Photo Credit: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com
When our skin starts acting up, our primal instinct is usually to run to the nearest department/drugstore and grab the first “miracle” product we can get our hands on. We use it for about a week and then move on to the next remedy. I’m guilty of the same thing myself – while spring cleaning my bathroom cupboard two days ago I threw away two economy sized trash bags bursting with almost full bottles of face wash, lotions and masks. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on useless products. It was only until a few years ago when I came across a remedy for rebellious skin that not only works but costs close to nothing – the Aspirin Mask.
Yes, aspirin. On your face. Aspirin is a BHA, or beta-hydroxy acid. BHA’s are used in most face washes and lotions that are created to prevent acne. Heard of salicylic acid? Yup, that’s a BHA. BHA’s are exfoliators that work by deeply cleaning your pores and helping prevent the formation of new spots on your face.
Aspirin masks are known to reduce redness and inflammation while brightening the complexion. Just like any other product, you must use more than one time to see results (although I’ve found that my skin is exponentially better after even just one application).
Disclaimer: As with all medications, if you are sensitive or allergic to Aspirin or BHA’s, or have sensitive skin in general, I would not use this mask. The mask is for all other skin types, dry or oily – you just need to vary the amount of times that you use the mask in a month (more for oilier skins).
There are several different “recipes” for the mask, but the most commonly used is illustrated below
Step 1
What you need: Uncoated aspirin (much easier to dissolve than regular aspirin), a small bowl or container, and something to meld the mask together and provide consistency. Dry to normal skins should use honey or aloe vera gel, while oily should use yogurt, which is a natural astringent.
Step 2
Place a few of the uncoated aspirin in the bowl (anywhere from 4-8 depending on the area you wish to cover
Step 3
Add warm water a few drops at a time to dissolve the aspirin. The consistency should be grainy and slightly thick.
Step 4
Add about half a teaspoon of honey (aloe vera, or yogurt) to the mixture. This will make the mixture more watery so it’s better to have a thicker consistency of dissolved aspirin beforehand.
Step 5
Apply to your face and leave on for about 10-15 minutes. The mask will be ready to be washed off when it begins to flake (it’s okay if you start to sneeze – it’s from the powder like consistency of the dried mask, this means it’s time to wash off).
Step 6
Add a little water to your face and start to use the mask as a scrub, exfoliating your skin in soft circular motions (no need to rub hard!). Pay close attention to your nose (that’s a problem area for most of us). After exfoliating wash your face off completely.
Step 7
Your face may feel a little tight after the mask, so it’s best to moisturize.
After washing off the mask your face will feel softer and your skin will look brighter. I tend to use the aspirin mask when I feel like my skin needs a little taming, but those with troubled skin can use it more often. As with any BHA cream or face wash, using too often will dry your skin out, so try to space your uses out: several days for oilier skins and a week or two apart for dry skin. Over time you will see a reduction in blackheads and smoother skin.
For those who are on the go and don’t have too much time, aspirin can also be used as a spot treatment. Just dissolve one uncoated tablet and apply it to your blemish. It will help reduce the redness and work to dry the blemish out.
So, if you are planning on staying in tonight and feel like the new season’s weather has devastated your skin, slather on a little aspirin mask. It has been raved about on countless beauty blogs and sites. At just pennies an application, what have you got to lose?
P.S. This mask can be used on brothers/husbands/boyfriends as well – so pass it on!
i was just telling my mom and sister to do this a few days ago because it really works! also haldi (turmeric–has antiseptic properties) and yogurt or cream and honey also works wonders…looks a bit odd on the face when drying (for 10-15 mins) but it’s worth it. it’s better to wash it off in the shower because of the yellow stains that splash. these 2 masks make the skin look so clean and even- toned.
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Sounds easy – will have to try it!
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finally an excuse to get honey all over my face.
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I’ve heard of something like this but I wasnt sure if it was worth it, but now I think I just might try it one of these days!
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[...] See more here: Home Remedies: The Aspirin Mask « Lipstick Masala [...]
I’ve been doing this for a few years thanks to Lip Masala, and I can state for a fact that it’s incredible!
If you don’t like adding honey to the aspirin, I also suggest using a gentle cleanser like cetaphil – like a drop of it, it’s really soothing!
