I didn’t always have clear skin. Actually, my history with my skin is a long and originally frustrating one.
From puberty into my early/mid-twenties I was at war with my breakouts; I remember refusing to go to school, and faking sick to avoid having to expose my latest breakouts. I never did Accutane (read too many horror stories), but I subjected my skin to regular facials and extractions, prescription cremes, pills, scrubs, cleansers, and cortisone shots. I wish I could show you a photo of my acneic skin, but I have none. They were long destroyed.
To be totally honest, looking back at that time it’s hard to imagine my skin being that bad. I know it could have been a lot worse, but the constant pimples and irritation were a burden and an embarrassment.
Growing up
As I got older I gradually experienced fewer breakouts, but I saw a major improvement in my skin when I started eating a vegan diet. I remember working the counter at my old restaurant job, and a handful of people––on separate occasions––complementing me on my great skin. The first time it happened I felt like I was being made fun of, because I was so used to being self conscious of my breakouts I couldn’t fathom really having good skin. But alas, my dream of clear skin was becoming a reality.
I won’t go into too much detail about how I maintain my healthy skin through my diet. For that info you really ought to check out this post I did a couple of months back.
Today I want to get into my actual skincare routine. These days I look for products that increase my skin’s radiance, keep it supple and hydrated, even out my skin tone, and––of course––keep me breakout free.
I use these products on a daily basis, and have been doing so for months, which is why I thought I’d share them with you. Lotus Moon sent me some products to try a couple of months ago, and I loved them so much that I reached back out to them to ask if they’d be interested in doing a giveaway on Sweet Potato Soul. They said yes, so this week I’m giving away the Lotus Moon facial trio which includes the mask, the cleanser, and the polisher. All of the products are vegan, organic, and fair-trade. Oh, and they smell amazing and feel luxurious. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
My skincare routine breakdown
Remove that make up:
I always use coconut oil. Gone are the days of relying on cold cream––filled with shady oils, scents, and other potentially dangerous additives. Coconut oil will remove your makeup gently and effectively. Done.
Cleanse:
You can use coconut oil and water, or a number of other natural DIY concoctions to was your face. I like something that makes me feel extra clean so I use the Lotus Moon amaranth cleanser or the Whole Foods 365 Brand gentle cleanser for “sensitive skin”.
Tone:
I don’t show this in the video, but when I do spot a pimple attempting to emerge, I dab it with a bit of apple cider vinegar. It’ll dry out, and be gone. Ain’t nothin’ as powerful and versatile as apple cider vinegar.
Exfoliate and scrub:
The fabulous skincare guru––and my LA esthetician (yeah I’m fancy like that…sometimes)––Adina Diaz recommends using a gentle scrub to slosh off dead skin and let your glow shine, 2 or 3 times a week. I’ve in love with the cardamom polisher from Lotus Moon because it leaves my skin feeling baby soft, and it smells like heaven.
Mask it:
My incredible Nana first introduced me to the Aztec Healing Bentonite Clay. Apparently a woman at Nordstrom had gorgeous skin, and considering her grandbaby’s struggle, she asked the woman for her secret. It is this clay mask. Since Nana bought me my first jar, I’ve been using this at least twice a month (used to be once a week, but I got lazier). It absorbs the toxins from your skin, and dries out any lurking pimple reserves. I mix mine with apple cider vinegar for extra potency, and leave it on for about 10 minutes. One jar will last me at least 12 months!
Moisturize:
This is probably the most individualized part of a skincare routine. Depending on your skin type, different moisturizers/creams will work better or worse. For years I’ve sworn by the Lotus Youth Preserve cream by Fresh, but now I’m crazy about the Lotus Moon B12 serum. It smells so good, and it feels like getting a facial every single time I use it. I will often use the Fresh cream around my eyes at night, or coconut oil for extra attention in that special area.
There you have it! My tried and true skincare routine, which is half the reason my skin looks so great these days. The other half is my diet and lifestyle, which I don’t think my skin could thrive without
Tammy / April 25, 2015 at 12:30 am /
I just discovered you TODAY through your YouTube channels and you are absolutely adorable! Loving watching what you’ve posted and I think I have my weekend plans all sorted out now 🙂 I’m still working on sorting out my skincare routine, but I’ve been phasing out non-vegan and animal-tested products (using up what’s left) and have enjoyed discovering new brands. Looking forward to seeing more that you have to share!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:04 pm /
Hey Tammy!! I’m so glad you found my channel and blog 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words, and for watching! xoxo
Nozee77 / April 24, 2015 at 8:37 pm /
My newest discovery in skincare is a certified vegan, organic brand namend Pureskinfood.
