Introduction
Ever since I was a kid, I struggled with different skin ailments—dry skin, eczema, acne, dermatitis, skin inflammation, and psoriasis—which meant frequent doctor and dermatologist visits.
One day, I decided I no longer wanted to be primarily dependent on doctors and medications. That level of dependence felt unreasonable, and I knew I could experience healthy skin without it. From then on, my goal has been to find natural answers, which is what I discuss in this book.
Often, the issues we deal with can be eliminated by a change in diet, product, routine, or natural supplementation—especially if we give the process time.
Things to Remember
- Don’t stress about your skin while you heal. Stress often causes or worsens skin conditions.
- Test and time everything. I’ve tried all of this. You learn what works by trying it and letting your body respond. Use these checkpoints to evaluate any change:
- Overnight
- Within 3 days
- Within 1–6 weeks
Different bodies respond on different timelines. If you add supplements or topicals, consider your skin type and allergies. Start with trace amounts first. What works for one person may not be your perfect fit. Trial and error wins.
A lot of information overlaps across the four ailments; use this book like a reference guide and jump to what you need. And keep the faith—complete healing is always around the corner.
Background Information
Acne (Overview)
Symptoms include bumps, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pimples on the face, back, and chest. Causes range from hormones and stress to diet, seasons, and product choices. Sometimes it’s as simple as a deficiency, a dirty phone, a pillowcase that needs washing, sweat after workouts, or hair on your face. If you see yourself here, go to Chapter 1.
Eczema (Overview)
Symptoms include dry, itchy, flaky, red skin. It can make everyday tasks uncomfortable. Medications like steroid creams work, but I’ve found healthier natural routes. If this is you, see Chapter 2.
Psoriasis (Overview)
Often shows as silver/white lesions—itchy, uncomfortable, sometimes painful. It can merge into larger plaques and appear almost anywhere (my scalp was the worst). Act early:
- Lower stress, 2) Clean up diet, 3) Hydrate, 4) Eat nutrient-dense foods.
If it hasn’t escalated, you can often take the reins yourself. Details in Chapter 3.
Stress (Overview)
Stress—mental, emotional, physical, spiritual—weakens immunity and often triggers or perpetuates skin problems. Don’t underestimate its power. Reducing stress is one of the best things you can do for skin and health. See Chapter 4.
Note on forms: I use capsules, topicals, foods, teas, and tinctures. Choose the form that fits you.
Chapter 1: Acne
Acne affects teens and adults. Adult acne is often stress- and diet-related, but causes vary. Finding your culprit takes time, not drama. Many fixes cost nothing and may already be in your home. If you’d rather try first, ask friends for small samples.
Basic Routine
- Wash face 1–2×/day. Keep skin clean, not stripped.
- Always moisturize. Every cleanse should be followed by moisture. Skin should feel comfortable, not tight. Choose gentle, minimal-ingredient options.
- Touch less. No popping or picking—less breakout risk, less scarring.
- Sauna/Steam (light). Sweat helps detox. If inflamed, limit to 1–2×/week; otherwise, more is fine.
- Exfoliate weekly. Use gentle, simple masks (e.g., Aztec healing clay). Focus on clearing pores, not adding actives.
- Pause makeup. Let skin breathe. If needed, choose more natural products.
- Water—lots of it. Hydration helps detox, moisture, energy, cravings, skin freshness, and system function.
- Eat greens. Aim for veggies with every meal/snack (5–6 servings/day).
- Multivitamin. Today’s food isn’t perfect; cover gaps naturally.
- Rest. Sleep supports repair. Use naps as needed.
- Decrease: Makeup usage, shaving, heavy perfumes, harsh detergents/soaps.
Dietary Suggestions
- Fewer carbs, more vegetables; temporarily reduce processed grains.
- High-fiber diet to move toxins and support digestion.
- Avoid in excess: processed foods, sugar, iodine, salt, fatty/fried foods, caffeine, gluten, dairy (if sensitive), very spicy foods.
Enjoy life—moderation is key. Sometimes a full temporary elimination helps.
Vitamins & Minerals
- Chromium: May reduce skin infections.
- Probiotics: Replenish good bacteria; support gut and immunity (especially if on antibiotics). ACV shot can act as a natural probiotic.
- A (beta-carotene): Guards against free radicals.
- B-Complex: Wound healing; tone.
- C: Heals wounds, bruises, scars.
- D: Tissue repair.
- E: Supports outer-layer cell turnover.
- MSM: Collagen and new skin; waste flow.
- Niacin: Circulation; fresh nutrient delivery.
- Zinc: Growth/repair; immune support.
Herbs & Naturals (Immune Boosters)
Astragalus, Burdock, Dandelion, Chlorophyll, Cinnamon, Garlic, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Pau d’Arco, Rosemary, Turmeric.
Topicals
- Tea tree oil (anti-acne/antifungal/antiviral). If drying, reduce frequency or try rosemary as gentler alternative. Always moisturize.
- Apple cider vinegar (natural antiseptic/toner).
Mindset: Be patient, do your part, then let go. You’re more than your skin.
