I originally heard about Makeup-Free Mondays from a podcast with Alexis Wolfer. Alexis is the founder of the online mag, The Beauty Bean. Go check it out because it is awesome!

I thought it funny that there was a “thing” called “makeup-free Mondays” because I am almost ALWAYS makeup-free on Mondays. It’s a work day for me, which means I’m slaving away alone in a hot kitchen, which means no makeup necessary.

I totally support the idea though. Not just because girls don’t need makeup to be beautiful, but also because it is good for your skin!

Which led me to thinking about my skin and skin care routine. People ask me about my skin A LOT. Usually in the form of a compliment. This is always shocking to me. Maybe because I have a hard time taking compliments… that’s another post. It’s shocking because my skin is hardly perfect. Let’s just say I get my fair share of pimples. But I will say that most of the time it’s pretty clean, clear, and under control (anyone, anyone?). Are genes to blame? I’m sure that plays a part. However, I’ve seen a direct correlation between the tips listed below and my skin being “good” or “bad”. So I thought I’d share some Clean Plate Clean Face tips with you today. And in honor of makeup-free Mondays… here is a little photo experience of me without makeup.

yes, i wear this hat a lot.

Don’t

Stress

Nothing will singlehandedly ruin my skin like stress and anxiety. It does not matter how clean I’m eating. If I’m overwhelmed to the max… I will breakout. Stress Busters include breathing, meditation, yoga, a walk, journalling, talking to a friend or counselor, sex, watching YouTube puppy videos. I’m sure you have a few of your own.

Lose Sleep

7-8 hours. So important and heavily connected to reducing stress (see above)

Eat Dairy

I see it time and time again in other’s and in my own life. Dairy = Pimples. I know that’s simplifying it a bit. I also know that there are a myriad of other foods that cause people to breakout. However, I think that eliminating dairy is a HUGE first step in clearing up skin issues. That being said, I’m going to go enjoy a Gluten-Free Pizza tonight. Why? Because you only live once and I won’t die (or self-loathe) from having a pimple on my chin this week.

Do

Oli Cleansing

I use a mixture of castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil. Another great oil to add is Jojoba Oil. You can also add a little essential oil for smell, just make sure you don’t get it in your eyes. I wrote about oil cleansing a while back.

Yogurt Face Masque

You shouldn’t eat it, so smear it on your face! I got this tip from Alexis during her podcast interview on The Wellness Wonderland. The specifics: Full Fat, Organic Greek Yogurt is best. Spread a thin layer on your face, once a week. The lactic acid and healthy probiotics go to work on cleaning up your pores and exfoliating your skin. Amazing!

Mineral Makeup

Try to not wear makeup everyday. Our skin was not meant to be covered constantly. If you do wear makeup, make it as clean as possible. I like Afterglow Mineral Makeup. Burt’s Bees for my lips. I haven’t graduated to clean mascara and eyeliner yet. I just love my Full and Soft in Brownish Black by Maybelline.

 

I understand that these minor interventions may not work for some skin situations. They are a great place to start, but for more in-depth info head over to Liz Wolfe’s Skintervention Guide. I promise that she will have more specific info about how to tackle most any skin issue.