If you've seen the viral hack on social media that involves mixing crushed aspirin with water to make a face mask to treat acne, you may wonder if this trend is safe to try out for yourself. The answer, according to experts, is "no." Aspirin is an oral medication that reduces fever, pain, or inflammation. However, it can't treat acne, unclog pores, or minimize sebum. When aspirin is used in a DIY mask, it can cause irritation, redness, and flaking. In addition, it can be absorbed into the blood circulation and cause unwanted side effects in individuals allergic to pain relievers. If you want to treat acne, the best thing you can do is to use proven acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
