55 Ways to Get a Little Nautical on Your Wedding Day

Nicole Weinrich
Oct 26, 2014

If the open sea is your favorite place to be, a nautical wedding may be the perfect way to spend your big day. From anchors to boats and seersucker to seashells, there are so many fun ways to incorporate your love for the sea into your wedding day. No matter what the venue, your guests will surely enjoy these preppy details and maritime-inspired decor on your big day. Brides, get ready to set sail for your perfect wedding day!

1. Escort Life Preservers: Easily up-cycle life preservers into escort cards with just a little bit of paint. This escort card display elegantly doubles as a piece of bold wall-art (or even a photo booth backdrop) for the guests to enjoy. (via 100 Layer Cake)

2. Tying the Knot: Tie the knot on your wedding day — literally! A fisherman’s knot is said to be the strongest knot out there. We love the idea of adding this sweet sailor tradition to your wedding ceremony for nautical (and romantic) flair. (via Rose Ala Mode)

3. Beachside Bride: This beachy boho wedding inspiration is ideal for an non-traditional bride. We absolutely adore the soft simplicity of this wedding gown paired with the unique sea star crown. Of course, the beach makes the best backdrop. (via Burnetts Boards)

4. Bow Hair + Dress: A perfectly preppy look can be a fun way to style your wedding day. We can’t take our eyes off this bold-backed bow dress in a deep shade of blue, and don’t even get us started on that amazing hair style! (via Ruffled Blog)

5. Bright Blue Napkin Table Setting: Give your guests something to gasp over when they reach their reception tables with a beautiful table setting. These bold blue napkins add a serious pop of oceanic color to your reception tables. (via Grey Likes Weddings)

6. Geometric Dessert Table: Every guest’s favorite part of the wedding? The dessert table, of course! The nautical color scheme of blue and gold gives this dessert table major sophistication, while the geometric theme keeps the look fun and simple. (via Ruffled Blog)

7. Barefoot on the Dock: A casual nautical wedding lets you kick your shoes off and have a good time. We love these candid wedding day photos of the bride and groom dockside! (via Modernly Wed)

8. Blue + Gold Champagne Bottles: What would a wedding be without champagne? We love the gold and glittery upgrade to these beautiful blue champagne bottles. These guys prove that it really is all in the details on your wedding day. (via Ruffled Blog)

9. Sparkly Blue Bridesmaid Dresses: There is a major wedding trend a-brewing for all you brides out there — mismatched bridesmaids dresses. What’s even better? Mismatched GLITTER dresses! This collection of navy sparkle bridesmaid dresses look sensational next to your classic wedding dress and mimics the shimmer of the sea. Perfect. (via Once Wed)

10. Message in a Bottle: If you’re into whimsical traditions, a message in a bottle can be a cute way to capture the beauty of your big day. Whether it’s your vows or a message to the groom, let your love loose into the sea with this unique wedding day idea. (via Ruffled Blog)

11. Sailboat Centerpiece: Who would have thought a mini model boat could make the perfect centerpiece? This wooden sailboat with embroidered sails makes a classy centerpiece for a nautical wedding day. (via Ruffled Blog)

12. Pink + Blue Macaroons: We think that macaroons are quite possibly the chicest dessert ever, don’t you agree? We love the color combination of these sweet treats for a preppy nautical wedding dessert! (via Grey Likes Weddings)

13. Nautical Wedding Head Table: It’s your wedding day, so all eyes should be on you, right? This elaborate head table, complete with cascading flowers and a velvet bench, ensures that people wont be looking anywhere else during your nautical-themed wedding reception. (via Inspired By This)

14. Preppy Striped Table: Nothing says preppy quite like stripes! A blue and white striped tablecloth is an easy way to add a subtle yet striking pattern into your wedding day decor. (via Style Me Pretty)

