Aspirin and Honey for Acne

People reach for the aspirin bottle without giving it a second thought to relieve pain, fever and swelling. Aspirin is a shining star, prescribed at low-dosage, in the battle against cardiovascular disease and can reduce the risk of death from a heart attack, as well as improve the chance of recovery from severe stroke. It is also, when combined with honey, a popular topical home remedy for acne. Anti-bacterial properties of honey combine with aspirin in a homemade facial mask.

Features

Aspirin and honey can be combined at home as needed. The two ingredients are widely available in grocery and drug stores. Aspirin is crushed or dissolved in two or three drops of water before combining it with honey to make a grainy, sticky product. Experimentation is the rule when determining the correct ratio of aspirin to honey. Begin with three 325 mg aspirin tablets, dissolved in one tsp. of water mixed with two tbsp. of honey.

Types

Ideally, uncoated 325 mg aspirin should be used for an aspirin and honey acne remedy. Coated aspirin can be used, but it takes longer to dissolve and may need more water than the uncoated type. Use only pure aspirin tablets with no other additives or additional medicines.

Honey varieties are numerous and vary from place to place. Locally produced honey is a popular choice for an aspirin and honey acne treatment. All honey contains antibacterial properties, so the type you choose to mix with your aspirin is a matter of preference.

Effects

An aspirin and honey combination is used on the face to reduce redness and inflammation due to acne. It is applied to the skin to reduce the size of existing pimples and to clear the skin with repeated use. It is also used to perk up a dull looking complexion by reducing redness and can soften the skin.

Time Frame

Skin brightening and softening results can be seen after one use due to the exfoliation that occurs through the graininess of the aspirin and the pore-reducing effect of the combined ingredients. The salicylic acid of the aspirin, a usual ingredient in drugstore acne medicine, reduces the appearance in the size of pimples and begins to noticeably clear them with the first aspirin and honey treatment. Maintain results and tame new breakouts as needed, but do not apply the mask more than once a week.

Warning

Aspirin and honey masks can irritate your face, so test a small area by applying the mixture and leaving it on the skin for two minutes, then rinsing and waiting 24 hours to see if there has been any adverse reaction. Do not use the aspirin and honey combination if your skin develops a rash or irritation.

Use the mask no more than once a week because of the high concentration of salicylic acid.