beauty

Acne. The word alone is enough to bring grown men to tears. One minute your face is bright and dewy, the next, you’ve got a third eye smack dab in the middle of your forehead. It plays dirty, too–hitting without warning, immediately proceeding the likes of a first date, your wedding, the one time you’re captured on national television.

Like most teenagers, I went a few rounds with this particular adversary. My mom spent copious amounts of money on doctor visits and presciptions; I whined and bemoaned my unfortunate state. As if it weren’t enough that I was a book worm, who rarely fit in–but to have a spots on my face? And let’s not forget about the horse pills I had to take at precise times–while avoiding milk products and the sun–which always made me sick. Oh cruel fate, what a tragic hand you dealt. . .

Lucky for me (and anyone in the immediate vicinity) the drama did not last long. You see, my mom came home one day bearing a copy of Ann Landers column on using egg to clear acne. Naturally, I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I’d ever heard–and going through the whole rigamaroll every day for a month seemed a bit excessive. However, given the alternative, I was willing to try anything.

Long story short, it worked.

Now, jump . . . however many years . . . and I’m faced with a spending freeze. No more organic miracle beauty products at the approximate cost of a small island. I’m back to using Purpose  and, yes, egg whites.

I’ve come full circle.

Speaking of which, I reread the Ann Landers column, only to discover the original “instructions” used egg yolks. I could have sworn I’ve always used the whites. Hmm.

But I digress . . .

So, the moral of the story is this: eggs are our friends (unless, of course, you’re allergic). They help heal skin–they tighten pores, people! While I’ve yet to go up to a complete stranger and say, “Oh no, red ugly spots on pretty face. You fix with egg yolk,” I have suggested the option to a friend or two. That’s why I’m suggesting it now. If you or a loved one struggles with acne, give it a try. There are several versions online–I’d go with the original, as instructed in the column, above. The only substitute might be egg whites, for egg yolks. They’re less fatty (read: less oil). Also, remember to apply it soon after the egg is cracked (Vitamin A whimps out rather quickly once exposed to air), with clean hands, in soft, circular motions.

For those of you looking for a little pick-me-up,apply it once or twice a week. You could even give it a try with egg yolks. After all, how often can you stand around with egg on your face, and it’s all good?