Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Aspirin & Lemon Juice Mask for Acne

 - Daryl Solomon/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images
Daryl Solomon/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images

This aspirin mask recipe can help clear up that pimple much faster than leaving it alone.

Over on Makeupalley.com, aspirin masks are a hot topic. Why? Apparently, aspirin is brilliant at spot-treating pimples, clearing up acne and itchy patches. In fact, the aspirin mask gets more than 2030 reviews -- more than any individual makeup, skincare or hair product -- on Makeupalley so I had to share it with you because 85 percent of these reviews are by women who would "try it again."

Dr. Oz also loves aspirin masks and unveiled a version of this mask on his show. The aspirin has aminosalicylic acid, which is a cousin of salicylic acid. It's so great for skin it's an ingredient found in actual spot treatments for pimples. The lemon juice is a citric acid with antibacterial properties, which are great for healing acne and even-ing out skin tone.

The honey is soothing and the baking soda is used as an exfoliator to help remove the mask, but it also has wonderful natural properties for the skin. Some women swear by baking soda. It's gentle and leaves skin smooth and soft.

You can use this on your face and on your feet. Jane Buckingham's new revised book, The Modern Girl's Guide to Life includes a similar recipe, but to be used on the feet. You slather it on the feet, wrap your slathered feet in a damp hot towel and let it work its magic for 10 minutes. According to this review on Allure's Website, it actually works.

Ingredients

  • 3-6 aspirin
  • 1 lemon
  • baking soda
  • Coffee cup, rolling pin or glass cup (to crush the aspirin)
  • Shallow dish
  • Warm honey (runny honey), moisturizer made for the face or natural oil such as almond, olive or coconut

Preparation

Depending on the amount of coverage needed, use 3-6 aspirin.

Crush the aspirin into small pieces by placing them in a Ziplock bag and rolling a coffee cup, rolling pin or glass cup over them.

I put mine in an old coffee grinder that I use to grind spices. It worked brilliantly, but I've read that others used a mortar and pestle.

Place aspirin in a dish.

Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon per 3 aspirin) and allow the aspirin to dissolve into a paste.

If the aspirin is coated, it may take longer.

If you have dry skin, add a tablespoon or so of warm honey, moisturizer or a bit of oil (sweet almond, olive or coconut works). Stir well. If you have oily skin, you can skip this part and add a few more drops of lemon instead.

Apply as a mask or spot treat the pimple or itchy area. Allow to dry.

Remove the mask with a warm, wet washcloth dipped in baking soda.

More recipes:

  • See more homemade face mask recipes
  • Hair mask & hair rinse recipes

More on Acne:

  • How to Cover Up a Pimple With Makeup
  • 8 Adult Acne Facts (Plus, How to Treat it)
  • Acne & Teens: How to Treat Pimples (& Cover Them Up)
  • Why Do I Get 'Back Acne'?
  • 5 Reasons Your Acne Isn't Going Away

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