The World Famous Aspirin Mask

This is my own personal recipe for the world famous “aspirin mask.”

This hub is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor, dermatologist or other medical professional. I am merely a licensed esthetician, and swear by this mask for my own oily/acneic skin.

In this hub, I am going to write about the world famous aspirin mask. I've suffered with acne since puberty and have tried so many products out there, high end, low end, drug store, department store, medical spa, and everything in between.

I can assure you, especially since I became a licensed esthetician (fancy name for skin care therapist) that this is the best mask that I have ever used. It is also the most economical and will not break any budget. Take that, Creme de la Mer!

Aspirin’s base is acetasalicylic acid, which is chemically like salicylic acid, a very potent BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that has been written about since the 5th century, when Hippocrates extolled its virtues. Salicylic acid is such a wonderful and beneficial topical ingredient to help acneic skin like mine. It is derived from the bark of the willow tree.

***FIRST OFF, if you are allergic to aspirin, don’t even bother reading further. You do not want to be anywhere near aspirin. Run!***

For my brave readers who wish to go on further, you will need the following to make my version of this mask:

• 1 shot glass, the more festive the better
• Generic, regular aspirin (coated or uncoated)
• Distilled, filtered, spring or purified water
• Desert Essence 100% Natural Jojoba Oil

For the aspirin, I highly recommend going to Costco and purchasing the 1000 tablet bottle at $4.99 (most economical)

I personally swear by Desert Essence brand 100% Natural Jojoba Oil, which can be purchased at Trader Joe's and also Whole Foods, although if you have some natural jojoba oil of another brand lying around, you might want to try that too.

Before you make your preparations, be sure that you have washed your hands and your face and carefully pat it dry so as not to pull on the skin.

I personally do this mask before I shower, since it can get close to the hairline. I also take a little time to recline so I can be in a seated position so as not to lose any of the mask and think of how luminous my skin will be when I am finished.

Step 1: Take your clean shot glass and fill it about 2/3 to 3/4 full with the aspirin tablets.

Step 2: Fill with your distilled water almost to the top of the shot glass.

Step 3: Wait for the aspirin to dissolve. You won't need to help along this process, although I do recommend stirring it with something that you do NOT use for your food.

Step 4: After aspirin is dissolved and mixed, fill to the top of the shot glass with your jojoba oil.

The reason for step 4 is so you can mix the oil, water and aspirin so that it will adhere to your skin (facial or otherwise, this can also be used for body acne and as a spot treatment)

The mask won't be anything like you are used to and will feel slightly gritty. It won't be tight like a clay, and I recommend leaving it on the skin in a reclined position as stated above.

You could always go ahead and just use the water, but the aspirin will get powdery and if you should get it too close to your nose, you will sneeze! Trust me on this. Jojoba oil also has its own deserved reputation as being very close to the skin's own natural pH and that is why I use it. I've also heard that rosewater and glycerin, Vitamin E oil and even extra virgin cold pressed olive oil works wonders as well.

If you make your own version and are thrilled with it, please let me know. I always love hearing about success stories with this mask.

Step 5: Take your aspirin mixture and gently layer it on your clean, dry face. You can place it on thinly, so as long as it evenly covers the area you are treating. I concentrate the mixture on my nose since blackheads like to appear there and any blemishes, either visible or coming to the surface.

This mixture can also be used as a spot treatment as I mentioned, but since I have very acne prone, oily skin, I use this as a mask all the time.

2-3x per week for me, although you can adjust this, depending on your skin needs and weather conditions, etc.

Allow to remain on face for 10 mins. or so. This will NOT feel “tight” like other masks. After your time is up, wet your hands, and then use a GENTLE circular motion from the nose to hairline to work the aspirin mixture outward before rinsing thoroughly.

In addition to being a superb mask, dissolved aspirin is also an exfoliator that is on par with microdermabrasion, in my humble opinion, and I've had many professional microdermabasion treatments.

You will need to rinse for a few minutes to get everything off of your face, which is why I generally remove this mask when I am in the shower, using warm water.

Gently pat your face dry after rinsing off thorougly, and apply your favorite toner (optional). Wait a sec to apply your treatment or moisturizer. On the nights that I am using this mask, I do not use any other treatments, no retinols, or other acids. I always say that less is more, although you should consult a dermatologist if you have cystic, and persistent acne.

Your face will feel smooth like silk and will be noticeably plumper. At least that’s what happens any and everytime I do the aspirin mask. I can’t stop touching my face sometimes, haha. The immediate results should last for a few hours, so ladies, get ready for a night on the town, because you will want to show off your results! Whenever I use this mask before going out, I use a makeup primer before I put anything else on. Honestly though, your skin will usually look so great that you won't feel like putting base on!

Another tip is that there are many other recipes for this mask on a site called MakeupAlley.com, that you can join for free.