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Quick question: Has anyone with problem skin noticed a drastic improvement on Paleo? I am 27 and used to break out regularly, especially during my cycle. I also travel overseas frequently and that added to the skin mess. I was embarrassed to go anywhere without enough makeup to cover my blemishes.

With regular exfoliation and zero sugar (only meat, veggies and fats for me) I have seen the texture of skin transform. I can now go anywhere without foundation, and my husband constantly tells me my skins is glowing. Has anyone else seen a complete change in their skin since starting Paleo?

I ahve also noticed that my hair is shinier and healthier....but tends to get really oily faster than it used to.

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Skin cleared up really well for me. But I don't eat eggs, fruits, nuts, seeds or starches. Only vegetables, fish, coconut oil, red meat. – Korion Dec 2 2011 at 18:30

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I actually started the Paleo diet in hopes my acne would clear. I'm 22 years old, and I've had acne since I was 13. I was treated with accutane for my severe acne/bacne. It helped, but I had to quit the regimen because of side effects. I decided to try the Candida diet, and I could only handle it for 3 months (the diet was making me look like a genocide victim). It helped, but after a year my acne was back. Before the Paleo, I got occasional breakouts on my face, but more than anything I had terrible acne on my upper arms and shoulders.

I'm only on day 5, and I can say my cystic acne on my shoulders is already receding. The paleo is much more satisfactory than the Candida diet. My skin is glowing, Ive had no new breakouts on my arms, and I'm starting to see by abdominals poke their way out again. I cannot explain how great I am starting to feel about myself: I'm not sure if it's the confidence boost or the energy boost from the diet, but..I am so very thankful I found this diet!

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Yay! I sure wish I'd made the lifestyle switch in my 20s. Keep it going! – Nance Dec 2 2011 at 18:24
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Yes, both hair and skin! Unlike Loon, it's the protein and fat that make the difference for me. The more fatty meat I eat the brighter my skin gets and the less itchy.

Because my hair regained its normal oil, which is great at my age of 64, I now shampoo with extract of soap nuts which leaves it soft and shiny rather than too dry (commercial shampoo or vinegar) or still oily (water.)

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Count me in on the skin/hair/nail benefits.
W/an untreated (but Dx) thyroid problem, my skin was dry/itchy, hair falling out, nails peeling... (not to mention a less than stellar diet w/next to no protein/fat)... Within a matter of a couple weeks, not only did my energy sky rocket, but I noticed my hair wasn't falling out as much (smaller clumps)... after a couple months my nails (as long as I moisturize) don't peel/tear... now my hair is growing like a weed - in winter!!... and my skin is much better than it used to be. I thought I was "at that age" where my skin just dries out like nothing... but now, it takes longer to dry out... although I'm definitely at the age where I still require moisturizer... just not as much. To help my skin, I never wear makeup (except a little eyeshadow & lipgloss)... nothing cakey, all powders (easy to remove/doesn't clog my pores)... so I had good skin to begin with... but I have noticed improvements.

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Oh! I should've mentioned nails also. They went from bend-able to very hard and they're growing faster. – Nance Dec 2 2011 at 17:03
That's awesome. I almost get sick reading on yahoo or other sites where they give you the "best" beauty products and advice. They neglect to mention that slathering your fcace and hair with chemicals will not undo the damage from the crap that you put in to your body on the SAD diet. Such a shame, but I am glad that there are others out there who have had the same success. It makes me believe now more than ever that Paleo is the best lifestyle out there. – Kelly Dec 2 2011 at 17:45
Absolutely... when I was having all the abovementioned issues, I had to shampoo/condition almost daily... that included the summertime when I am super active (running for long periods, sweating & being oily). Now that I've changed my diet, I no longer have to condition - at all! I still do my weekly shampoo (as I always did), but my hair looks/feels healthier! =) – SuZQ Dec 2 2011 at 19:25
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The condition of my skin is highly correlated with the quality and amount of carbs I eat, so it is always better when I eat straight lower-carb paleo.

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I wonder if it has anything to do with the way the carbs (depending on the type and amount) react or cause changes in hormones, insulin, etc. – Kelly Dec 2 2011 at 16:59
I think it is an overall reduction in inflammation. I can also achieve this going very low fat, but after a few weeks I overshoot into really dry skin and also get cold and constantly hungry. – The Loon Dec 3 2011 at 22:09
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See here

http://paleohacks.com/questions/80393/what-sort-of-damage-will-30-days-of-anti-biotics-do/80586#80586

Acne is a common complaint.

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