Living with Fiona (Moaner) and Naomi (I Moan), moaning is almost an obligatory activity. In fact the one positive thing about this exam/ essay-riddled period is that we all get to sit around during break time and have no shortage of things to moan about. Nevertheless, in recent days I have noticed that we’ve been returning with unusual frequency to the issue of spots. Although I have my crosses to bear, (uncontrollable fringe, resolutely straight eye-lashes, disproportionate nose etc.) spots have never really been one of them. Now however, be it the result of Christmas indulgence, a house full of female hormones or exam stress (I’m plumping for the latter), even I have been endowed with a particularly stubborn blighter near the corner of my mouth and a nose threatening mutiny.
Thankfully if I voice my irritation with aforesaid problem then Moaner and I Moan are more than willing to blast me with a volley of their own complaints. Moaner will indicate an invisible but troubling outbreak near her ear and I moan is always quick on the uptake, ready with an equally distressing issue.
There is however only so long that we can sit around vocalising our ailments before something has to be done. After all, I (some might say optimistically) still treasure the hope that one day we will once again emerge from the house/ library and, blinking in the sun, bare our faces in public. So, in hopeful readiness for this future, I set about researching routes to a clearer complexion.
Unfortunately my first efforts were of little success. Although the Internet bore up tips-a-plenty from self-professed health gurus, most of the regimes I encountered involved cutting out caffeine/sugary foods/ alcohol and sleeping 8 hours a night etc. Now I’m sure that these are all good and effective but really, what is the likelihood of me or any other student achieving this during exam period? Starbucks coffee and Tesco chocolate mousse have pretty much become the highlights of my life.
Nevertheless the Internet is a hotbed of resourceful (and desperate) souls and none perhaps more so than those found on acne org. These people have come up with a plethora of unlikely home remedies which apparently will shift the most stubborn of spots. Cheap, easy and effective, these sound right up my street and I for one will be testing them out over the forthcoming weeks. I suggest you do the same.
1) Aspirin- Grind up your average aspirin in a little water and apply to the blemish, leave to dry (it will probably crumble off after a while), and enjoy reduced redness and diminished size.
2) Drink green tea- I know this sounds unlikely (and it may take a little longer than some of the more topical methods) but apparently it really does work. It’s also meant to detoxify you and speed up your metabolism so if it doesn’t get rid of your spots at least you might end up skinny.
3) Lemon juice – If you’re thinking of doing something with a lemon, its likely the users of acne org have beaten you to it. Dunk in solution or applied topically, lemon juice receives rave reviews. It can string a bit however so probably not best for sensitive skin.
4) Egg white face mask- Yes, The only thing more surprising than people smearing egg white all over their faces is that it actually seems to work! The accepted method seems to involve daubing it on, leaving it to dry, then washing it off. After this blemishes should be reduced and pores tightened.
5) Raw untreated honey mask- Now the RAW and UNTREATED elements of this treatment are very important. Invest in decent honey or you will just be smearing sugar and chemicals on your skin. This may be effective, I don’t know, but I’m not willing to recommend it. Once you’ve got the right honey however, you’re pretty much home and dry. Just slather it on, leave for 20 minutes, and wash away for a rejuvenated complexion.
Good luck and let me know how you get on!
