Antibacterial Soap and Sanitizers

Antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers seem like a good idea, especially if you have an issue with germs. But alas, all they really do is make the bacteria more resistant, resulting in mutant, super-strong bacteria that won't die. You're better off using regular soap. The cleaning action is mainly in the friction that occurs from rubbing your hands together. There is something psychologically calming about the whole "anti-bacterial" thing, but it doesn't actually help.

That's not to say that hand sanitizer gel should be avoided at all costs. I use it when I've touched something nasty or suspect at times when I don't have access to water or soap. Just use it sparingly, when you have no other option.

Face Cleansing Update

I am no longer doing water only. That lasted a long time, huh? It wasn't a fun experience, and I realized it probably wasn't a good time to do it anyway. I should experiment with it when I have more control over my diet, so there are fewer variables involved.

So what happened? Well, my skin got considerably worse, as I suspected it would. However, I didn't actually realize how bad it was until I washed my face with a scrub I had been using prior to the experiment, and noticed how much better my skin was. Initially, I chose to abandon the experiment because I started wondering if all my makeup was really being removed. I felt like maybe it wasn't, which was disturbing. Was it, wasn't it? I don't know. I just know that I will be sticking to my old routine for now.

Washing Skin with Water Only

Tuesday night I started another skin experiment. Get used to it, it happens a lot. I'm washing my face with water only. I tried it half-heartedly a few times, lasting about a day. But in those instances it happened mainly because I was feeling lazy or running late.

This time, I was inspired by a portion of an interview I read. It was some model and they were asking her about her beauty tips, and she mentioned that she only washes her face with water. So I thought to myself, if she can do it, so can I!

In the past, my attempts at water-only face washing have not gone well. My skin reacted, badly. I know it will probably not be a smooth process, but I will try to hold out longer and see what happens. I love the idea of only washing my face with water. How easy and natural! I am, however, using makeup removing wipes when I wear makeup, because water alone doesn't remove it well, and I don't want stuff like concealer left on my face.

I will keep you updated on how it goes.

Letting Go

​I am currently staying with my aunt and uncle. As a guest, I have only slight control over what I eat. I was apprehensive at first, but it is healthier to accept the situation. Accept that right now my skin is not awesome, because my aunt and uncle are obsessed with dairy. Sometimes the right way is the easy way. Not always, but definitely in this case. Letting go and eating what is available, and trying not to get stressed out about it. Well, I guess that isn't necessarily easy. But if you're like me and love cheese, the eating it part is very easy.

Of Food

I used to be one of those annoying people who wasn't really into food. I felt that my time would be better spent if I could get all my nutrition from a pill. Then last summer I experienced a money drought for a month, in which I could afford very little food. When it was over, I went food-crazy. But once again I find myself unable to enjoy food, and this time for very different reasons.

My body has deemed certain foods to be the enemy. Through my own experimentation, I have decided that dairy, eggs, and sugar are what my body fights. But now I'm starting to wonder if I have a problem with wheat as well, and/or certain oils.

I have finally managed to rid myself of dairy and eggs (eggs were easy, I did that months ago). I had also managed to rid myself of sugar, until a few days ago, when I purchased some chocolate almond milk with cane juice in it. I wanted to see if a more natural form of sugar would have the same ill effects for me. And I can say now that yes, it does. Thankfully some brands make unsweetened chocolate almond milk, which I will have to try. If you don't have a problem with sugar, Silk Dark Chocolate Pure Almond Milk is very good.

The past few weeks I've mainly been eating homemade black bean burgers on homemade bread, along with some fruits and vegetables. I find it a little annoying having to make bread every 2-3 days, but I guess I should be grateful that I live alone, or I'm sure I'd be making it much more frequently. Bread-making is a relatively new concept for me. We never had homemade bread when I was growing up (at least that I remember; it's possible my mother made it when I was very young).

I find myself growing tired of black bean burgers, which is to be expected. It's a sad thing to start out as a picky eater and then lose a large amount of the foods you actually eat. I'd never make it as a raw vegan.* As it is, I find myself breaking down every once in a while. But I'm naturally a pretty happy person, so the despondency doesn't last for long. And I suppose now I have a good excuse to avoid potlucks and the like.

*I mention veganism because I eat very little meat, so now it's like I'm an almost-vegan.