15. Sailboat Bride Photo: So you’re ready to sail away into the sunset with the love of your life? Show off your love for the sea with a beachy, sailboat bridal photography session on your wedding day. (via Style Me Pretty)

16. Sailboat Cake Toppers: Take your cake from average to awesome with one little detail — sailboat cake toppers! These little boats turn a plain white cake into a nautical bride’s dream dessert! (via Stephanie Hunter)

17. Dockside Bridesmaids: Where do we even start? From the dockside location to the sailor-esque dresses to the bold red accents and ribboned flowers, we cannot get enough of this nautical bridal party. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

18. Nautical Pennant Cupcakes: Do you love cupcakes as much as we do? Then skip the cake and feature these delish desserts at your wedding reception. Give them a bit of nautical flair by topping with easy-to-DIY ocean hued pennants. (via Bayside Bride)

19. Pastel Bridesmaids by the Water: Pretty pastels can give your seaside wedding a soft and sentimental feel. These soft-hued bridesmaid dresses may be just the style you’re looking for if you’re planning to spend your wedding day on the water. (via Something Turquoise)

20. Beach Reception Table: What could be more nautical than a wedding reception on the beach? Get inspired to plan your own destination wedding with this sweet table setting for two. (via Ruffled Blog)

21. Drink Boat: Store your drinks nautical-style on your wedding day! Give an old canoe new life with a little bit of ice and a whole lot of drinks to keep your bar afloat during your festive wedding reception. (via Style Me Pretty)

22. Nautical Nantucket Engagement Photos: All aboard this amazing engagement photo shoot! If you’re planning a nautical wedding, kick off the festivities with your engagement photos on a vintage wooden sailboat — what could be more romantic than sailing into the sunset with your sweetie? (via Style Me Pretty)

23. “Just Hitched” Rope Sign: Announce your big news to the world in nautical fashion with this DIY rope sign. This easy project is a must-make in preparation for your wedding day. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

24. Love is the Compass of Life: Little details like this compass and nautical love quote can complete the look for your themed wedding. Find inspiration to personalize your wedding day to make it special for all involved! (via Style Me Pretty)

25. Marine Rope Wedding Shoot: Incorporating bright white boat rope into your bridal beauty look can be a fun way to tie in your nautical theme. This simple knotted rope headband looks absolutely gorgeous.(via Belle & Chic)

26. Simple Floral Cake: If you’re hoping to design a wedding cake that will make a major statement on your wedding day, think floral! Adding a mini floral bouquet to your bright white wedding cake can add a classy punch of personality! (via Style Me Pretty)

27. Driftwood Sailboat Escort Cards: All you DIY wedding planners out there will love this simple escort card inspiration! A piece of driftwood becomes a mini sailboat to help guide your guests to their seat. Functional, easy and cute are three of our favorite qualities in wedding details! (Stephanie Hunter)

28. Elaborate Dock Reception Table: This setting says it all. A dock and a multitude of sailboats are an amazing backdrop for a single wedding reception table. Go all out with elaborate table decor to dress up your outdoor reception. (via The Bridal Detective)

29. Rustic Anchor Dessert Table: We love this rustic take on the typical nautical wedding theme! The aged bricked provides a unique backdrop for this simple dessert table. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

30. Sunset Sail Engagement Photos: A beach-inspired engagement shoot lets you announce your nuptials in a nautical way. The bright detailing on the sail adds just the right amount of color to this dreamy photo shoot. (via Wed Society)

31. Nautical Wooden Sign: We know that this vintage sign would be easy for any of our makers to create. Add nautical details to your wedding with this anchor sign inspiration, then glam it up with a glittery tablecloth. (via Style Me Pretty)

32. White Lace Bridesmaid Dresses: These days the bride isn’t the only one who gets to wear white! We love these lacy white bridesmaid dresses for a subtle, non-traditional bridesmaid style that stands out against your seaside location. (via Magnolia Rouge)

