Installment 12 - I nearly fell in...

Well, chickpeas, if it seems that I've simply fallen off the face of the earth... well... I sort of have. If you'll note the VERY recent startup of a new blog (My Heart Is Elsewhere...) you will notice that I've been a very busy woman. But no... I know... it is simply no excuse. So I shall pick back up where we left off. On our last episode there were hints of unclogging pores. This was suggested by the lovely magical_leelee, whom I must thank for the inspiration.

Most of us get them... some of us more than others... some of us may not even realize that we have them until it's much too late. Fortunately there are many home made goodies that can be used to not only rid ourselves of these hideous little buggers, but to prevent them from returning. One such remedy includes lime juice. Lime juice is effective as both a fixer AND a prevention. For getting rid of blackheads you can mix lime juice with boiled milk. For use, you may want to steam your face to open up those pores first, then take a slightly course wash rag, dip it in the solution and scrub away. For its preventative use, mix the juice with peanut oil and smooth over your blackhead prone areas.

You can also use lemon juice for many treatments. The acidity in both the lemon and the lime juices is effective in clearing out your pores. Making a light paste of cinnamon powder and lemon juice can help clear you up; however, if you have less delicate skin, you can simply apply straight lemon juice and let it sit for about 15 minutes or so.

If you prefer making a night out of your blackhead-free beauty routine, you can also make a variety of facial masks. For instance, you can crush fenugreek or coriander leaves (either together or separately) and simply schmeer it over your face – letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly. Finely ground oatmeal mixed with rose water (or for a more homey touch, pulped potato) is also said to be a very effective mask.

My final recipe is an internal one – and this is one I personally swear by. Three words: Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses. This stuff works wonders for skin that is prone to acne and blackheads. It also has an unbelievable amount of health benefits aside from skin care (some people even swear it keeps gray hair at bay). So here's what you do... grab yourself a cup of milk (or soy milk, OR – if you're really brave – just down it) and mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the molasses. Drink this daily for a while. Usually it works within a few days, but if you have a really nasty case it may take longer.

So there ya are, my loves. Some simple ways to get rid of those spotty little troublemakers.

Before we finish this episode, I would like to point out that Dottie St. John is still rolling on with her survey, and if you haven't taken it yet, don't be shy. Go ahead and click the link. You know you want to.

A Dottie St. John scent survey

For our next episode... “Cook it to a crisp...”