The sets consist of a tonic and a beauty oil for layering skincare. My skin has improved a lot, since I use that stuff!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:06 pm /
Wow! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Quincy Malesovas / April 24, 2015 at 5:52 pm /
I don’t currently have a skin routine that I love- so I am very eager to try out these new products! Hopefully I see results. (:
ammauceri / April 24, 2015 at 4:08 pm /
I just purchased a face washing brush, hoping it freshens my face! Thanks for the chance to win.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:08 pm /
Sounds nice!! Thanks for entering 🙂
Terri Jones Cole / April 24, 2015 at 3:12 pm /
I’m struggling with rosacea. I wonder if the bentonite clay would be helpful. Thanks for a lovely giveaway!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:08 pm /
Yes, that could help. Also make sure to eat plenty of anti-inflammatory foods, and stay away from those that cause inflammation.
amber / April 24, 2015 at 1:41 pm /
Eating an abundance of fresh, raw fruits and veggies helps my skin clear so quickly. I notice the difference when my diet gets off track. Definitely going to check out this skin care line. Been looking for a great natural and vegan line for a while!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:09 pm /
I love it. Good for you 😉
Gabrielle / April 24, 2015 at 12:35 pm /
I too used to have troublesome skin, and also saw a HUGE change after I went vegan. But I still have some leftover redness/scarring, or PIE, on my light skin! Did you have anything like that, or PIH, and how did you deal with it? It seems to be fading for me, but very, very slowly (as in years).
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:12 pm /
An exfloiator or microdermabrasion may be helpful for that. I used to have more scarring, and thought about getting a fancy acid peel or microdermabrasion, but didn’t commit. It faded over the years though.
Emily A. / April 24, 2015 at 11:56 am /
i think my biggest clear skin tip is to reduce stress as much as possible!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:12 pm /
Amen to that!!
Kelsey Raymond / April 24, 2015 at 11:41 am /
My skincare tip is to always use moisturizer. I grew up with oily skin so I was under the impression that moisturizer would just make the problem worse. Not so! I use moisturizer on my face every morning and night and it’s actually significantly reduced the amount of oil that my skin produces!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:12 pm /
Great tip! That’s so true 🙂
Lara / April 24, 2015 at 10:57 am /
I’m a major coconut oil convert! I use it as a moisturiser before I go to bed, on my legs every morning (they’re my driest part!) and sometimes on my face in the day (though not too much or I look greasy!) Alcohol definitely gives me breakouts, so I stopped drinking so much. I also use a wash cleanser from a brand called ‘Good Things’ (I’m in the UK so not sure if you have it there) – but it smells divine and keeps my skin really clear too.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:12 pm /
Nice!! You’ve got a great routine 😉
Koren / April 24, 2015 at 10:55 am /
Oh, adding apple cidar vinegar to a clay mask – that’s genius! Will definitely be giving that a try. Thanks, lovely! 🙂
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:13 pm /
Yes!! it’s da bomb 🙂 xo
Starla / April 24, 2015 at 6:54 am /
These all sound amazing! Now that I religiously remove makeup everyday I see a huge difference whereas previously I was too lazy and thought nothing about it. I also really love coconut oil as a moisturizer and I exfoliate weekly.. SWEAR by exfoliating! PS- I live in ATL, so cool that you grew up here! 🙂 Cute blog xo
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:14 pm /
Hey ATL girl 🙂
Yes, removing make up is a game changer! You’ve got a good routine going on. xo
Ambet / April 24, 2015 at 4:07 am /
Baking soda paste (baking soda & water) dries out my pimples. I use it as an exfoliant too.a
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:14 pm /
Oh, I love that!
Cindy Woodward / April 24, 2015 at 1:47 am /
I love the coconut oil cleanser idea. I use it as a body moisturizer. Cant wait to try Lotus Moon.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:14 pm /
mmmm!!!
paula9 / April 24, 2015 at 1:23 am /
i am just a junky, try lots o different natural products.. love citrus scents, or sea minerals. my tip is to drink enoughwater, get enough sleep, eat right, moisturize.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:14 pm /
Great tips!! Yes, I love scents too. I think that’s what I love about using products as opposed to kitchen stuff or diy.
