DIY Aspirin Face Mask

What is aspirin?

The active ingredient in aspirin is the drug called Acetylsalicylic Acid. After you swallow an aspirin tablet it travels to your small intestine where this ingredient is broken down to create to Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid, or Sal Acid as it's referred to, is the form of the drug that actually reduces pain, fever, etc.

Now, Sal Acid also belongs to the class of chemicals known as Beta Hydroxy Acids, or BHAs. BHAs are similar to AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Both BHAs and AHAs are known for their ability to help slough off dead skin cells when applied topically. Are you beginning to see the connection between aspirin and facial masks?  So instead of rushing off to buy expensive creams that contain these ingredients, just buy the cheapest box of aspirin form your local supermarket.   It must be aspirin and not paracetamol.

This masks reduces redness, acne and blackheads to reveal smoother skin.

Aspirin Mask/Scrub :
 It is recommended that you use this mask/scrub once a week for optimal results.  It is not recommended to  use it more than once a week.
Crush 3-4 uncoated aspirin tablets in a bowl. (Must be uncoated)
Add a few drops of  water and wait a few seconds until it dissolves.  Now stir and note that you only need to drop a tiny bit of water on top of the tablet to make a thick gritty paste.
Spread over your entire face (You can use a make up sponge or a brush, I just use my fingers.) Sit back and relax for 10-15 minutes. The mask will most likely be flaking off your face by the end of 15 minutes.
Wash off the mask with warm water and your favorite gentle cleanser. As you wash, gently massage your face--the grains will help exfoliate and reveal softer, healthier skin.
Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Apply your favorite moisturizer. Done!

For people with dry skin, you may want to tweak the recipe slightly. I know that other people mix it with honey or yoghurt, glycerin etc after the water has dissolved the aspirin.  I have a vitamin E spray from the body shop, which I use to dissolve the aspirin and then apply to my face.  Rosewater will work instead of water as well.

You may also only want to spot treat a pimple and not apply to the whole face.  This can be applied with a Q-tip.

Cons:  It really flakes when it is dry so it might mess when it flakes off the skin.

Caution:  Do not use this mask if you are allergic to aspirin.

For the good health of your skin, try not to go into the sun at peak periods and use a good sunscreen, which we should all be doing anyway!

Thanks for reading xoxo