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One remedy I’ve used for years for spot treatment on blemishes has been calamine lotion (the pink stuff you put on when you get poison ivy!). Simply put it on at night on the affected area and sleep with it on overnight (it dries few minutes after application), and your pimple is half the size the next day. Wash your face and moisturize as usual in the morning. My breakout areas are gone within 2 nights of wearing it. Saved me several times before big events like weddings and such.This should only be used for spot treatment, as it works by drying out the skin. Its worked better for me than any other anti-acne lotions and creams I’ve used and its only about 2 dollars a bottle.
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v good post. could you also please tell us the cons? i have really sensitive skin. for eg. if i change my moisturiser it irritates my skin…
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[...] Photo Credit: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.comWhen our skin starts acting up, our primal instinct is usually to run to the nearest department/drugstore and grab the first “miracle” product we can get our hands on. We use it for about a week and then move on to the next remedy See the original post: Home Remedies: The Aspirin Mask [...]
[...] See original here: Home Remedies: The Aspirin Mask [...]
I like this aspirin mask, it is very useful for everyone. Ok i have some tighting facials mask as well and they are purely homemade so can i write them as well.
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That sounds great Nadia, I’ve heard a lot about haldi and besan masks – they’re suppose to be amazing. Are they generally for oily skin or for all skin types?
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Just don’t eat it.
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Nida, it’s definitely worth it. There is no such thing as a miracle product, but the aspirin mask is definitely up there in fabulousness. With regular use it definitely helps even out the skin!
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That’s a great idea, Kalsoom!
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I have never tried that before, but it makes a lot of sense. I wish I had known this a few days ago when I had an unsightly blemish on my forehead. Will try it next time. Thanks for the tip!
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The cons basically apply to those who have aspirin allergies or sensitivity to BHAs. If you have sensitive skin you will probably be more prone to redness and irritation, I have pretty resilient skin and even I feel slightly itchy after use. If you really want to use it despite having sensitive skin, I would spot test it before applying on your whole face to make sure your face doesn’t get extremely irritated.
Keep the mask away from the eyes, and make sure to moisturize after or your face will be very tight. Also it’s important, like with anything else, not to overdo it – space out your uses of the mask!
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Thanks, Mahwish. We’re always looking for home remedies that work, we would love to hear about the masks you use!
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oooh yes besan works too! i find them to be a calming and clearing mask for oily skin types…but i guess if you have normal skin you could use it occasionally. in just one application you notice the clarity in your skin. people who are prepping for their wedding or a big event start this mask religiously a few months before for clear skin.
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thats a great tip! does it help with scarring as well?
I’ve also heard coconut milk is good for skin (wrinkles, scarring etc).. can u please look into that and tell us how to use it properly?
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[...] Excerpt from: Home Remedies: The Aspirin Mask « Lipstick Masala [...]
very interesting this aspirin mask, especially for us cheapos!
i am definitely going to have to try it…
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Dearest Lipstickk Masaallaaa Im def trying this- but I have a different question .I reallllly need tip on a good a eye /make up remover for dry/combination skin and to remove heavy mascara and eyeliner etc.
I dont like using baby oil nor do i like the other oily ones in the stores bc it just makes leaves a greasy feeling but I have been using Cliniques foaming cleanser -but now Ive heard from so many girls that you shouldnt use cliniques skinproducts bc they really are too strong for your skin almost like acid.. :s ? sooo pleaseeee help meee and my under eye area is so sensitive do you have a tip on a good home remedie or cream for the eye area besides the classic cucumber one ?Thankss.. luv your blog xo
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[...] Home Remedies: The Aspirin Mask « Lipstick Masala [...]
hey m, is it safe? for long term use? how long have you been using it? thanks.
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Salicylic acid when used in face washes or creams do help with scarring somewhat because it exfoliates your face and reveals newer skin underneath. However, I’m not sure if the aspirin mask contains enough BHA to do that.
I would actually recommend AHAs (or alpha hydroxy acids) for scarring, like glycolic acid based products. DDF Skincare makes some good ones (also I don’t like proactive’s other products but I do like their glycolic toner). As with all skincare, be careful when using on sensitive skin.
If you would like to go the natural route, I’ve heard that dabbing lemon juice on scars is really good – just be careful it dries the skin out so don’t use too much, and it stings!