33. Nautical Knot Placeholder: Make your placeholders a little knotty with this easy inspiration for decking out your tables. Pair simple stationary with gorgeous script font with these place holders for a truly sea-inspired place setting. (via Style Me Pretty)

34. Flower Girl Anchor Dress: If you’re going full-fledged nautical with your wedding day style, don’t forget your flower girl’s look! We cannot get over how sweet these perfectly petite flower girl dresses are! (via Ruffled Blog)

35. Oar Wedding Menu: You could have boring paper menu OAR do something totally out of the ordinary! Display your wedding reception menu on vintage oars for a unique DIY idea. (via Inspired By This)

36. Blue + Red Beach Reception Table: A classic color scheme is the ultimate way to tie together your nautical wedding day. This tablescape shows off a bold red, white and blue theme for a chipper reception right on the beach. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

37. Groomsmen Boat Entrance: Your groom deserves an entrance fit for a ship captain on your wedding day! We know his groomsmen will be on board with this fun wedding entrance idea for your waterside wedding. (via Snippet & Ink)

38. Nautical Anchor Cake: We don’t know what we love most: the icing anchors or the subtle sailor rope around each tier. It’s impossible to choose what detail is our favorite on this preppy nautical wedding cake. (via Ruffled Blog)

39. Nautical Rope Bridal Headband: We love the vintage charm of this bride’s beauty look on her wedding day. Her dress and hairstyle are reminiscent of the ’50s, while her bold statement necklace is modern and trendy. (via Green Wedding Shows)

40. Groomsmen Boat Shoes: A nautical wedding theme gives you the freedom to go a bit casual on your big day. Get your groomsmen matching boat shoes for a handsome wedding day look. (via Style Me Pretty)

41. Cape Cod Beach Wedding: Toes in the sand and ring on your hand! How serene and special is this ceremony locale? All you need is white chairs and a little driftwood to pull off this minimalistic wedding style. (via Wedding Chicks)

42. Simple Dockside Reception Table: Who wouldn’t want to celebrate their big day in romantic dockside style? We are so on board for this preppy pairing of stripes, nautical decor and a stunning setting for your wedding reception. (via Ruffled Blog)

43. Anchor + Rope Ring Bearer Pillow: This pretty pillow will transport your rings in nautical style — everything from the stripes, anchor and rope gives it a casual seaside vibe. (via Intimate Weddings)

44. Seaside Ceremony Setting: Looking out into the water can be a magical way to spend your wedding day. Start planning your destination wedding with this simple seaside inspiration. (via The Perfect Palette)

45. Blue + Gold Table Setting: A fancy place setting can make each guests feel like a star at your wedding reception. This fabulous combination of blue and gold details looks utterly amazing! (via Style Me Pretty)

46. Life Preserver Wedding Photography: Are you stumped thinking of creative ways to photograph your big day? Let us give you a bit of nautical inspiration with this life preserver picture. Seriously, how cute is this? (via Inspired By This)

47. Driftwood Table Decor: For all you artsy brides out there, this centerpiece inspiration is for you! Simply scatter driftwood and seashells across your reception tables for a shabby chic way to decorate your seaside wedding. (via Ruffled Blog)

48. Marina Bride + Groom Photo: You’ve got the perfect guy and just the right dress — make sure you get a picture that shows both off. We love how the sailboats frame this romantic marina shot of the newly married couple. (via Raw Photo Design)

49. Rustic “By The Sea” Driftwood Signs: The right authentic wedding decor can make your wedding truly feel like an escape. This weather driftwood sign with a romantic quote is a great way to incorporate nature into your nautical wedding day. (via Style Me Pretty)

50. Bridal Party on a Boat: All aboard! Your whole wedding party will really be able to let loose if they get to cruise around on a boat during your wedding day. If you’re celebrating your big day on the water, ditch the wheels for this transportation inspiration! (via Aisle Perfect)

