The truth about using aspirin to treat acne is to whiten skin

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by Pharmacist Duong Thu Huong - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The drug is effective in reducing pain, reducing swelling and reducing fever. The active ingredient of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, which is a synthetic derivative of salicylic acid.

1. The acne treatment effect of aspirin

Under hot and humid conditions, aspirin can hydrolyze to acetic acid and salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a widely used active ingredient in acne products. The conversion to salicylic acid may explain aspirin's acne-fighting effects. Salicylic acid has drying properties that help control oil and sebum. Besides, salicylic acid also has exfoliation properties that help remove dead cells, soften and whiten the skin.
Theoretically, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, aspirin can help reduce inflammatory acne, such as cysts and pustules, formed by the deposition of sebum and dead cells that trap bacteria deep in the pores. , releasing substances that cause skin inflammation. Aspirin can reduce swelling and pain caused by the inflammatory response. Aspirin will be less effective in treating whiteheads and blackheads because these types of acne do not cause swelling or festering.
In fact, up to now, there has not been an official study proving the effect of aspirin in acne treatment. Several studies have investigated the effects of aspirin on various skin lesions.

For example, a 2015 study found that taking aspirin by mouth improved skin inflammation caused by sunburn, Raynaud's syndrome, and skin cancer.
Another 2002 study found that topical aspirin helped reduce inflammation caused by allergies. The American Academy of Dermatology (ADA) recommends oral aspirin for sunburn, but does not recommend aspirin for acne.

2. Is it safe to use aspirin?

Aspirin is not a drug that can be used by everyone. People who should avoid aspirin include:
People who are allergic to drugs in the NSAID group Pregnant women, nursing mothers (unless prescribed by a doctor for some special conditions such as lupus erythematosus and prophylactic prophylaxis). eclampsia ) Children and adolescents (due to the risk of Rye syndrome) Aspirin should also be used with caution in cases of:
Asthma Hay fever Allergic rhinitis Gastritis

The most common undesirable side effects of oral aspirin are stomach irritation and bleeding. Homemade aspirin from tablets can also cause some unwanted effects.
In a non-standardized medium, it is difficult to quantify the fraction of aspirin converted to salicylic acid. Using the wrong concentration of salicylic acid can cause skin irritation, over-drying, and worsening of damaged skin.
Moreover, applying aspirin on the skin can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, so the skin will be more susceptible to damage if sunscreen is not used.
Pharmacist's advice is not to self-administer or prepare topical aspirin because improper use can aggravate skin damage and increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. If you have concerns or questions about acne treatment, please call Vinmec call center for advice and treatment support.

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Sources: Medical News Today, Healthline, NIH (National Library of Medicine) and UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)