Afroniquely | Shae / April 24, 2015 at 1:00 am /
I’d love to try either the cleanser or that b12 serum. I have acne flare ups and would love to once and for all nip them in the bud. So I’m ready to start having better skincare practices and I want to also try doing oil cleanse method since I have uber sensitive skin.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:17 pm /
Yes, I think this stuff would be helpful. Diet #1 though. Do you know what causes the acne flair ups? Hormonal imbalances are often a culprit too. Good luck! xo
Debra / April 23, 2015 at 11:58 pm /
I would love to try the product as well, however I use walnut oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and argan oil daily after cleansing with Illuminating Cleanser and Toning with anti-inflammation toner by KCMD.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:20 pm /
Sounds lovely!
Heather Bock / April 23, 2015 at 11:42 pm /
I’ve been wanting to improve my skincare routine but I’ve felt a bit overwhelmed with where to start. Your video was really helpful… thanks!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:20 pm /
I’m so glad it was helpful for you!! Thank you 🙂
Chloe Mackenzie / April 23, 2015 at 11:29 pm /
can’t can’t can’t go wrong with coconut oil!!! I spread it all over especially with how much I sweat
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:20 pm /
Right?!?! Coconut oil is where it’s at!
Jeanie K. / April 23, 2015 at 10:55 pm /
I would LOVE to try the Lotus Moon Sincare Trio!
Barbara LaRosa / April 23, 2015 at 10:48 pm /
When I’m having a break out I use baby shampoo as it’s super sensitive and not overly drying! That’s my skin tip 🙂
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:21 pm /
So interesting! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Janece / April 23, 2015 at 10:43 pm /
I typically use the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Cleanser with a hot muslin cloth every day. However, the Lotus Moon amaranth cleanser sounds amazing! I will have to check it out 🙂
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:23 pm /
Nice! Sounds luxurious 🙂
Kats5dogs / April 23, 2015 at 10:17 pm /
I’m a big fan of anything that does not harm animals in the making. xoxo
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:23 pm /
Meeee tooooo!!
Natalie Cartledge Ⓥ / April 23, 2015 at 10:15 pm /
I love Shea Moisture and Nubian Heritage products.
Rachel / April 23, 2015 at 2:36 pm /
I use a shea moisture mask once a week. Love it!
Erin Murphy / April 23, 2015 at 12:18 pm /
Always use natural products! Thanks for the opportunity!
Carmela Clemons / April 23, 2015 at 3:35 am /
What is the cost to each product? I have very acne prone skin and I would like to try out the product myself 🙂
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:26 pm /
Check out their website https://www.smbessentials.com/lotus-moon.html 🙂
Ginger-vee Carter / April 22, 2015 at 5:04 am /
Having a weekly ritual is def key
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:26 pm /
Oh yes!
Brittany / April 22, 2015 at 2:12 am /
I just found your blog/youtube and I gotta say, I’ve been a bit obsessed looking through everything! 🙂 I recently went through a bout of extremely dry skin (possibily due to my thyroid levels being off) and I purchased derma e Hydrating Facial Treatment Oil on sale for $5 (woo hoo!) at Ulta, and it has worked miracles on the dryness since I began using it two weeks ago. Your skin looks so healthy, so I would be so excited to try out what you use! Definitely going to try out the coconut oil as a makeup remover!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:27 pm /
Hi Brittany!! I’m so glad you found my site 🙂
I love that those products are working for you. I got some samples of derma e recently, but haven’t tried them yet. Now I’m looking forward to doing so.
See you around 😉 xo
nikki / April 22, 2015 at 12:44 am /
Staying away from dairy helps my skin
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 5:07 pm /
Fantastic!! It greatly helped mine too 🙂
nicole dziedzic / April 21, 2015 at 8:43 pm /
I never heard of these products before but I would love to try the mask!!!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:28 pm /
Oh yes!! It’s great 🙂
erin / April 21, 2015 at 6:33 pm /
Argan oil has really helped with my dry skin this winter and also seems to cut down on my breakouts
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:28 pm /
That’s great! Argan is great 🙂
Greta Aukštuolytė / April 21, 2015 at 5:24 pm /
Although nothing really seemed to help me on my battle with acne I’ve seen some improvement on my skin using coconut oil and lemon, but only temporal! I would love to try lotus moon skincare products! I’m in desperate need for something effective…
Rust / April 21, 2015 at 3:18 pm /
My secret is coconut oil (and olive oil for when my skin is really dry.) I also add coconut oil to my smoothies, it’s helpful inside and out.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:28 pm /
Nice!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Irene / April 21, 2015 at 11:07 am /
Honey is great for the skin too! leave it on the skin 15 minutes and it will look clean and fresh 🙂
Kirsten Mandt / April 21, 2015 at 5:24 am /
#1 thing that has always helped me is exfoliation + moisture.
My skin has been really dry lately and I like to slather on coconut oil then use a face brush in the shower.