51. Seersucker Groom’s Outfit: We admit it, we are totally suckers for a bit of seersucker. Can you blame us? This preppy combination of fabrics and colors is a fun way to dress your man up on your nautical-themed wedding day. (via The Perfect Palette)

52. Oar Wedding Signs: This is a DIY project just waiting to be made. Mini oars make fun signs for your wedding day festivities to direct your guests where to look for everything from drinks to dancing. (via The Every Last Detail)

53. Bright Red Bouquet: For lovers of flowers and all things colorful, this bridal bouquet is the ultimate wedding day inspiration. This bright bouquet features gorgeous red flowers for the bride that wants to make a statement on her walk down the beachy aisle. (via Ruffled Blog)

54. Nautical Wedding Kiss: Capture your first kisses as husband and wife on camera in the most dramatic and beautiful way. A beachside background makes an amazing setting to celebrate your love on your wedding day. (via The Knot Blog)

55. “Just Married” Nautical Exit: Your big exit is the best way to finish off your wedding day. This boat escape and driftwood sign are the best way to announce your “just married” status in a nautical way. (via Stephanie Hunter)

What is your favorite nautical wedding inspiration? Share your favorites with us!

Trader Joe’s Just Brought Back A “Cult-Favorite” Dessert In A New Flavor

Get excited, because Trader Joe’s just brought back a seasonal flavor of one of their most beloved frozen desserts. Mini-sized and perfect for mid-day – or, let’s be real – midnight snacking, the Hold The Cone ice cream has gracefully returnedwith the taste of none other than coffee! Yum. TJ’s fans are already running to their nearest stores to grab a box (or two!), so you're definitely going to want to grab this limited-time item before it runs out.

Scroll on to discover more about the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones from Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones category includes classics like strawberry, chocolate, and chocolate chip, but a newcomer just joined the lineup: coffee bean! The cones are truly a cult-favorite item amongst shoppers, including myself!

Trader Joe's

According to Trader Joe’s, the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones feature mini chocolate sugar cones lined with a “chocolatey” coating that are then packed with a rich and “strongly flavored” coffee bean ice cream.

Trader Joe's

Chocolate and coffee is a truly stunning food combo, so coffee and dessert lovers will adore this new iteration. Additionally, their small size makes them absolutely irresistible for snacking sessions – I could honestly eat the whole box in one sitting.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the returning find with their Instagram followers, and it was an instant hit among those who know and love ‘em, and people who have never tried the cones before.

“Yassss my favorite flavor!!!” one person commented.

“I will be buying two boxes tomorrow,” another declared.

“I don’t understand why this is a seasonal flavor!” someone else pointed out.

Reddit

One box of the Trader Joe’s Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones is just $4, and that guarantees you 8 mini-sized ice cream cones to share – or keep all to yourself.

You can find this new drop in between TJ’s freezer aisles next to so many more sweet finds like the Blood Orange Mochi and the Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream. I’m craving ice cream already!

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The 10 Best Tom Hanks Movies That Have Aged Brilliantly

With an acting career that spans over four decades, Tom Hanks (born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks) is revered as one of the most beloved and well-respected actors in Hollywood. Whether he’s portraying a lovable man-child in Big or voicing a trustworthy cowboy sheriff doll in Toy Story, the now 68-year-old actor and filmmaker has managed to capture the hearts of audiences around the world, solidifying himself as an American cultural icon. Aside from having many prestigious awards under his belt, Hanks’ impressive acting catalog includes a movie or two that is an absolute must-watch. (Ahem, I’ve watched You’ve Got Mail more than a dozen times, but who’s counting?)

From Cast Away to Apollo 13, here’s a list of the best Tom Hanks movies everyone should watch at least once—if you haven’t already!

