Aspirin as a face mask? How budget pain killers can be used as a DIY cure for blemishes and scaly skin

Aspirin is more typically used to cure headaches, but it apparently works wonders on acne too.

Writing for XOVain, Beth Nottingham reveals that the pain relievers, which cost as little as 99cents, are a form of salicylic acid, proven to ‘reduce swelling’, ‘unclog pores’ and ‘soften thick, scaly skin’.

She shows how she crushes five tablets and combines the powder with a tablespoon of plain full-fat yogurt and honey, to create a ‘soothing and moisturizing’ face mask.

Budget blemish buster: Beth Nottingham shows how aspirin can be used to clear up acne as well as headaches Budget blemish buster: Beth Nottingham shows how aspirin can be used to clear up acne as well as headaches – she crushes up the tablets and combines the powder with yogurt and honey to create a mask

‘I usually swallow aspirin, yogurt and honey, but now I’m saving some for my face,’ she says, adding that the mask should be a ‘cold cream-like consistency.’

Ms Nottingham says that the concoction should not be used by people with allergies to dairy or aspirin – those who are unsure should do a patch test behind the ear first.

She leaves her aspirin face mask on for ten to 20 minutes. Once it has dried she uses a warm, damp washcloth to remove it.

‘Marvel at how smooth and soft your skin feels,’ she exclaims.

Wonder drug: Ms Nottingham notes that the pain relievers are a form of salicylic acid, which has been shown to 'reduce swelling and irritation'Wonder drug: Ms Nottingham notes that the pain relievers are a form of salicylic acid, which has been shown to ‘reduce irritation, unclog pores and soften thick, scaly skin’

 

Ms Nottingham, who suffers from papulopustular rosacea – a common skin disorder characterized by redness with bumps and pimples – says she uses the mask twice a week.

She highlights that if salicylic acid is used too often or improperly, it can cause the skin to thin and become dry.

After three months of using her DIY treatment, she says that her complexion has ‘never looked better’ and her pores seem ‘a bit more calm and collected.’

For those with dry skin, she recommends adding more honey, and for those with oily skin, the amount of yogurt should be increased.

Aspirin face mask
Aspirin face mask

Step-by-step: Ms Nottingham shows how she gets five aspirins and then crushes them up

Aspirin face mask
Aspirin face mask

Creating the face mask: She then adds plain full-fat yogurt (left) and honey (right)

In place of both ingredients, moisturizer or aloe vera gel, she says, work just as well.

Along with the aspirin mask, Ms Nottingham’s simple skin care routine includes using a daily cleanser, followed by a moisturizer with SPF.

She says cutting back on alcohol and diet soda also helps keep her skin in better shape.

A quick search online shows that aspirin has long been recommended as an acne treatment.

Winning results: Ms Nottingham, who suffers from papulopustular rosacea, says that her complexion has 'never looked better' and her pores seem 'a bit more calm and collected'Winning results: Ms Nottingham, who suffers from papulopustular rosacea, says that her complexion has ‘never looked better’ and her pores seem ‘a bit more calm and collected’

On acne.org, out of 639 visitors, 86per cent recommend it as an effective treatment.

One online commentator writes: ‘May not work for everyone, but it worked for me.

‘I tried the [aspirin mask] a few weeks ago, and I’m pleased. It really helps with inflammation, pigmentation and helps even out the skintone. I also notice a difference in my acne.’

Other unusual DIY acne treatments include toothpaste and even clay-based kitty litter.
Read more: Daily Mail

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