What is the aspirin mask?
The aspirin mask is a homemade BHA mask within the reach of each and every one of us, totally economical and highly effective, based on salicylic acid or aspirin tablets. BHA is known to help tremendously in cleaning the pores from the inside out and thus contributes to keeping our skin blemish free. BHAs are also efficient on existing blemishes, helping them heal faster and keeping pores clear afterward.
Addresses: all skin types, especially normal to oily and combination skin, acne-prone and clogged skin.
basic preparation: 1/4 tsp. salicylic acid (ask for it at the pharmacy, if you can’t find it, crush 3-5 tablets of plain aspirin instead), distilled water. Mix powder with water until creamy, apply to clean, dry skin (focus on T-zone and sides of nose). Keep it on until completely dry. Take a small cotton pad, slightly moisten it, and start rubbing the areas covered with the mask, making small circles. Finally rinse with plenty of water. It would be great to apply a calming mask or hydrating mask first, followed by your regular moisturizer. The skin will be completely smooth and even.
There are virtually unlimited versions of this skin. You can add yogurt for an astringent effect, aloe vera, honey. You can also make the mask using a basic moisturizer mixed with salicylic acid instead of water, as it will be less harsh on the skin and easier to use.
Another option is to mix crushed salicylic acid/aspirin into a mask: in a clay mask, a hydrating mask, or a soothing mask. My favorite is the aloe vera mask with a touch of salicylic acid: the application is much better, the skin is less irritated and dry compared to aspirin with water, the feeling left after this mask is absolutely unique, so smooth and clean!
If you’re using powdered salicylic acid, it’s a good idea to limit the amount to 1/4 teaspoon. for the entire face, too much will burn the skin. If you use aspirin tablets, you will probably need between 3 and 10 tablets, depending on the area where you apply it.
Do not apply near the eye area as it would be extremely drying and irritating to sensitive skin there.
Chorus yourself from overusing it. For very oily skin with severe blemishes, every 3 days would be more than enough to avoid stressing the skin and to obtain maximum effectiveness. Other skin types should use it once a week or twice a month (dry to very dry sensitive skin).