1. Forrest Gump

Paramount Pictures

One of the most memorable quotes from this widely-praised classic comes from Forrest Gump himself, where the titular character repeats a phrase often used by his late mother: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

That’s just one of the inspirational lessons you will take away throughout the film. Serving as an adaption of Winston Groom’s 1986 novel of the same title, Forrest Gump follows an Alabama man who doesn’t let his intellectual shortcomings stand in his way. From fighting on the front lines of the Vietnam War to captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest Gump is living his life to the fullest.

But he yearns to be with his childhood love, Jenny, who goes on to live a troubling life. Not only was Forrest Gump a box office success (garnering a whopping $678.2 million worldwide during its theatrical run, btw) but it was admired by critics and fans alike, earning an 8.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. While this Tom Hanks movie has faced some controversy over the years, its redeeming qualities make it one of the most iconic movies of the 90s.

2. Toy Story

Disney

Woody is the true definition of best friend goals. Woody’s unwavering fearlessness and ability to go to infinity and beyond for Andy (AKA his owner) and his fellow toys is quite endearing. It’s hard to picture anyone other than Tom Hanks voicing the iconic vintage doll. From the moment Woody is first introduced on screen, Hanks brings a story of charm and je ne sais quoi to the character that can’t be replicated.

While the Toy Story movie franchise consists of four movies (with a fifth movie currently in the works, ICYMI), the first Toy Story movie will always be a fan favorite, earning an 8.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Philadelphia

TriStar

Moving, poignant and unforgettable. Those are the three words that describe Hank’s phenomenal (and don’t forget Oscar-winning!) performance in 1993’s law drama Philadelphia. Meet Andrew Beckett, a lawyer working at a prestigious law firm in Philadelphia. In a desperate attempt to save his career, he keeps his HIV diagnosis and homosexuality a secret from his co-workers.

However, an employee discovers his secret, and as a result, Beckett is let go from the law firm. Angered by the firm’s decision, Beckett enlists the help of a Black lawyer named Joe Miller (played by Denzel Washington) and sues his former employer for discrimination.

From the talented ensemble cast to the film’s underlying message of social injustice and prejudice, Philadelphia is an absolute must-watch from beginning to end. And the ratings speak for themselves: Philadelphia has a 7.7/10 on IMDb and 81 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. ​Big

20th Century Fox

If you ask me, Big is like the big brother to 13 Going on 30 and 17 Again. Directed by Penny Marshall (who you may recognize from the TV sitcom Laverne & Shirley!), Big follows a 12-year-old boy named Josh Baskin, who wishes he was “big.”

One day, he wakes up as an adult. However, Josh longs for the days of childhood. But what makes this film so great? Hanks brings such a childlike innocence to the role that you can’t help but smile whenever he appears on screen. Whether he’s playing with toys or gleefully playing a sonnet on a life-size piano keyboard with his feet, Big makes you feel an enchanting sense of nostalgia, where you can think back to a time when life was so carefree and being a child wasn’t a distant memory. Also, it has a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb and a whopping 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

5. Sleepless in Seattle

TriStar

As someone who has watched Sleepless in Seattle more than once, I can’t say enough how much this timeless rom-com deserves a spot on this list. From the undeniable chemistry between Hanks and Meg Ryan to the talented ensemble cast, this is a movie I put on whenever I’m in the mood for a genuine, heartwarming romance. What’s not to love?

Following the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin and his son move to Seattle for a fresh start. One night, Jonah calls into a radio station to find his dad a new wife. While driving late at night, a journalist named Annie Reed is listening to the same radio segment and she falls for Sam, but—get this—she’s engaged.

Unable to get him off her mind, Annie takes a leap of faith and writes to Sam, asking him to meet up on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. If that doesn’t scream romance, then I don’t know what does. Though Sleepless in Seattle received a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains one of my fave Nora Ephron films and Tom Hanks’ swoon-worthy portrayal of Sam is chef's kiss.