Thanks for the tip on coconut milk – I’ll definitely look into it!
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Julieeeeee Clinique products are indeed really strong for your skin, their toners are awful – stay away from them! And the foaming cleanser? Bad bad bad especially for dry/combination skin.
BUTTT, they DO have a really great eye makeup remover that does not burn your face off, I’ve used it for years and love it! It’s called Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. It’s a cream consistency. Almay also upposedly makes good ones if you want to check that out, but I love this Clinique one the most. It’s moisturizing without being overly greasy (and I promise it won’t be like acid
)
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jtm, I’ve actually tried to look into that and what I’ve found is that there is minimal absorption into the skin, which is why everyone deems it to be safe. Also the main ingredient is salicylic acid which is used in most face washes for acne. However, you should be cautious with anything, which is why I said to space out the use and also not use it if you’re sensitive to Aspirin. I’ve been using it for years and have had no problem. I’ll look into it further, but as far as I can tell it’s pretty safe (if you’re pregnant – check with a doctor before use!)
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a cleansing oil removes eye make up really well. all the big names make one now-the original one is shu uemura’s. rub oil all over eyelashes and wash off. gentlest way of removing eye (and other) make up. no tissues, cotton balls etc involved.
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[...] Home Remedies: The Aspirin Mask « Lipstick Masala [...]
Thanks, I’ve heard alot about the aspirin mask. And i fully get the steps but here’s one question that’s bothering me: After using the aspirin mask, can you normally wash your face with a face washer/cleanser or You have to wash your face with a cleanser and then do the aspirin mask? WIll it affect or dry out the skin? Oh, and can my sunblock be a moisturizer?
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Moni, you can use a washer/cleanser after the aspirin mask but you’re right, you run the risk of drying your skin out, regardless of whether you wash before or after because you’re stripping the oils on your face twice. If you have makeup on, then definitely wash your face first. I always do the mask on a night when I haven’t been using makeup so I apply the mask directly without pre-washing. I personally like to use a cleanser after the aspirin because I don’t like the smell, but make sure to use one that is soap-free to minimize the drying effect – I use Positively Radiant by Aveeno.
I don’t believe sunblocks are adequate moisturizers unless they are moisturizers that have spf in them. Sunblocks tend to have main ingredients of avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide rather than moisturizing ingredients. Again, aveeno is my favorite as it has moisturizers with spf30 in them. If you live in the UK or Canada you may be able to find a moisturizer with higher spf. Also, remember – don’t use a moisturizer with spf at night – let your skin breathe!
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Aspirin? Really?
I had no idea aspirin could be used for acne treatment. I sure will tell my brother about this and see if it works on him.
Thanks!
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this is brilliant! I will try it tomorrow..give us more home remedies..I love being able to do things at home as an alternative to buying a million creams…thanks again!
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Yes, it’s the salicylic acid in the aspirin plus the exfoliating quality that helps brighten the skin. Hope it works out for your brother
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Thanks Petulia! Ladies seem to be loving the home remedies, I’m going to be doing another one either tonight or tomorrow
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hi
just a quick question – would tylenol or panadol work the same as aspirin for this mask?
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No kidding I’ve just heard about this remedy a few days ago from a friend, but haven’t tried it. Do I have to cleanse my face with some cleanser first then apply the aspirin mask?
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Lipstick Masala Reply:
November 5th, 2009 at 5:34 am
Hi FABB,
As far as I’m aware you don’t really need a cleanser unless you’re wearing makeup. If you want to use a wash afterward to get rid of the aspirin remnants, be sure to use something mild and soap-free so you don’t dry out your skin further.
Hope that helps!
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I use this once in awhile when my skin looks dull. It is amazing !! I have dry skin. This removes all the flakiness and my skin feels sooo soft. I use it with the honey which I believe has a moisturizing effect. Everytime I use this my DH comments on how glowy my skin looks. It’s just sheer laziness that prevents me from doing this regularly
You might want to test it out on a small patch the first time, because some people are allergic to salicylic acid.
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Lipstick Masala Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 3:36 am
Hi Kavi!
I know what you mean about being lazy, I really need to exfoliate regularly – I have a problem with clogged pores
You are absolutely right – it’s important to patch test first, thanks for the tip!
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