She lives in Bliss

I’ve struggled with problematic skin since my early teens, and it deeply impacted my confidence and often my mood. I tried everything, from high-end luxury products, to basic budget-friendly options, and everything in between, all in search of the miracle solution. While some products offered short-term improvements, the results were always temporary, no matter how consistent I was.

At different stages, I turned to prescription medication, even well into my 30s. For the most part, they worked. But I came to rely on them, knowing the breakouts would return as soon as I stopped using the treatment. It became clear that I was managing symptoms, not addressing the root cause.

I’ve always believed that beauty starts from within, so I started exploring internal causes of acne. After reading up on how different areas of the face can reflect what’s happening inside the body, I began to take a closer look at my diet.

We all know sugar isn’t good for us, but I noticed it had an immediate effect on my skin. As someone with a serious sweet tooth, that realization hit harder than I expected. I knew I had to make some big changes — cutting out sweets, sugary cocktails, and even certain fruits. It helped, but my skin was never truly calm or consistently clear.

In my journey toward better habits, I started drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice with hot water first thing every morning. My original intention was to give my metabolism a boost as I approach my late 30s, but I was surprised by what happened next. Over time, my skin started to feel more resilient. The painful under-the-surface spots became less frequent. And when I did break out (usually hormonal) the blemishes healed faster and felt less aggressive.

Not only that, but I’ve been able to relax a little around my diet. I still eat mindfully, but my skin is no longer the driving force behind every bite. I’ve also stopped spending so much time and money researching the latest “miracle” skincare product because I’m no longer desperate for a fix (except my hunt for a ‘magic eraser’ eye cream to rid me of my dark circles continues!).

While this simple morning ritual might not be a magic cure for everyone, for me, it’s been a small daily act of self-care with big results. It reminded me that sometimes, the most effective changes don’t come from expensive bottles or harsh treatments, but from tuning in to your body’s needs and supporting it from the inside out. Whether you’re dealing with persistent breakouts or just looking to elevate your wellness routine, this small morning habit might just be worth trying. And if you needed any other reasons to give this a go, some of the potential benefits of drinking fresh lemon juice with hot water include:

• Improved hydration
• A natural source of vitamin C
• Support for digestion
• Enhanced iron absorption
• Kidney stone prevention
• Antioxidant support
• Potential weight management
• Boosted mood and energy levels

With love,
Malissa x