6. ​Cast Away

DreamWorks

If you were questioning Tom Hanks’ range as an actor, just put on Cast Away (which has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) one time and you’ll see for yourself. I mean, the man is acting alongside a volleyball named Wilson for most of the movie, for crying out loud.

Hanks is a force to be reckoned with in this film, where he plays a FedEx executive who survives a plane crash and becomes stranded on a deserted island. As he fights to survive, he dreams of one day reuniting with a person he holds near and dear to his heart: his soon-to-be fiancée.

7. ​Saving Private Ryan

DreamWorks

The first time I watched Saving Private Ryan was in Social Studies class. Middle school, to be exact. Set during WWII, Saving Private Ryan follows Captain John Miller and his regiment as they embark on a journey to locate Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat.

This movie will stick with you after the screen fades to black and the end credits roll. And Hanks’ ability to capture Captain John Miller’s sincerity and valiantness with so much authenticity was nothing short of spectacular. But that’s not the only reason why it deserves a spot on everyone’s watch list. While it’s certainly not an easy watch, this film tells an impactful yet inspiring story about resilience, loss, and the disastrous conditions of war. Not to mention, it has an impressive 8.6/10 rating on IMDb and 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Need I say more?

8. ​Catch Me If You Can

DreamWorks

What do you get when you put Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio in a crime-action comedy? Catch Me If You Can, that’s what! Serving as a live adaptation of Frank Abagnale Jr.’s autobiographical book of the same name, Catch Me If You Can revolves around the young conman, who becomes the most successful bank robber in the history of the U.S. before the age of 19.

Frank has done it all: he’s worked as a doctor, a lawyer, and as a co-pilot for a major airline. In a cunning game of cat and mouse, FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (played by Hanks) tries to bring Frank to justice, only for Frank to be one step ahead. It garnered an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. And don’t even get me started on Hanks and DiCaprio being the ultimate on-screen duo.

9. ​Apollo 13

Universal Pictures

“Houston, we have a problem!” If you heard this iconic phrase before, I bet you didn’t know that it came from the 1995 docu-drama Apollo 13. Aside from its stellar ensemble cast, the film was also praised for its accurate retelling of the Apollo 13 lunar mission.

The year is 1970. A crew of three astronauts boarded a NASA spacecraft in hopes of landing on the moon. When an oxygen tank explodes during their mission, the crew must find a way to survive and make it safely back to Earth. Not only is it regarded as one of the best movies of all time, but it also received praise from critics, earning a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. Splash

Buena Vista Pictures

Last but not least: Splash. Sure, the plot may be a bit cheesy. But it has everything that makes an '80s rom-com great. Strong chemistry? Check. Quirky humor? Oh, there’s a lot of that! Splash follows a man who's reunited with a mermaid that saved him from drowning 20 years ago.

Now, as an adult, he falls in love with the mermaid after she ventures onto dry land to find him. However, their perfect love story is cut short when a scheming scientist tries to expose her secret to the world. Now, I know what you’re thinking: This movie has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb and it somehow received a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes (with an audience rating of 65 percent.) But Splash is an overall good time. If you’re looking for a chuckle or two, you’ll get it with Splash. (And can I just say that Tom Hanks is so charming and funny in this film?!)

What’s your favorite Tom Hanks movie? Did we miss one on the list? If so, let us know in the comments and read up on the 10 Cringy 90s Movies That Would Never Be Made Today for more!

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4 Expert Tips For How To Treat Hormonal Acne — & Fast

I don't know whether to treat my period acne as guests or annoying pests. I'm familiar with balancing my hormones, but even that seems to be a great mystery when painful breakouts appear on my forehead or chin. Even relying on a face wash fromFarmacy Beautyisn't always a match for their stubbornness.

But esthetician Danielle Gronich wants to dispel the idea hormonal acne's impossible to treat. Plus, she's exposing the truth about ingredients that could be causing flareups 👀. Known as The Acne Guru, Gronich has over 10 years of experience treating cystic acne, and is the founder of both the San Diego Acne ClinicCLEARSTEM Skincare.

