Makeup artists and hair stylists that have worked with me over the years have heard me extol the virtues of “The Aspirin Mask.” Many, both women and men, have even adopted it into their weekly beauty routine. It has eradicated dry lines, treated ingrown hairs on stubborn beards, and has been part of countless pre-date beauty regimens. You’ve probably even seen the results of this mask on some recognizable faces on your television screen. Since this year has been a difficult one for many, there has never been a better time to spread some goodwill and share this inexpensive and fast beauty treatment.
I started using this DIY technique in the previous millennium, and I firmly believe that it has singlehandedly staved away some very persistent forehead lines that showed up on the eve of my 30th birthday, and have attempted each and every day since to increase their indelibility.
You can easily fit in a quick aspirin mask before you start your day, when you are in the shower, or before you go to bed at night. It will leave your skin feeling as smooth as glass, and you will notice an immediately more radiant complexion. The best part is that you can buy the items you need for about $25!
It’s this easy:
First, place about 10 white uncoated aspirin tablets in the palm of your hand.
Next, add some water and let the aspirin dissolve into a wet powder.
Then, add a nickel sized amount of Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. Use your finger to mix the ingredients to uniformity.
After that, use a circular massaging motion with the pads of your fingers (and avoiding mucous membranes,) apply the mask to your skin. This mask is great for your neck and dècolletè as well, so you can double the amounts if you want to treat those areas as well. Pay special attention to the area around your nostrils, your chin, and anywhere else that is prone to buildup or blackheads.
Leave the mask on your skin and let it work its magic for a few minutes—no longer than five, and then rinse it off completely and pat dry.
Finish the treatment by lightly pressing a a pure and gentle oil like The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil into the skin.
And as always, but especially after any exfoliation, use sun protection for any time spent outside.
The answer to why you feel and see an immediate difference the first time you try this is somewhat science-y. The aspirin, which is comprised of acetylsalicylic acid, acts as both a chemical exfoliant when mixed with water, and a manual exfoliant when it is massaged into the skin. The Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser boosts this reaction and increases the skin’s brightness. The oil gently moisturizes the renewed outer layer of the skin, protects it from the elements, and gives it a makeup-free, luminous glow!
If you try it, please report back to me with your results, and spread some love by sharing this easy beauty secret with your friends.
Please note: This mask should not be used more frequently than once a week because of the active ingredients. Also, while this mask works on many skin types, it is not for everyone. People with fragile skin, couperose, or inflamed acne should not do this treatment, and neither should children nor those with mature skin. You should also avoid using retinol or other peeling products with this treatment. As with every topical product recommendation, consult your physician for advice!