Since November I've been following the Oil Cleansing Method in hopes of clearing away acne.
Read Part 1 & Part 2 for more details...
Here's the update: Better!
I've reduced my ratio of castor oil to grapeseed oil and it's been less harsh on my face. (1: 9)
I read the castor oil cleanses and dries out the skin and I have extremely dry skin so I need all the moisture I can get sister!
I still have minor problem areas, but I'm gonna stick to this ratio and give it time. Another thing that has helped tremendously is switching to mineral powder as a foundation. I use Alima Pure and it just so happens they are having a 20% off sale. I love their make-up because it is light and free of all those nasty harmful chemicals.
If I could sum up my feelings in 1 word about this book it would be Fascinating.
But I'm a blogger with a head full of words so that's impossible. But really, all around, I just love this book so far.
The writer is vulnerable, witty and does not mince words with her intentions to follow Jesus.
In the following weeks, I will process my own thoughts about these chapters and be a smidgin less vulnerable than she. For some background, read this introduction.
Basic [Review]
To start off this review I thought it was necessary to tell you that the woman gave up coffee people! Four weeks, caffeine free while still living normal life and tending to daily responsibilities. My hat's off to her for that and for the smorgasboard of of other foods she fasted. During the first month, she choose
Her diary during these four weeks is hilarious and of course thought provoking. Because of her very real desire to become more like Jesus, I am considering a similar fast for the next seven days. I honestly can't remember the last time I fasted. I always have a very logical reason not to including pregnancy and nursing and the like, but I find my Spirit hungry for more of Him. When we empty ourselves and surrender to Jesus, He fills us. It's a clear cause and effect of fasting found in the Bible. I totally identified with this quote, "I'm at a place where 'well done' trumps 'well said'...Obedience inspires me. Servant leaders inspire me. Humility inspires me. Talking heads dissecting apologetics stopped inspiring me a few years ago." If you can relate to this, we are 2 peas in a pod.
Favorite Thoughts From The Author
·“I am pierced by Ghandi’s astute observation: ‘I
like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike
your Christ.’” To become more like Jesus is to be the light of the world.
"I wept
for all of my children tonight, my Ethiopian children orphaned by disease or
hunger or poverty who will go to bed with no mother tonight and my biological
children who will battle American complacency and overindulgence for the rest
of their lives. I don’t know who I feel worse for.” This really hit home for me this morning. One of my sons was rejecting a bowl full of cereal because the milk just didn't look right to him. As my mind reviewed all that I had read, I was instantly frustrated because my children also fall into the category or overindulgent as do I. My son had no idea how much food he was wasting on the premise of looks because he had had a full belly all night as he slept. She gave statistics of just how rich we are in America and I need my thought processes revamped in a big way. I already have everything I need.
·“The concept of reduction was never further away
than my next meal. This held me fast to the heart of Jesus. Just as a forty-day
fast inaugurated his public ministry, this month has paved the way.” As the author prepares herself for the next month of fasting, she expresses her gratitude that she started with the topic of food. Food is so woven into our daily lives that a person would be hard pressed to "forget" they are fasting. My heart of compassion was really stirred for my husband after reading this chapter. He was just recently diagnosed with multiple food allergies leaving meat and veggies on the menu. She reduced her diet for one month; his has been reduced permanently until God heals him.
Word(s) That Last
“He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them He
was hungry.” Luke 4:2
Jesus fasted for 40 days, I'm pretty sure I can survive on 7 foods for a week. Prayers accepted!
“You diligently study the scriptures because you think by
them you possess eternal life. These are the scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me
to have life.” John 5:39-40
I can know all about a person by reading an autobiography, but I still wouldn't actually know their inner workings. In this same way, I believe I have know about Jesus for a very long time, but it's not until recently that I have come to relate to Him as an actual person who walked on the dirt of this Earth.
“Jesus, may there be less of me and my junk and more of you
and your kingdom. I will reduce so He can increase.”
That dreaded day when your child has his or her first ear infection is a big bummer for me, and I mean a BIG bummer.
That day has come to the Hopkins' house for my youngest son who is 2 and here I am blogging about it. Now I'm sure you are thinking, "what is the big deal?" I know, I know, kids get ear infections all the time. It's normal, and I agree with you. It's definitely not the end of the world but I have an inner voice that has been growing and I just can't seem to ignore it. I've been on a journey for roughly 3 years now and virtually everything I used to think was normal is being challenged.
It all started when I began researching the natural birthing techniques. From that I was introduced to a wide variety of natural foods, natural skin care remedies, essential oils, herbs, and something called a probiotic. As soon as I read about the literal war going on in our digestive systems between probiotics and antibiotics I was ruined. I needed to know more and thus began a 3 year journey. Read more on the growing concern over antibiotics.