Ready for our acne to be in great hands?

Scroll to learn The Acne Guru's top 4 tips for treating stubborn hormonal breakouts

What's the biggest myth about hormonal acne?

Taylor Nicole/Dupe Photos

I love relying on TikTok to find cute matcha drink recipes to remake, but I know some of the skincare advice shared on the app shouldn't be followed. But there's one thing in particular Gronich isn't a fan of.

"The biggest myth about hormonal acne is that you have to be on birth control in order to solve it. This myth is all over social media, but I believe it comes from the medical world not really understanding hormones and having to rely on prescriptions to override them."

Would you believe me if I told you she's not wrong? I've been on birth control off and on since I was teenager, but I've yet to see it get to the root of my acne problem!

What are different types of hormonal acne?

Anna Nekrashevich/Pexels

Did you know not all hormonal acne stems directly from your period? According to Gronich, "there are many different triggers" for it with "the most common ones being stress and high sugar or processed foods" because they "impact our hormones." However, that's not all!

"Also extremely common is PCOS, estrogen dominance, progestin-related acne from certain birth control controls like the hormonal IUD, and then there is another type of hormonal acne caused by the vitamins and supplements we take," she adds. Going a step further, Gronich says "certain vitamins and supplements can spike testosterone or interfere with other enzyme processes that throw off our hormones."

I guess this is why my doctor always recommends I consult with her before taking random tablets so I'm not disrupting anything in my body!

Why do I see breakouts on my forehead, cheeks, or chin sometimes?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Remember the face mapping tool we were introduced to years ago? There's truth to them which is why Gronich created a Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker for you to get more insight about what you're putting on your skin. But back to what your breakouts are trying to tell you!

Given Gronich's experience, she knows "different areas of the face can represent different parts of the body." She sees "hormonal acne most on the chin and jawline" because "we have the deepest hair follicles there." Want to know what this means for our body's reaction to certain foods and products?

"Dairy has insulin-like growth factor hormone so many people who consume dairy regularly get hormonal acne right on their chin. Some people are taking too much vitamin B 12 which throws off their hormones and you see it on the jawline," she says.

Then there's our relationship with using a ton of beauty products. Gronich is firm about telling "people to remove pore-ingredients from their skin care ad makeup" because "acne that's all over your face" is the direct result of "something that's being put all over your face." Not being aware of what we're using "will flare with our PMS cycle, so we accidentally think it's hormonal," accodring to her. But nope!

"...it can also just be caused by those hidden pore-clogging ingredients," she states.

Okay, how do I treat what feels like hormonal acne?

Yan Krukau/Pexels

No matter your skin type, there's a few ingredients you can use to treat hormonal acne over time. "People can treat their hormonal acne with mandelic acid, and spot treatments like sulfur," Gronich shares. She also says, "Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tool as well but must be used carefully so as not to over strip the skin. Don't take this advice lightly because I accidentally created more issues when I used this haphazardly.

If you don't want to use Benzoyl peroxide, she says you try "ice rolling." The amount of times you can use this tool depends on your skin type. "...if you are oily, you can use these treatments every day."

How do I treat dark spots left over from hormonal acne

Ron Lach/Pexels

Gronich's tips for treating dark spots are making me rethink my shower habits because I've been doing the opposite of what's considered helpful for my skin. She says, "Avoid using hot water in the shower as it continually inflames the skin and further damages the delicate scar tissue!" Furthermore, you can "use anti-inflammatory products," according to her.

"Serums that contain hyaluronic acid can be very helpful, as well as gentle massaging to activate circulation which stimulates our wound healing response in the skin. Red light therapy can also be fantastic for scarring, along with professional micro needling treatments," she remarks.

The best things you and I can do are being mindful of what we eat, supplements we take, and what we put on our faces. Also, a lot of patience goes a long way when treating hormonal acne.

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