Feb 24: My Acne Story.

Hi guys,
Something I try not to let people know is that I have struggled with oily, acne prone skin since I was 11.
During the time between then and now I have tried pretty much everything under the sun to try and control/prevent them. From medication to proscription creams to the pill to drugstore products and even ProActive. They all started off promising however within a month or two my skin stopped reacting to it and it would end up the same as it was before I tried the product. It was very frustrating.

Sensing that it was something else, I turned to face mapping and a change in Diet. A lot of my dad's side of the family are wheat or gluten intolerant so that's where I started. I cut out all bread and cereals. Seeing that it was actually doing something, I went to my doctor to have tests done. Seeing as I was still on my wheat/gluten reduced diet the tests came back negative even though I was displaying all the symptoms. My doctor then recommended me to go see a gastroenterology. Though I'm still in the process of being tested but it is all going well.

As well as cutting out bread and cereals I have also started cutting out refined sugars and refined/white rice and have stopped eating fast food and junk food (mostly). I was taught the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables since I was very young, something I am incredibly grateful for.

I also started doing little things like:
- changing my pillow case twice a week
- making sure my phone is clean
- regularly washing makeup brushes
- getting more exercise
- not eating straight before going to bed
- getting more sleep
- reducing stress by doing yoga
- making sure I get enough vitamins everyday.
This article also helps with treating specific places that are breaking out.

I've now found that I need to swap around my cleanser every few days. I now use the 'gel cleanser' from this range most days, using the 'antibacterial cleanser' from this range every few days.

I also found a homemade face mask that works really well for me.

EXFOLIATING FACE MASK
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Honey
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Nutmeg

1. Combine 2 tablespoons of honey with a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of nutmeg until it forms a paste.
2. Rinse face with warm water and pat dry with a towel. Apply mask using fingers starting from the nose working your way out and around the face avoiding the eye area. This should only be a thin layer other wise it will drip.
3. Do something else for 30 minutes then rinse off using warm water and a face washer. I usually cleanse using my everyday cleanser afterwards like I normally do just to get rid of any dead skin left behind.

Honey has antibacterial properties so can help the skin heal promoting new skin growth (perfect for scars) and can help fight swelling by killing infection when applied to acne. Similar to honey, nutmeg and cinnamon also have antibacterial properties as well as anti-fungal ones to fight infection. The cinnamon and nutmeg also act as an exfoliate and bonus points because is it smells amazing too. However nutmeg can be harsh on sensitive skin, so I recommend testing a bit on your inner wrist to make sure its okay to use.

I hope my story helps someone.
Until next time,
Liana xx

Feb 17: if necessary use words

Hello,
I have been a very busy little bee these past few days.

Friday I had a study skills seminar at Swinburne Uni. I learn a lot of things that I can use to get the best score I can this year, including how to take notes, when to study, how to study etc. The boring but useful stuff really. I think I might do a blog post on what I intend on doing study and school wise, if it isn't to boring. I did get to see some people who I haven't seen in a while, which was fantastic.
Also on Friday night my youth leaders asked me to host/lead our C.O.W. (change our would) night in a months time. I need to come up with a subject for discussion by this coming Friday, it shouldn't be too hard. I'm going to ask around an see if anyone else ha any ideas. If you guys have any ideas please leave them in the comments :)

Yesterday my family took a beach trip to Rosebud to not only make good use of the fantastic weather we have had for the past 2 weeks, but to visit my uncle and aunt, their 'new' dog, son and grandson. New meaning four years old but we haven't been down to see them in that long we haven't met her. They are part of the Mcray yacht club who were running a race that day which was really nice to watch while we had a little dip. We had fish and chips for dinner on the beach, I say on the beach I really mean on the yacht club balcony, while watching the sun set over the water. We took their dog Poppy for a walk along the beach to burn it off. It was an amazing day. We go there for a late lunch and stayed until after night fall and got back at 10pm.

Today was pretty boring. Way to hot to do anything. My darling sister was very cranky; she doesn't do well in the heat. We also went to my sister's church to listen to a guy (Ian McCormack) speak about his life and give his testimony about how he came to know god when he died 30 odd years ago. A really incredible and interesting story. And don't worry I'm not going to get all preachy with you, but it is a part of my life however I believe that actions speak louder than words and in this case: "Preach the gospel. If necessary use words"

I hope you had a nice weekend.
Until next time,
Liana xx