Today, my concern is that my son is in the 60- 80% of kids who take antibiotics for viruses. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, not viruses and Dr's don't usually concern themselves over the distinction when they are prescribing. If the ear drum or surrounding parts look red, or swollen or irritated, they prescribe antibiotics. The problem is that most ear infections are caused by other viruses (the common cold) that will eventually run their course and go away. When we take antibiotics, our bodies build immunity to the drug and eventually after long term exposure the drugs don't work as effectively when we really need them to for serious or life threatening infections.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics
now recommends that, in some situations, measures to control pain
should be instituted before going straight to antibiotics. Using too
many antibiotics on a global level has led to "stronger, resistant"
bacteria surviving. The increased survival of these "resistant" bacteria
has led to difficulty in treating bacterial infections with antibiotics
when we really need them. If we stop using antibiotics for every viral infection the surge of "resistant" bacteria will subside." Read more
Now I may sound a little crunchy, but I promise you I do appreciate balance in everything. I do think there are very sound reasons to use antibiotics and THAT is why I am struggling tonight with this decision. As I was reading about ear infections in particular, there are some guidelines to follow if you happen to not have a PhD after your name. Like me :)
children under 2 who have a high fever
double ear infections
children who have fluids coming out of their ear
My son seems to fit 2 of these criteria. He has had a fever for 3 days. (101-103 degrees) He also has a lot of fluid in his ear, so much so that the Dr. could not see his ear drum. It's not leaking out of his ear, but as we learned in chemistry lab, bacteria like to grow in wet places. This gives me a slight bend towards that fact that this ear infection, his very first, indeed may be a bacterial one that needs an antibiotic. As I pour that pink liquid into the measuring cup, I shudder to think of all of those wonderful live probiotics in his digestive tract that will be wiped out by this antibiotic. I also shudder to think of how many times I rushed to give my daughter, now 7, antibiotics as a toddler without really understanding the consequences. As a woman who loves her children dearly, I feel the heavy responsibility that God has entrusted to me to care for them, and I must trust that when I make a mistake, God is there to fix it.
Just a quick update on how the Food On Your Face theory is going....
(to read the first post for some background info go here)
Christmas Eve
(6 weeks from the start date w/makeup)
This week
(8 weeks make-up less)
So what do you think? Are Crunchy Betty's techniques working? I think so. My face feels more hydrated and clean although after the honey wash I do need to add a little extra moisture.
My routine consists of washing with raw honey in the morning shower. I love honey in the morning because it gently exfoliates and it has antibacterial properties. Afterwards I moisturize with jojoba oil.
In the evening I use the oil cleansing method to remove make-up. My current oil combination is
2 parts castor oil
1 part grapeseed oil
3 drops of peppermint essential oil
I added the peppermint oil because peppermint decreases swelling and redness in the body in general. Logically I hoped it would help with some of the redness in my T-zone. My oil cleansing combination could change soon just because I would like to see an even clearer result so I may play around with other oils. I would also like to incorporate a facial mask once a week into the routine. A few other tips that are recommended by Crunchy Betty for acne include taking a zinc supplement, using mineral make-up and giving your face a "day off." I've incorporated all three of these into my routine as well. More updates to come!
I also found another blogger who I follow writing about her experience with the Oil Cleansing method. Read her post at Live Renewed
We all have different responses to crisis. Some of us freeze, like myself, and start crying. Everyone has their own unique response. Rarely, our reaction is to trust, stop and pray, at least that's not my typical reaction. Now don't get me wrong, action is needed and I am thankful for all of the helping hands around us. :) But how does God respond to our crisis?
"Remain calm; the LORD will fight for you." Exodus 14:14
"He is my defender; I will not be defeated." Psalm 62:6
"Is any of you in trouble? He should pray." James 5:13
About 48 hours ago I was on the verge of a crisis. I had no idea it was coming of course, but this is what I have learned since then. When we are in crisis, God is fighting for us and the Holy Spirit is comforting us.
Two days ago my husband was covered in hives, having an allergic reaction to something unknown. He's never had one this severe before. We've never fought this battle before. His body was slowly shutting down, his blood pressure was dropping, he was experiencing anaphylaxis shock. As the ambulance wheeled him away and my adrenaline was pumping through my body my only prayer as I was driving to the hospital was, "Jesus, help me calm down." I hate the affects of adrenaline. Shaking, cold sweats, erratic thinking. We have this response as humans as instinct to protect ourselves from predators. My body was responding normally, but how many of us know how hard it is to pray when you are surging on adrenaline? Well, I may have gotten 3 words of that short simple hail Mary prayer right. Jesus - the source of all of our help, our comforter and strength in times of need help - I recognized I was weak and not in control of the situation calm - something in my spirit understood God works on our behalf and adrenaline was getting me nowhere
Coincidentally, (except that I don't really believe in coincidences) I had been reading a book by Max Lucado titled, When God Whispers Your Name. The next chapter on my list yet to read was, The God Who Fights For You. (What, did you think I came up with this idea on my own? wink, wink)
Mr. Max poses this question, "what is God doing when you are in a bind?" He gives 3 examples from the Bible. The first is when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt by crossing the Red Sea. The second is when Moses and the people fought the Amalekites. In both situations, Moses stopped what he was doing and prayed. The last example is when King Jehoshaphat was fighting the Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites all at the same time. The whole nation went on a fast and prayed and received a word from the Lord that said to "stand still and you will see the Lord save you."