Mykalee / April 21, 2015 at 4:36 am /
Thank you for this! I’ve been wanting to find a better skincare routine! I love he fact that you talked about what you do on the inside as well as the outside for better skin health.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:29 pm /
Thanks so much for watching/reading 🙂
Jasmine Jorden / April 21, 2015 at 4:16 am /
My current skin care routine kind of sucks. LOL!! It is not vegan at all. I have been trying to find the perfect natural products but the stores near me never have vegan products for skin care. I just use Noxima cleanser on my face, proactive mosturizer, and proactive face lotion
Carla Sophia / April 21, 2015 at 2:45 am /
I’m motivated to find the right skin care routine that works! So far, I’ve bern using a Raw Black Soap, and moisturizing with Jojoba oil. I find this post to be very helpful in my search for natural, healthy solutions to skin care! I would love to win this contest!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:29 pm /
I love jojoba too 😉
Jordan Dunne / April 21, 2015 at 2:04 am /
I’ve been looking for some good recommendations for facial skin care products, and these seem to be just what I need! I definitely struggle a bit with acne and now dry skin after this awful winter. I’d love to try the polisher.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:30 pm /
Oh yes, it would probably be very helpful 🙂
Melisa SameOle'Melu Tate / April 21, 2015 at 1:47 am /
I’m looking forward to trying all of the products! I have pretty acne prone skin so I’m willing to try anything that will provide results.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:31 pm /
Yes! And the acne is sometimes due to hormonal imbalances. I’ve found that taking zinc (hormonal and immune system balance) and vitamin C (antioxidant) help control/prevent breakouts.
Sarah Cotter / April 20, 2015 at 11:53 pm /
swooning over the clay mask!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:31 pm /
YES! I adore it!
Elisabeth / April 20, 2015 at 11:06 pm /
I would love to win the amaranth cleanser. I don’t really have a skin care routine, but this video has gotten me excited about starting one!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:31 pm /
Yay! That makes me happy to hear 🙂
mikaykaylingl / April 20, 2015 at 9:13 pm /
I use an oil based make up remover and a generic brand cleanser. My face has been oily and breaking out a lot lately so I would like to devote more time and energy to my skin. This giveaway would give me the opportunity to do so without spending my college money lol
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:31 pm /
oh yea! Good luck!!
Alethia Norman / April 20, 2015 at 9:11 pm /
Never tried these products but would love to if it will help with my blackheads I seem to get often
reea / April 20, 2015 at 8:38 pm /
I try to drink a lot of water, and my secret is the shea butter. 🙂 My name is Beatrix Nemeth. 🙂
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:32 pm /
Awesome! Thanks Beatrix 🙂
BeaJae / April 20, 2015 at 8:17 pm /
Thanks for the opportunity.
I’ve used the Aztec clay as a mask before, and it did the job. If selected, I’m looking forward to trying the polisher b/c I really want an effective, gentle exfoliant.
Ruth / April 20, 2015 at 7:36 pm /
I would love to get some good new products for my skin,this winter it has gotten so dry 🙁
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:40 pm /
I hear ya! These would be so great for that 🙂
NyaaKrystal / April 20, 2015 at 6:46 pm /
Oh wow that b12 serum looks interesting…I wonder how works for dry skin. I plan on experimenting with my skincare routine sine I’ve been getting acne out of the blue these days
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:45 pm /
I don’t know how good that would be for dry skin. On the bottle it says “oily to normal”. Check this out http://www.smbessentials.com/lotus-moon/natural-organic-skin-care/normal-dry-anti-aging-regimen.html
Tamara / April 20, 2015 at 6:23 pm /
Apple cider vinegar mix with water as a cleanser.
I try to drink a lot of water and right now I am not used makeup
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:45 pm /
It is nice to take a break from makeup too. I wish I had mentioned that in the vid 🙂
Jenny / April 20, 2015 at 5:56 pm /
These products sound amazing. My favorite skin care tip is one you’ve already covered — apple cider vinegar!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:46 pm /
YES!!
Sarah / April 20, 2015 at 5:54 pm /
I’ve heard lots of good things about Lotus Moon. I’ve been looking for high quality vegan facial products for awhile.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:46 pm /
Great! This is great 🙂
Aliyah Worthy / April 20, 2015 at 5:06 pm /
<3! Keep doing what you're doing girl! You're great at it!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / April 25, 2015 at 6:46 pm /
Thank you so much girl 🙂 xoxo
Lindsay / April 20, 2015 at 5:06 pm /
I am looking forward to using the polishing cream. Thanks!