The benefits of aspirin far exceed temporary relief from fever, aches, and pains. Most people know that it can protect you from a heart attack or stroke, if taken properly. Research suggests that it can reduce the risk of some cancers and Alzheimer?s disease. But aspirin has many other potential health, beauty, and personal benefits. Discover some of the amazing things that?bottle in your medicine cabinet can do for you.
1. Treats Acne and Pimples and Skin Conditions
Used as far back as the fifth century B.C. by Hippocrates?to ease aches and pains, salicylic acid, a derivative of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), is a powder extracted from the bark of a willow tree. It ?helps remove excess oil and exfoliate dead cells on the skin’s surface,? says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, adding that it?s ?extremely useful in treating acne.?
By dissolving dead skin and helping to shed the skin?s top layer, salicylic acid reduces the possibility of clogged pores ? the common culprit behind breakouts. It also clears up redness and decreases swelling, which can alleviate symptoms of rosacea. People with psoriasis may also benefit from the salicylic acid in aspirin. ?It can make psoriasis lesions thinner and can help reduce itch,? says Dr. Zeichner.
To make your own aspirin-based skin mask, crush up five uncoated aspirin pills and drop them into a quarter-cup of warm, distilled water. Stir well until the concoction develops a paste-like consistency. If you want, you can add a teaspoon of honey to the mix to reap the benefits of this natural antibacterial moisturizer. Once the mixture is about the same temperature as your skin, apply to any parts of the body affected by acne or other kinds of inflammation, and leave on for about 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
2. Keeps Dandruff at Bay
Because of its moisturizing qualities, the same salicylic acid contained in face washes is also an ingredient in many dandruff shampoos. ?Applying aspirin mixed with shampoo to your scalp may help reduce scalp inflammation that causes dandruff and help exfoliate flakes on the skin,? says Zeichner.
To make the concoction, crush two or three uncoated aspirins and mix them into the normal amount of shampoo used each time you wash your hair. Focus on your scalp as you massage the mixture into hair and let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing.
3. Relieves Insect Bites
Zeichner says aspirin, with its anti-inflammatory properties, may help reduce the redness, swelling, and pain from bug bites. Make an aspirin paste similar to the one used for problem skin or just dampen an uncoated aspirin and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes.
4. Treats Ingrown Hairs
An ingrown hair causes a lot of discomfort, which you can treat with aspirin. The salicylic acid in aspirin scrubs away dead skin to loosen the offending hair.
Its anti-inflammatory nature can help reduce redness and inflammation. It can also treat and prevent mild infection.
- Dissolve 2 or 3 aspirin tablets in 1 teaspoon of warm water until it forms a paste-like consistency.
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the paste.
- Apply the paste to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water and gently pat the skin dry.
- Follow this remedy once or twice a week as needed.
5. Clean Your Bathroom
You may not need to spend extra money on cleaning supplies if you?ve got some aspirin in the medicine cabinet. ?It works on any surface with the same exfoliating properties, removing soap scum, or other contaminants from your bathroom or counter surfaces,? says Gafanovich. Dissolve two uncoated aspirin pills in warm water and use the paste to cut down on counter grime.