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Health

What Is an Aspirin Mask?

By Kaiser Castro
Updated May 17, 2024
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A do-it-yourself aspirin mask is considered to be one of the greatest treatments for clogged pores and other skin ailments. Along with being simple to make, the mask is affordable and easily done with a variety of brands that are probably sitting in a homeowner's medicine cabinet right now. This mask can be utilized regularly and is commonly noted as being a beauty secret by top skin care professionals, as the salicylic acid is able to slough off dead skin cells, effectively revealing new skin underneath.

Aspirin is made up of salicylic acid. The salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid, which is part of a family of chemical exfoliators that are able to slough off dead skin. Chemical exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the epidermis via chemical reactions, which is noted to offer a different exfoliating action when compared to mechanical removal of dead skin cells via physical abrasives. The salicylic acid found in the aspirin mask has been known to increase cellular turn over and lighten hyperpigmentation spots.

An aspirin mask is especially beneficial for individuals with wrinkles or acne lesions. The chemical exfoliation offered by the aspirin tends to be gentler than mechanical exfoliation, which tends to be harsher in nature. Salicylic acid works to open clogged pores, allowing pimples to dry out and slowly dissipate. Overzealous sebum production, a hallmark of acne sufferers, tends to be normalized by consistently applying an aspirin mask.

A couple of uncoated aspirin pills are used to create the mask. Coated aspirin pills tend to aggravate the skin, with some individuals being allergic to the coating film. An individual making the aspirin mask will crush the aspirin pills using a mortar and pestle, or a small blender. The pills should be crushed to a fine powder.

The powdered aspirin is then poured into a small container with a bit of water. Aspirin is not water soluble; however, the water will deliver the salicylic acid to the skin to facilitate chemical exfoliation. Small aspirin bits will act as a mild mechanical exfoliator, allowing the salicylic acid to chemically exfoliate deep in the pores.

With a small spoon or spatula, the aspirin is smeared onto a damp face. The mask is then allowed to sit on the face for a few minutes, allowing the salicylic acid to do its work. After a couple of minutes, the mask is washed off, revealing smooth and more radiant skin.

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Discussion Comments

By cloudel — On Mar 01, 2012

@shell4life – You're probably right about your skin being able to absorb more of the mask because of the steamy shower. However, I always get particles of it stuck in the edges of my hair, so I usually shower after I use the mask to rinse it all out.

I like combining jojoba oil with the water and aspirin. I really hate the tight feeling of a clay mask, and without the oil added to it, this is how an aspirin mask feels to me. I find it much more relaxing to use when it doesn't dry out so much.

When it comes time to rinse it out, I get in the shower and close my eyes very tightly. I let the water run all over my face, and I pat my closed eyes dry with a towel before I open them. So far, I haven't gotten any of the mask in my eyes.

By shell4life — On Feb 29, 2012

I used to use an avocado mask to soothe my skin. Before I would do this, I would take a hot shower and shut the door to the bathroom, trapping the steam inside. This made my pores open up, readying them to receive the full benefit of the mask.

I decided to do the same thing before applying the aspirin mask. The heat really prepped my face to soak up the salicylic acid deeply. My problem areas seemed to benefit from this.

Since I have been using the aspirin mask, I've noticed a reduction in blackheads. I used to have them all over my nose, and they made my pores seem larger. Now, the skin on my nose looks much more refined.

By orangey03 — On Feb 29, 2012

I normally use a glycolic acid peel for exfoliating my skin, but if I'm dealing with redness, an aspirin mask is most helpful. My skin periodically gets red for no reason, and the aspirin mask takes the redness out immediately.

That is probably because it is an anti-inflammatory medication. While other exfoliating masks actually add to the irritation of the skin temporarily, an aspirin mask soothes it.

So, if I'm dealing with pimples and blackheads, I reach for the glycolic acid peel, but if my problem is in my coloration, I use the aspirin mask. Glycolic acid can actually make my skin very red for awhile, and I wish that I could use an aspirin mask immediately afterward, but I know that this would probably be too abrasive on my sensitive skin.

By Oceana — On Feb 28, 2012

I actually wear a face mask while grinding my aspirin. This keeps the tiny particles from going up into my nose and irritating it.

I've noticed that aspirin doesn't hold itself together very well after I have made a paste out of it. So, I started putting a little bit of honey in with it to give it some cohesiveness.

I have to be careful not to get it in my eyes. If there are any hard bits left in the paste at all, they can scratch my eyeballs if they fall into them.

It's kind of a difficult process, even though the ingredients are so simple. I only use it when my skin is truly in need of exfoliation, so I make the mask about once a month.

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