by H. Snowborne

Created on: July 09, 2009

There's no question that people love the commercially available Pore Cleansing strips now on the market. They're easy to apply if your skin isn't sensitive, and for many people, they remove an impressive amount of fascinating gunk out of the visible pores on the nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks. Consumer product reviews for these skin care tools always include long lists of repulsed-yet-intrigued observations, and people love to feel that their skin is smoother and cleaner for having used them. They work.

But one look at the products ingredients listings can raise some concerns, particularly if sensitive skin is involved: pore strips often include the addition of strong essential oils which have been known to irritate skin (examples include tea tree oil, and menthol). Other product ingredients may be part of your own personal list of chemicals to avoid because of their known health threats (methylparabens, and butylene glycol, to name just two). It's easy enough to make your own home-made version of these strips using inexpensive materials you have at home. In fact, only two ingredients are needed. Gelatin is the first: you can use the standard Knox powder form if you like, or if you're a purist and easily seduced by their beauty, use gold or silver gelatin "leaves" that you soak in cold water, and squeeze dry; milk is the second ingredient, though water can be substituted for milk, if you prefer. You'll need a small bowl that can be safely heated in a microwave (or a small pot warmed gently over your stove), and a cosmetic spatula to mix everything together. The spatula will come in handy for applying the gel as well.

Combine one tablespoon of the powdered gelatin with one tablespoon of cold milk, or water. Stir the mix together using the spatula, and heat this gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds. If you're using gelatin sheets, use 1 silver sheet or 2 gold sheets soaked in cold water. Squeeze the sheets to remove any excess water, and combine with one tablespoon of cold milk or water. Stir the gel mixture once it is removed from the microwave and make sure that it is safe to the touch, in terms of heat intensity. You want it warm/cool, not hot. Cleanse your face with soap and water, then apply a warm cloth over the surface to "steam" the pores open. Apply the gel mixture to the skin you'd like cleansed-the nose area, chin, forehead, or cheeks. Then go and find something to do that doesn't involve exertion for about ten minutes-read

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