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I’ve always had problematic skin. It’s not nearly as bad as it used to be. And in fact, I was able to say goodbye to acne for good. But unfortunately, years of having acne have left a mark. I finally found some holistic skincare that actually makes a difference – without irritating my skin or making it oilier!
My Worst Problem Spot
My nose is my worst problem area. The pores on my nose were clogged as early as 5th grade. I couldn’t get them to clear, no matter how many masks, pore refining strips, toners, serums, gels, or facial saunas I tried. They stayed that way for at least 20 years. So now that they’re finally not clogged anymore, the pores on my nose are huge.
Remember that moment in The Truth About Cats and Dogs, when Janeane Garofalo’s character says she likes her large pores because she needs somewhere to keep her keys and spare change? That’s my nose.
Why You Gotta Be So Sensitive?
Even after I got my skin to stop breaking out, my face was so sensitive. For a few years I gave up on the idea of using anything other than organic shea butter or jojoba oil on it, and just a soft cotton washcloth with water to cleanse. Any fragrance at all would irritate my skin.
And, any “natural” or “non-toxic” products I tried would actually cause my nose to push out little beads of oil to try to force the product out. My theory is that oily skin is at least partially caused by the skin trying to flush out toxins when the body isn’t hot enough to sweat.
I can’t wear foundation or anything like that on my skin, or it will get irritated or broken out. I will occasionally use a few spots of concealer, but that’s about it.
Laser Resurfacing Was a Waste of $700
Eventually, I decided to try having my skin laser resurfaced. I saved up for it, and went to my first appointment with such high hopes! When my face healed though, the rest of my face looked a tiny bit smoother, but my nose actually looked worse and had more red bumps on it. So disappointing!
Once a Product Junkie, Always a Product Junkie
I’ve never quite forgotten about how much I used to love fancy skincare products.
One day I saw Talia Likeitis (of Banned-Together.org) raving about her favorite skincare line. She has beautiful skin.
So, on a whim, I contacted Agent Nateur‘s customer service to find out which of their products could help refine pores, and they steered me toward their Holi Trinity set. “Holi” as in “holistic.”
I got the travel size set to use just on my nose, and even that felt like a splurge.
So How Did it Work?
Obviously, I wouldn’t be telling you about these products if they didn’t work ah-mazingly well. They make a noticeable difference in my pore size, especially if I use them morning and night. My nose looks so much smoother and a lot less red.
Full Disclosure
I loved these products SO MUCH that when the travel size bottles ran out, I contacted Agent Nateur to find out if they have an affiliate program so I could possibly earn free product. They said they are no longer accepting affiliates at this time, but they would love to collaborate on content with me.
You are now reading that content.
So, yes! I did receive some free products in exchange for writing this post! But YES! I would recommend them anyway, and I already did over on the “My Faves” page.
A Discount Code
Since I’m not an affiliate, I can’t offer you a special deal of my own. But, if you’d like to try Agent Nateur’s Holi Trinity or any of their other products (they have natural deodorant too – haven’t tried it, but it looks lovely!), use Talia’s “AGENTTALIA” code for 15% off your first order.
Healthy Skin from the Inside Out
I started taking a fulvic acid and humic acid supplement a few weeks ago, and that has really been helping my skin, too. Even when I slack off on my skincare routine, I’m noticing smaller pores and smoother skin. My hair has also been less oily, so I can go a day longer before I have to shampoo it. It makes sense that it would help, since healthy skin is really an “inside job.”
Putting My Best Face Forward
In the big picture, my skin is really not a big deal. I know this.
Still, when my husband tells me I look pretty in an “I can’t tell what’s different, but I love it” way, and when skincare products can help me to feel less embarrassed about the acne scars, I think it’s OK to go for the nice skincare. When I run out of the Holi Trinity I will for sure be ordering more.
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