by Beth Hammarlund
Gas prices are outrageous, food costs are on the rise, and we’re still waiting for this recession to course correct. Ramen for everyone! No kids, the economy’s still not doing so hot. So in the interest of saving a few bucks, I wanted to share one of my favorite tried-and-true beauty concoctions that you can make at home. Ladies and gentlemen, behold the aspirin mask.
Aspirin: The Great Problem Solver
Whether your skin is finicky, oily or just needs a wake up call, an aspirin mask is a great, cheap way to brighten your complexion. Loaded with salicylic acid, the aspirin gets rid of excess oil, while promoting exfoliation, leaving your skin feeling clean, fresh and baby smooth. If you’re in for the night or just want a quick pick-me-up before heading out, this fast and easy mask gives you great bang for your buck.
To make the mask, you’ll need aspirin (I use the super cheap generic stuff from the drugstore, preferably uncoated, though that’s not a requirement), a mild liquid cleanser (I prefer Cetaphil), water, a spoon and somewhere flat to crush the aspirin and mix up the ingredients (I just use my soap dish). First, crush five or six tablets with the back of the spoon until you have a fine powder. Gradually mix in a few drops of water, until you achieve a thick, granular paste. The next step is optional. To improve the texture of the mask so that it spreads more easily and evenly, I add a dollop of liquid cleanser. Some people use honey for this step, but that has always struck me as unnecessarily sticky and would probably make me want to eat it.
Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, spread the mask over your face. Be sure not to rub this into your skin. Avoid sensitive spots around the eyes or lips. I’ve heard a few people say that they get headaches if they inhale the aspirin (irony!), so some forgo applying this under their nostrils altogether, though I’ve never had a problem with this. Let the mask sit for eight to ten minutes, then rinse with warm water. While washing off the mask, take advantage of the granular consistency for some extra exfoliation. Once you’re completely rinsed, pat your face dry and follow up with your regular moisturizer.
