Penny Facials: Recipes for your face

I'm SO pleased to introduce the first of what I hope to be a series of posts called "Penny Facials: Recipes for your face."  

Being a Pinterest feind, I've come across quite a few at-home facial treatments and I've found a ton of really great ideas.  I basically give myself a facial every Sunday night (while watching Downton Abbey, obvi) and was excited to find a lot of "recipes" using ingredients I had around the house.  

I call these Penny Facials because they're insanely cheap.  Like, probably a penny.  I usually have all the components on hand and they actually work!  I see actual results from these facials and it just goes to show that it doesn't need to cost a fortune to look fabulous.  

Let's get started!  First up:  

The Aspirin Facial:  

So here's the idea behind the Aspirin Facial.  Aspirin contains salicylic acid (which is a beta hydroxy acid) and it's used to fight acne and blemishes.  Even at 28, I STILL get breakouts all too often so this is a great facial for me.  

Uncoated aspirin easily and quickly dissolves in water and honey acts as glue to keep the facial on your skin and it acts as a natural moisturizer.  This facial always makes my skin look like it's glowing!  Whenever my skin seems a bit dull and blah, I do this facial as a pick-me-up.    

Step 1:  Place 2-3 uncoated aspirin in a small bowl or the palm of your hand  

Step 2: Dabble your fingers in water and allow about 2-3 drops to roll onto your aspirin.  A little goes a long way here.  You don't want to water down the aspirin too much or you'll have trouble forming a paste.  You really only need just a few drops to help the aspirin begin dissolving.  

Step 3:  After about 10 seconds, you should be able to mash the aspirin into a dust/paste.  If it hasn't dissolved, add just another one or two drops of water to help it along.

Step 4:  Drizzle a little honey (I'd estimate 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon) onto the paste and mix to incorporate.     

Step 5:  You should have a cohesive paste now.  Using your fingers, spread the paste on your face, avoiding the eye area, and gently massage as you apply.  Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.  

I generally do this facial 1-2 times a week but you could easily do it every other day.  It's never caused me any irritation but you may want to test a small patch of skin first to be sure it doesn't bother your skin.  

So give it a shot and let me know your thoughts!