ABS’s Favorite Facial Treatments Part I: The Aspirin Mask

Remember when I promised to go through my favorite scrubs, masks, and other facial treatments over a month ago? Well it’s been sitting on the back-burner for weeks, but I’ve finally gotten around to doing it! 🙂

First up is a super cheap and effective at-home DIY treatment, the aspirin mask. When I feel a break-out coming on, or my complexion just needs a quick pick-me-up, this is what I turn to. Because aspirin is a derivative of salicylic acid, this mask is absolutely amazing for keeping your skin clean and clear!

So how exactly do you make an aspirin mask? Read on to find out!!

1. Shake out 4-5 uncoated aspirin tablets onto your hand or a small mixing dish.
I use these cheap ones from Walgreens-500 tablets for $3.99!

2. Place a drop or two of HOT water onto each tablet.
Cold or lukewarm water won’t work here!

3. Once the tablets are melted through (if your water was warm enough, it should only take a few seconds), crush them the rest of the way with your fingers. You should end up with this aspirin paste.

4. Add the mix-in ingredient of your choice. I like Cetaphil because it’s gentle and gives my aspirin mask an exfoliant-like consistency without being too runny. Other favorites are honey, yogurt, and Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Mask.

5. You can use the resulting mixture either as an exfoliator, a mask, or both!
I tend to smear it all over my face, exfoliate with it for 30 seconds or so, then leave it on while I’m brushing my teeth.

6. Rinse off and you’ve got instant baby-soft skin!!

One minor caveat: If you’ve got aspirin allergies, obviously this may not be the best mask for you!

Have you tried the aspirin mask? What’s your favorite variation?