Yesterday, as I was talking to my Grandma on the phone, she reminded me that when we are weak, He is strong and it clicked. American culture values strength and independence. Not me, not anymore. I choose to believe God on this issue. If there's anyone I want on my team, it's Him!
So as my husband continues to have daily allergic reactions, my hope is that I remain calm and pray.
"Give me faith to trust what you say.
That you're good and your love is great.
I'm broken inside, I give you my life.
I may be weak, but your Spirit is strong in me.
My flesh may fail, but my God you never will."
Give Me Faith from the Elevation Worship- for the honor
Update 01FEB12: The allergen that caused the anaphylaxis shock was pineapple. My husband had a skin test done and his allergens are numerous. Egg whites, soy, milk, yeast, all nuts, tropical fruits, oranges, all outdoor weeds, trees and grasses are the positive reactors thus far. Please pray for God's divine healing.
This is what my face looks like without any foundation or powder. Yes, I'm brave enough to reveal it to the world, as shallow as that might sound. Ok, ok, I do have some eye make-up on.
So, why am I revealing this picture to the world wide web? Well, to allow you a close-up view of my journey to clearer skin. I have had acne since the beginning of puberty. Like most of us, I have hated it, tried most cleansers on the market and have found no answers. I have not tried acutane or any other hormonal fixes, but aside from those, 18 years of disappointment and embarrassment. My goal is not perfect skin, just skin clear enough NOT to have to wear make-up or be mistaken for a teenager when I walk the halls of a local high school. In my quest for better skin, I ran across this book from one of my favorite real food bloggers. She gave her review of the book and I thought, "Why not?"
I've been trying conventional store bought products for the past 18 years with little success.
So I ordered the book, Crunchy Betty’s Food on Your Face for Acne and Oily Skin, devoured the information and bought a few ordinary, basic ingredients. I bought
raw unpasteurized local honey
cold pressed Castor oil
cold pressed grapeseed oil
cold pressed jojoba oil pronounced (ho-ho-ba) I'm saving you embarrassment at the store. :)
My plan, and that which is recommended in the book is to start out with a simple honey wash for 2 weeks. Raw honey has antibacterial elements and gently exfoliates with some drying factors. After 2 weeks, I found that the honey actually caused my face to be too dry. This is a very bad thing because the more you strip your face of it's natural oils, the more oil it will produce which encourages more acne.
So, I added an oil cleanse to my routine. She gives MANY recipes for oil cleanses, make-up removers, masks and facial steams. My first attempt was 2 parts castor oil and one part jojoba oil. I found after washing exclusively with the oil cleanse method my dryness has receded along with some acne. I have decided to tweek the oil recipe a little to experiment with the grapeseed oil. My wash for the next two weeks will be castor oil and grapessed. I hope to post a picture with some improvement by then! Join me in the journey. I figure, if I've given conventional products a try for 18 years, I might as well give a good effort towards the food on your face method.
The waiting part... isn't that sometimes the hardest part of life? I mean sometimes patience is so hard. Like when I'm starving and Jesse and I were waiting for a table last week at Olive Garden. All I wanted to do was go up to a stranger's table and ask them to spare a bread stick. I would pay them back in about 15 minutes with a new one, c'mon. We wait during pregnancy for lots of things, waiting for those first treacherous 15 weeks to be over so that we can stop puking and get on with eating normally. We wait for the first 20 weeks to go to the ultrasound and hopefully find out the sex of the baby, and then it's the last home stretch that's really the hardest.. waiting for the labor to begin, waiting to meet this new little person. Sometimes waiting is so hard. I think it's hard because the minutes feel like hours when your mind is so preoccupied by one single thought.
Yesterday was like that.
I was waiting at the doctor's office to talk to a specialist about my kidneys. As I look around all I see is very old, overweight people in the waiting room. I feel out of place, and then I see a 15 year old boy, ahhh there's hope, but then I see his Mom trailing behind him with worry written all over her face. Ugggh The news from the Dr. is no news at all, just more tests and some reassurance from him that it's a good thing I made an appointment. More waiting... 3 weeks of it in fact. Help me God, not to be so preoccupied with this one single thought that I miss out on life. 3 weeks is a lot of life and I don't want to miss it. I do think there's some internal work I need to do because it does not do a person good to just shove it.
As John Eldredge says in Walking With God, "Life will present us with hundreds of opportunities in a single week to take a look at our internal world, to walk with God there, to become more fully his. Don't let your internal life go unshepherded."
So I guess my prayer for today is for balance. To walk with God in this waiting room period of sorts and to live life.