Chapter 2: Eczema
Scaly, dry, patchy skin persists if unmanaged. Start with these three:
- Drink ~1 gallon/day (or proportional to weight).
- Eat lots of greens daily.
- Temporarily eliminate processed foods and sugars.
Shower once daily or every other day. Use gentle products head-to-toe, including hand and dish soap. Harsh detergents worsen eczema.
Basic Routine
- Wash face 2×/day (as needed, not excessive).
- Moisturize face & body—ideally right after showering while skin is damp. Choose gentle, minimal-ingredient moisturizers (Cerave, Cetaphil, or Alaffia).
- Touch less. No scratching; it delays healing.
- Pause makeup on affected areas or switch to gentler options.
- Hydrate heavily. Same benefits list as acne, plus direct skin hydration.
- Eat greens (5–6 servings/day or at every meal/snack).
- Multivitamin to fill gaps.
- Rest to repair.
- Decrease: Makeup usage, shaving, heavy perfumes, harsh detergents/soaps.
Dietary Suggestions
- Fewer carbs, more vegetables; reduce processed grains.
- High fiber for toxin movement and digestion.
- Avoid in excess: processed foods, sugar, iodine, salt, fatty/fried foods, gluten, caffeine, dairy (if sensitive), very spicy foods.
Moderation matters; sometimes elimination helps short-term.
Vitamins & Minerals
Probiotics (allergies/eczema support), A, B-Complex, C, D, E, MSM, Niacin, Omega-3s, Zinc.
Herbs & Naturals (Immune/Soothing)
Astragalus, Burdock, Chamomile, Dandelion, Chlorophyll, Garlic, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Licorice root (inflammation/stress/allergies/liver), Pau d’Arco, Rosemary, Turmeric.
Topicals
- Moisturizer that lasts; apply often enough to stay comfortable.
Mindset: Be patient. Don’t scratch. Stay social and active so eczema doesn’t consume your day.
Chapter 3: Psoriasis
Dry, patchy, scaly, flaky, silver/white, red, itchy, intense, painful. Inflammation is usually high, so handle gently and limit water exposure beyond one daily shower and regular handwashing. Reduce stress and strengthen immunity.
Immediate Actions
- Drink ~1 gallon/day (or proportional to weight).
- Eat a lot of greens daily.
- Temporarily eliminate processed foods and sugar; eat clean.
Basic Routine
- Wash face 2×/day (as needed). Use gentle foaming cleansers and moisturizers.
- Always moisturize face & body—especially post-shower while damp. Keep skin comfortable, never tight.
- Touch less. No scratching/tampering—speed the healing.
- Pause makeup on affected areas. Makeup can aggravate plaques.
- Hydrate heavily (same benefits list as above).
- Eat greens (≥5 servings/day or with every meal/snack).
- Multivitamin for coverage.
- Rest—listen to your body.
- Decrease/Eliminate: Makeup usage, shaving, heavy perfumes, harsh detergents/soaps.
Dietary Suggestions
- Fewer carbs, more vegetables; reduce processed grains.
- High fiber for toxin removal and digestion.
- Avoid in excess: processed foods, sugar, iodine, salt, fatty/fried foods, gluten, caffeine, dairy (if sensitive), very spicy foods.
Vitamins & Minerals
Probiotics, A, B-Complex, C, D, E, MSM, Niacin, Omega-3s, Zinc.
Herbs & Naturals (Anti-Inflammatory/Immune)
Astragalus, Burdock, Cayenne (symptom relief), Chamomile, Dandelion, Chlorophyll, Garlic, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Licorice root, Oil of oregano, Pau d’Arco, Rosemary, Turmeric.
Topicals
- Moisturizer (lasting, gentle).
- Medication as needed for severe cases—if staying natural, lean on the remedies above and continue researching options.
Chapter 4: Stress
If you’re battling any of the three skin conditions, address this one too.
PCP: Personal Care Plan
- Walk. Meditative, clarifying, and calming—even 5–10 minutes helps.
- Exfoliate weekly. Gentle masks/scrubs with minimal ingredients (Aztec healing clay is a simple, economical choice).
- Exercise. Strength, cardio, stretching, resistance, balance—free medicine.
- Water—lots of it.
- Eat greens (5–6 servings/day or with every meal/snack).
- Eat healthier, not perfect. Smart swaps decrease body stress.
- Multivitamin for nutritional coverage.
- Rest. Sleep is a stress-reliever. Extra sleep on high-stress days can help.
Dietary Suggestions
- Less sugar and processed foods.
- One meatless meal per week to rest digestion.
- Hydrate.
Vitamins & Minerals
Probiotics (immune), B-Complex (mental function/stress), C (immune), Zinc (immune).
Herbs & Naturals (Stress/Immune)
Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Burdock, Chamomile, Dandelion, Garlic, Ginger, Holy basil, Lavender, Lemon, Pau d’Arco, Peppermint, Turmeric.
Topicals
- Essential oils as needed (e.g., peppermint for a cooling, soothing effect).
Health Disclaimer
This book is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, supplement, or lifestyle change—especially if you have conditions or take medications. Individual results vary.
© 2017 Destiny S. Harris All Rights Reserved.