Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, which is the main active ingredient in store-bought razor bump and ingrown hair products. To save money, just use aspirin.

What it does: Helps with active acne and spots. You can expect pretty fast results. Skin will be softer and blemishes reduced.

It also prevents ingrown hair (razor bumps) after shaving or waxing.

Why it helps: Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, which is similar but not identical to the active component, salicylic acid. Salicylic acid cleanses clogged pores. Salicylic acid is also the one active substance that can visibly improve razor bumps.

How to do it:

Crush 3-4 plain uncoated aspirin in water. It should resemble a paste. You can apply it on your face as a mask, but it will flake off as it dries. (If you do not want it to flake off, mix it with moisturizer instead of water. Aloe vera is a good option. Honey is also good.)

Spread this paste on your face and leave on until it begins to dry. To remove, wash off with water.

For the prevention of ingrown hair or bumps after shaving or waxing, you can use a more diluted paste (add a little bit more water to the crushed aspirin).

Spread this mixture over dry skin (face/legs/arms/underarms) immediately after shaving or waxing. Leave to dry.

Why this works: If you’re wondering why this works so well, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is the main active ingredient in store-bought razor bump and ingrown hair products.