Ok. Before I start this one... I have some explaining to do (for all you out there that may be jumping to conclusions...) About three months ago I decided that I wanted to stop taking my birth control pills. NOT because I am ready to have a baby, and not because I want to throw caution to the wind and "see what happens" (I am way too much of a planner for that one!) but simply because I DO want my body to start regulating itself so when, WHEN I am ready to have a kid I won't have have to go through the stress of getting things back to normal. I have been on the pill for 10 years. 10 years of regular periods. 10 years of 28 days, no cramps, and semi-clear skin.
Anyway, on to the desperation. So, I stop taking my pills. I freak out for a few months waiting for "that time of the month" each month, HOPING that my alternative methods are just as effective (see, maybe TMI). I start to get regular, complete with very intense cramps and, yes, you guessed it. BAD SKIN. Skin like, as Beth would say, a 13 year old boy who eats too much pizza and doesn't wash his face. SAD. (Jen would say it was not that bad, but I feel differently!)
Now, I start using Proactive again. Nothing. Next, on to the natural face wash. NOPE. Ok, maybe Proactive again. Maybe the bottle I am using is expired? Nope. Well, maybe just a simple cleanser. Cetephil. Oh, and I heard that the Nepalise women have clear skin from splashing with cold water after washing. I will try that too. NOPE. So, I make an apt for the acupuncturist. Many sessions at $75 each and some herbs and I bail for the benefit of my bank account. What next? Well... I made an appointment for the dermatologist. However, as many of you know, you can make the appointment for the dermatologist, but you normally cannot get in to see the doctor for about 3 months. I will wait, but can I handle this... probably not. I am getting desperate. Hello my friend, internet. How I love you. Google + Natural Remedies for Acne = Garlic. Yes. Garlic.
So what am I supposed to do with the garlic? Grind it up and mix it with water. Ok. I got a grinder for my wedding. I pulled over a chair, got down the grinder, peeled two garlic gloves, grinded away, added water, and applied to my face. NOW... if you are considering trying this, BEWARE. IT STINKS and it STINGS!!!! So bad!!! Steve is away on a trip for the government. I am home alone, screaming in the bathroom. It stings like it is burning the top three layers of skin off! Do you think that is normal?
I wash off the stinging garlic, brush my teeth, vow to never do that again and go to bed. BUT, low and behold, in the morning things look slightly better. NO. It can't be? It might be in my head, but I really think it might have helped. The next night, I got home from work at 12:00, midnight. Grinded up another garlic. Applied, (the stinging was a little less severe), washed, and went to bed. Today, things seem even slightly better. Now I know this could all be in my head. I recognize the power of positive thinking, but I kind of think this natural detoxifier could be working.
I will keep you all updated, but I wanted to share my desparation for normal skin again. I know it seems crazy, but come on. I am almost 30! Shouldn't I be passed this stage of my life?
If the garlic and the dermatologist don't work... I may have to just forget this 'natural cycle' thing. The past 10 years have been fine. Why change something that is working? You know the saying, "if it is not broken, don't fix it" or something like that? I could live by that rule. I think.
