Disappointed in no change in my skin (day 23)

[robolt]

I'm disappointed that my skin is not clearer after starting this program. I realize I have a week left, but my skin is not clearer and I can't imagine it will be much clearer in a week. I've never had a really bad diet but I would eat dairy every day and I would go through periods where I would eat a lot of sugar, but then go days without eating it. I'm 37 now and have been struggling with acne since I was in high school, so 20 years! I've seen dermatologists and tried so many creams, antibiotics, etc. So I really had faith that a major diet change would help. But it hasn't yet, Has anyone experienced this? I can't imagine doing Whole 30 for another month, but if I have to, maybe that's what I need to do. Any advice?

[J9er]

I have a host of skin related issues. Admittedly acne is not one of them, but I do have experience with the slow response the skin can have to diet change. 

You do have a week left, and yes lots can happen in a week. But even if it doesn't completely clear up, I would suggest either continuing on to see if it will clear, or doing the reintros to try to pin point what exactly is causing your breakouts. The skin is tricky as it can often be the last thing to clear and any reactions you may have to a food could be delayed so I would suggest a slow deliberate reintro if you go that route.

I did 3 rounds of Whole30 over the course of 2 years and have been Whole30-ish the rest of the time. My skin finally cleared but I do continue to have minor struggles with it. 

It is something you will have to be persistent with, but I just wanted to encourage you not to give up because it can be really discouraging I know. 

 

[Laura01]

One of the things that really helped me make the decision to try the whole 30 was the hope that it would help clear up my skin.  I was hoping that dairy was the cause of my problems.  I'm just finishing up day 20 and there is no difference in my skin.  I have been taking weekly pictures with no makeup so I can more accurately compare.  My skin actually looks worse right now than it did the day I started.  I'miss really struggling to not quit with the hope that sometimes your skin has to get a little worse before it gets better, the breakouts that I have now may have been forming before I started the whole 30.  

[robolt]

15 hours ago, Laura01 said:

One of the things that really helped me make the decision to try the whole 30 was the hope that it would help clear up my skin.  I was hoping that dairy was the cause of my problems.  I'm just finishing up day 20 and there is no difference in my skin.  I have been taking weekly pictures with no makeup so I can more accurately compare.  My skin actually looks worse right now than it did the day I started.  I'miss really struggling to not quit with the hope that sometimes your skin has to get a little worse before it gets better, the breakouts that I have now may have been forming before I started the whole 30.  

Sorry you're dealing with this as well. I was so hopeful my skin would improve. It did get worse during the course of the whole 30. I'm on day 27 now and it's still not clearer. My back is also problematic as well. I think I'm going to continue to eat this way for awhile and see if I just need more time.

[kellyfoss]

My skin didn't clear up until about day 28 (I'm on day 36 right now, did an extra week or so). I actually broke out more during the second and third week, and then it finally cleared toward the end. I think it was just my body purging all the toxins and crap that it needed to. It has now been a week and no break-outs (fingers crossed!). Maybe you do need more time? Or maybe something else you've been eating a lot of is affecting you and you don't realize it? I hope it gets better for you soon!

[Carol]

Bone broth did wonders for mine.  It's not instant.  But I noticed some change after about a week.   And after a couple of months,  the differences were even more noticeable.