They clear you up so fast, I promise!

  • Oh She Glows November 5, 2008, 3:39 pm

    I find drinking lemon water helps control breakouts…its all I drink now (well, that and peppermint tea, which is good too).

    Love your lunch today- scrumptious!!!

  • Hilary November 5, 2008, 4:04 pm

    I read on the website earthclinic.com that apple cider vinegar is amazing for acne. Some people drank it and others used a cotton swab to put it on their face. I would check out that website and look under “acne”. I’m all about doing things as naturally as possible!

  • Anonymous November 5, 2008, 4:08 pm

    i get zits sometimes too and my best advice is dont pick at them!! I always pick and make them so much worse!! I use clean and clear face wash and I love it but it really helps to use a wash rag instead of just your hands to wash your face
    Mel

  • magpie November 5, 2008, 5:40 pm

    Lunch looks great 🙂

    I’m so glad you asked the skin question because now I got a ton of answers in the comments! My skin has been bad lately too and I don’t know why.

  • Amber November 5, 2008, 6:19 pm

    Hi Caitlin,
    Tea Tree Oil is natural and can work very well for some people with zits. you can get it at whole foods and stores like that, however you have to be REALLY careful to use only a tiny bit because if you have sensitive skin it will cause redness and irritation. I recommend but be really careful!

  • Caitlin (see bride run) November 5, 2008, 6:23 pm

    ohmigod thanks again for all the great suggestions! i think i may try tea tree oil or apple cider vingear! thanks girls, you guys are like a library of information. 🙂

  • littleengine November 5, 2008, 6:36 pm

    i want a free clif bar! i love crumbling those minis up on top of my yogurt and stuff. delish.
    my skin’s freaking out too, so i’m stealing some of the fabulous advice you got 🙂

  • Tray November 5, 2008, 7:04 pm

    sorry about the acne. i had really bad acne last summer, and basically made sure that i switched my pillocase regularly and tried not to touch my face a lot. i blotted as well. WAH! i want a free clif bar?! where did you sign up to get it?!

  • Caitlin (see bride run) November 5, 2008, 7:17 pm

    clif bar:

    http://www.clifbar.
    com/play/pace_registration/

    (no spaces)

  • Pumpkin November 5, 2008, 7:40 pm

    Yum! I love brussels sprouts! (And Grape Nuts- they were one of my favorite cereals as a kid. I’d beg my parents to buy them at the store. Weird, huh?)

    I’ve always been lucky and haven’t had much problems with acne… As a teen, I’d use witch hazel as a toner/astringent. I’ve also heard that tea tree oil is really good for clearing up skin.

  • Meredith November 5, 2008, 8:35 pm

    I’m definitely going to have to try that tofu recipe! It looks yummy!
    As for your skin, sometimes I get some blemishes too that are stress-related. I’ve noticed that cutting out dairy from my diet helped a lot. Also, I use a face soap that is pH balanced. Drink lots of water, get some rest, and try to relax!!!!!!

  • Anonymous November 5, 2008, 9:08 pm

    I’ve struggled with my skin for years. Before my wedding I (obviously) started getting really serious about a skin regime. I had used Proactiv before, but it tended to make my skin very dry. My current skin care routine really seems to do the trick: I cleanse twice a day with Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (drugstore). Very gentle, but gets rid of all my makeup. I also use Dermalogica Microfoliant in the shower every morning; this product’s a little pricey, but TOTALLY worth it – I’m convinced that this stuff has really helped to clear up my skin. And obviously, moisturize, get proper sleep, eat well, drink water, etc… Best of luck, Caitlin!

  • Caitlin (see bride run) November 6, 2008, 4:42 am

    anon – thanks for the advice! i think you’re right, i need to go buy a face cleanser…. i usually just use soap 🙂 i think back in the day i could get away with that, but no longer!! thanks for the tips!

  • amy November 6, 2008, 3:55 pm

    An “asprin paste” always dries my zits right up… I actually used that method last night for the first time in a while!

    Just crush an asprin tablet (Excedrin or another white, chalky, asprin-based painkiller)using a mortar and pestle (or with the back of a spoon). Then add a drop or two of water to make a paste. Apply that to your zits before you hit the sack and you should wake up to smaller pimples.

    My boyfriend’s mom also told me to rub the inside of banana skin on my face to get rid of acne. I do it, but I’m not sure it makes a huge difference 🙂

    Good Luck!

  • Caitlin (see bride run) November 6, 2008, 5:22 pm

    amy – awesome suggestion!!

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