Salicylic Acid Aspirin Masks, Scrubs & Skin Cleansers

Salicylic acid is a compound found in the bark of willow trees. It is an effective ingredient in skin care products. Many over-the-counter treatments for acne, blackheads and warts contain salicylic acid, including rejuvenating skin peels. The acid has an anti-inflammatory effect and can reach deep into glands in the skin, dissolving sebum in the pores. A build-up of cells and bacteria causes infection and inflammation in the hair follicle. Salicylic acid is a major ingredient in aspirin.

Also see Faith's Mild Brown Sugar & Aspirin Facial Scrub.

Salicylic Acid Solution for Acne & Blackheads

• Count out a maximum of a half-dozen pure aspirin tablets.
• Grind the the tablets fine.
  
• Add 2 to 3 tbsp. alcohol and stir so all the tablets are soaked.
  Substitute the alcohol for fruit juice, such as lemon, if making the solution for oily facial skin.
  Use milk for normal, dry or sensitive skin.
  For dry and sensitive skin, add yogurt to the solution and apply.
• Soak the tablets for 2 minutes to soften them.
• Allow the aspirin to dissolve into the alcohol. If necessary, stir the mixture until the last of the aspirin disappears.
• Pour the solution into a clean container and screw the lid tightly.
• Label and date the container clearly and store it in a cool, dark place.
• Apply as a mask or spot treat the pimple or itchy area. Allow to dry. Wash off after 10 minutes.

Notes:

• Add the solution to your favorite skin cleanser to clear the skin of blackheads and acne.
• Salicylic acid solution mixed with a couple tablespoons of natural fruit juice makes an ideal astringent for the skin.
• Add 2 or 3 tsp. honey to the solution and spread over clean skin for a homemade chemical peel.

Aspirin Mask for Healing Acne, Pimples, Rashes (or use to spot treat)

Crush aspirin and mix in water/oil/honey for a mask meant to dry up pimples. Makeupalley.com users swear by this mask (out of 2030 reviewers at the time of this writing, a whopping 85 percent said they would "try it again").

• 1-3 aspirin
• Coffee cup or glass cup
• Shallow dish
• Warm honey (runny honey), or moisturizer made for the face or natural oil such as almond, olive or coconut

Depending on the amount of coverage needed, use 1-3 aspirin. Crush the aspirin into small pieces by rolling a coffee cup or glass cup over them. Place aspirin in a shallow dish. Stir in a few drops of water to help the aspirin dissolve into a paste. Add warm honey, moisturizer or a bit of oil (almond, olive or coconut works). Stir well. Apply as a mask or spot treat the pimple or itchy area. Allow to dry. Wash off after 10 minutes.