I am fairly new to a LFRV lifestyle, but I have always been somewhat conscious of what I put on my body. About a month ago I decided to stop using any makeup (whether its vegan or not) because I don't want harmful chemicals absorbing into my skin. I never used much makeup (just eyeliner, mascara, and a tiny bit of to cover spots), but I feel that I need to learn to accept my true self. I became disgusted with myself when I traveled to my teachers college graduation and forgot my makeup bag and then made my boyfriend drive me somewhere so I could get some makeup. I NEEDED it to graduate. That was the last straw and I threw it all away.
I have also always struggled with acne on my face. Becoming vegan 2 years ago after being vegetarian for many years has significantly cleared up my skin. I think dairy was a huge part of the problem. However, I still have blackheads on my face (mostly nose) and occasional whiteheads. My skin seems to be gradually clearing up the more I commit for LFRV and since I have abandoned the makeup.
I understand that the skin is a way for the body to get rid of toxins and that is what my body is doing.
What I would like to ask the group is what do you use in the shower for your body, face, and to shave? What do you use for toothpaste? What would be best for someone like me who has a little acne on their face?
Also, has anyone seen dramatic improvement in their acne since becoming LFRV?
Permalink Reply by Don Bennett on Holly, firstly, congrats on embracing the natural you. When it comes to the so-called "Health & Beauty" aids, less is best. So for a shampoo, I'd recommend JR Liggett Bar Shampoo. It has the least ingredients and doesn't strip your hair of its natural oils, so you don't have to use conditioner (other shampoos do this on purpose so you'll have to buy conditioner). You can use this same cleanser on your body, but it would be expensive, so for washing private parts, try Dr. Bronners soap (available in Health Food stores like Whole Foods). Some stores even let you refill your bottle instead of constantly throwing away an empty bottle. You should apply the same level of introspection that you do to your diet to your teeth, meaning, don't assume that you should be using toothpaste. The best way to care for your teeth is "dry brushing", using your toothbrush as a tool, and not as a brush. But let's step even further back... flossing and nightly rinsing before bed turn out to be more important than brushing (but you should still use a brush). Dental info is well-covered here (scroll down to "dental blog").
And re: acne: Eating the diet humans are designed to eat, and paying equal attention to ALL the other equally important aspects of robust health will allow acne to resolve just fine... just give it time; your body may have more important things to catch up on - healing-wise - than acne. Whatever state of ill-health you got into, it won't resolve in a week or a month. (And keep in mind, you can't judge your state of health by your noticeable symptoms.)
NOTE: Due to my current schedule, I will not be following this discussion.
Permalink Reply by Holly on I was just looking at Dr. Bronners soap the other day and considering purchasing some. Good to know. Right now I am using up some vegan LUSH products (I especially like their one soap that is filled with fresh figs) but I feel that there is still a lot of colouring and things in their products that I don't need.
Permalink Reply by Tony on I've been using both of those brands for about 2 years. I use curly wurly and big from lush for my hair and I usually get the almond magic soap for the body.
Permalink Reply by David Costa on I have an acne problem on my back that flared up a while after starting this lifestyle, it's been a problem for 10 years and I'm waiting to see if this lifestyle can finally fix it. I got some sun on it and it seems to have helped it a little, can't wait to go out again later, shirtless bike ride again.
In the shower I use nothing since not long after starting this lifestyle, I just don't smell anymore, that's one of the critical points that makes me love this lifestyle. Forget deodorant, soap, shampoo, try to see if you can adapt to just using water to clean yourself, hang on to your precious oils secreted naturally.
I want to smell some vegan women who don't use anything, drool, lol.
I use a somewhat natural toothpaste, haven't done enough research on that yet, but I picked one that is glycerine, fluoride and SLS free. Only brushing gently with it once per day, and doing a few plain water brushings per day, and also chewing greens after eating fruit to clean the sugar out of the mouth, and swishing water around my mouth frequently.
Permalink Reply by David Costa on As for shaving, this probably won't work for women, but when I shave my face I use the same electric clippers I cut my hair with, with the depth comb removed, not a very close shave but it's fast and doesn't need shaving cream.
Permalink Reply by Shae on You don't smell whatsoever? This is interesting... do you know of any research or information on this they've done studies on? I've never heard of this before!
Permalink Reply by David Costa on About 1-2 weeks after going vegan I just stopped smelling, even after running or cycling it's not bad. I used to feel the need for a shower once or twice a day with soap, now it's just once a day without soap, just warm water and my hands are enough to clean myself with.
I've been trying to eliminate products from my life for months now, I'm finding myself close to not even needing a house to live in anymore.
Been vegan around 40 days now
Permalink Reply by Loloford on Hi Holly,
I've started 811 2 months ago only but I've already had results regarding my acne. Until now, the only means I had to get it disappear was to use the nuskin galvanic spa on my face and chest, but my shoulders and back were covered with spots (not easy to use the device on my back!). Then with the 811 (let's say 99% of the time), it all disappeared and I don't even use the galvanic anymore!
But everytime I eat outside (a meal that is not 811 compliant: for example a salad with cheese in it, or even fish and oil) I get my acne back the very next day.
For my cosmetics I use as many organic products as I can (mascara as well). I've seen an ad for vegan cosmetics too but never tried...
Permalink Reply by jimmy on Do you take hot showers in chlorinated water?,this will dry out you skin and hair somewhat,and ANY soap or shampoo on top of that wont help.If possible do away with all soap and shampoo.I use an environmental liquid soap(Dr Bronners is ok) for washing clothes and bedding and if I have greasy hands from,say, working on the car ,take brief cold showers(very seldom hot showers) in spring water or in the clean creek here,as far as your teeth,my wholelistic dentist's advice is water with some celtic salt added for flossing,brushing and rinsing.
Shaving?,I dont know,I use small,very sharp scissors to trim back facial hair every so often.
I'm fortunate as far as water goes here living in a fairly natural environment,not sure about the acne though,being fortunate never to have had that to deal with.Love girls without make up though...............!
Cheers
Permalink Reply by Holly on Thanks for your reply! I've been looking into shower filters to combat the chlorine, etc. Anyone know of any good filters that are a reasonable price?
Permalink Reply by Stephanie McClennon on my skin has gotten sooo much better since i went raw, and it's gotten even better since i started oil cleansing. use one part castor oil to one part olive oil (or grapeseed, or jojoba, or avocado... :) ) and rub it into your skin for a few mins, then let it sit for a few, then rinse it off with a hot facecloth and follow with your favourite toner (i like pure rosewater), and oil (as a moisturizer/lotion) if you feel the need. sometimes i use baking soda and water as an exfoliant if my skin needs it, and sometimes i'll use an avocado mashed up or clay as a masque.
i use apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water to clean my hair in the shower (rinse rinse rinse it out! you don't want your hair smelling like vinegar). occasionally i'll use dr. bronner's on my body, but usually it's just dry brushing and using an exfoliating mitt with water in the shower. i use tate's miracle conditioner to shave, or i'll epilate. i use baking soda on my teeth :)
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