The Low Histamine Chef

Hi there, thanks for posting a question about one of my favourite topics! I have been no poo since Christmas.

Topically applied histamine can cause histamine release. That's why my "acne" finally cleared up after years when I finally fixed my diet. Here's an excerpt from a blog post:


"Have you…

Ruled out allergies, histamine/salicylate issues, or are you already following a low histamine diet but still suffering from migraines, facial rash/hives, rash on your jawline/neck/upper back/chest/upper arms/thighs? How about an itchy, flakey scalp or hair falling out by the bunch?

I had all of them. But one of my scariest symptoms was small bumps on my lips that multiplied till they deformed my poor smile and eventually started leaking clear fluid. This went on for a few months till one day I woke up to find my lips had completely burst open. I was only 18 but it felt like my life was over. My lipsticks were imported from the states and I eventually ran out of them a few days later. Imagine my relief when all my lip symptoms magically disappeared. I began purchasing lipsticks from that day on based on whether or not they gave me a migraine. I’d apply it and walk around the block a few times shaking my head. Yes, I looked like a crazy person, but it’s a method that served me well for the next 14 years, till I came to understand the role that cosmetics played in my declining health.

The first year on the low histamine diet my skin looked pretty darned good - but didn’t completely clear up, even with the antihistamines I was taking. Imagine my surprise when my lifelong acne, facial hives and redness disappeared almost the week after kicking luxury cosmetics to the curb. How counterintuitive. My wrinkles have smoothed out, my skin glows and I feel that I truly look like myself for the first time. A picture I recently posted on Facebook elicited over 25 comments including: “tell us your secret!” and at dinner the other night I was introduced to someone who almost (literally!) fell out of their chair when I told them my age.

So, where does this leave those of us with make up allergies/histaminosis/histamine intolerance? I’m not ready to look like a mormon but I’m not ready to compromise my health - that’s why I’ve spent the last year documenting all my tips and tricks for a low histamine/non-allergenic beauty routine. I’ve put it all into an ebook that I’ll be finishing in the next few weeks. In the meantime for more information check out “No More Dirty Looks” and let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything I can help with!"

I remained convinced (for a long while) that natural histamine would be better tolerated than chamicals by my skin. I still remember the day that I decided to dip my head into a bowl of diluted cider vinegar. OUCH!!! Never ever to be repeated. My body was on fire for hours. I now use shampoo on the ends of my hair once every few weeks but shampoo has not touched my skin since December. Even my hairdresser manages to wash out my highlights without touching my scalp. I only have them done once every 6-8 months (am rocking the California balayage/grown out look luckily). 

The point is, going no poo is possible - baking powder doesn't agree with me at all. My scalp just needs a very vigorous scrubbing with my fingers, and sometimes a dedicated nail brush, a little aloe vera gel to spruce it up, or a little home made dry shampoo...

As for the rest: I use argan oil as moisturiser, RMS Beauty and Hemp Organics for make up. 

Would love to hear other people's experiences too. 

Dirk's view on it is that histamine is released by applying them to the skin. Not in the same quantity, but there is a release. 

Hope this helps!