Get a clearer complexion by reducing visible pores and battling to the death those comedone spots; wash away those gammy annoyances with this neat trick.
Historical reference here- Willow Bark* was once chewed to aid toothache and the like (it was even recommended by our boy Hippocrates), and people have since discovered its anti-inflammatory properties. The structure of Salicylic Acid (referred to as beta hydroxy acids, or BHAs in the cosmetic industry) was discovered in the bark of the Willow, and synthesised into one of our favourite anti-coagulant painkillers. This is commercially known as aspirin, and chemically known as acetylsalicylic acid. This compound has a pH slightly higher than that of the skin, and thus is believed to help break down the ‘plugs’ that can form in pores. It is lipid soluble, meaning that an aspirin mask or toner can penetrate your cloggy pores, snuggle up to those comedones and pull them out when you rinse off. BHAs use these cool properties too. However, as the structure of aspirin has been changed slightly, it may need more time to work than a regular cosmetic casual BHA application. Bear in mind that high concentrations or high exposures may lead to skin drying, so try not to go CRAZY OKAY!
How do we go about this then lil pals?
- Buy some plain ole aspirin tabs (no coating, no extras; the cheap ones)
- Crush 2-3 tablets
- OPTIONAL STEP 1: Grind in a pestle and mortar for extra fineness
- Add water
- OPTIONAL STEP 2: Add honey/witch hazel/lemon juice/aloe vera
- Apply to your face for 10-25 minutes
Different brands can have different graininess after dissolved, so in OPTIONAL STEP 1, crushing or grinding tablets beforehand can make them feel less ‘gritty’. These OPTIONAL STEP 2 additions: lemon juice and witch hazel would be more hardcore and peel-like as a mask compared to aloe vera or honey which would be more moisturising. Keep in mind as per always, the potential whitening properties of these ingredients.
CONCLUSION?
I added aloe vera to mine and my mix seemed very grainy (I did not grind them up beforehand *sigh*). I left this on my face for 20 minutes. My reason to use it and check it out was that it has been renowned to reduce redness, acne, and allegedly even works on rosacea. I did notice a decrease in redness around my nostrils which made me super happy. I will probably now repeat this as a weekly mask!!!
*I am also aware that some people do not want to be dabbling in the pharmacy section, so as another possibility, Willow Bark is abundant on trees and literally peels off in some cases. I definitely will try that method when I locate a happy tree will(ow)ing to give me some bark! Grab it, wash it, boil it and use the liquid (once it’s cooled). Be wary of side effects and try not to grab any bugs or tree cuties when you’re doing it.
· For those with sensitive skin, try not to overuse this method as it could irritate or dry your skin out, especially as it is winter when I’m writing this – be careful!
· Sunscreen if you are doing this regularly. Yes you can get burnt in winter if your skin is over exposed after being essentially scrubbed deeply
· As always, watch out if you have allergies; keeping in mind that some people take aspirin as a prophylactic to thin their blood, perhaps avoid this if you have clotting problems just as a precaution
Photo Sources
http://www.labmuffin.com/2012/06/is-aspirin-mask-same-as-beta-hydroxy.html
Edited by Luisa Parnell.