How to Reduce Pimple Redness and Size (Aspirin Method)

Co-authored by Chloe Goldman

Last Updated: January 14, 2023 References Approved

If you have a sudden, monster zit that you want to get rid of, you can use a crushed aspirin in water to reduce its size and redness. Be very careful when using this treatment, however, as the long-term affects of aspirin usage like this are not known. However, it is known that aspirin is a blood-thinner and using too many aspirins on your face (where your skin will absorb it into your bloodstream) can be bad for you.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Using Aspirin on Your Face

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Crush 1 aspirin. You need it to be fully crushed for this to work well. You can use 1 to 3 aspirins, but do not use much more than that. Remember, just as you wouldn't swallow a bunch of aspirin without asking a doctor, you don't want to put a bunch of aspirin on your face without talking to a doctor.^{[1]
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- Using more than a couple aspirins, especially within a short period of time (like 5 or 10 aspirins per day), can lead to blood-thinning issues as it is absorbed into your bloodstream. While it won't cause ulcers, that much aspirin being absorbed into your blood stream is not good!^{[2]
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2
Mix the crushed aspirin with water. You'll want 2 to 3 parts water to 1 part aspirin. You want to have a thick, somewhat gritty paste, which shouldn't take more than a few drops of water (since you're only using 1 aspirin).^{[3]
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3
Apply the paste directly on the pimple(s). Make sure to use a clean Q-tip, or, if you prefer to use a finger, wash it thoroughly with soap and / or rubbing alcohol first to ensure that you don't add new bacteria to your skin.
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Keep the aspirin there for 15 minutes. You do not want to leave aspirin on your skin for longer than 15 minutes. Otherwise your skin will absorb a lot of aspirin into your bloodstream, where it will remain for awhile.^{[4]
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Use a clean, wet tissue to remove the aspirin. This can also be an opportunity for light, gentle exfoliation.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Using More Natural Pimple Reducers

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Use tea-tree oil. Tea tree oil may reduce lesions and fight acne.^{[5]
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Research source} Apply a little tea tree oil to your pimple until it goes away.
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Apply a raw potato slice to your skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash the potato residue off your skin with cold water.^{[6]
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Warnings

Do not use this method if you have Reye's syndrome, have consumed large amounts of alcohol, are pregnant or breast-feeding, or take other medications.

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If you are under 18 years of age and are experiencing the cold or flu-like symptoms, avoid all aspirin products.

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Aspirin is related to tinnitus, a ringing in the ears. If you already experience ringing in the ears, you should avoid this procedure.

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Though rare, some are allergic to aspirin. Check to see if you are by testing the aspirin spot treatment behind your ear.

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Do not try this with other pain relievers. Only use 100% aspirin. This method will not work with acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or most other common pain relievers. Do not use combination pain relievers such as Excedrin.

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Do not make an aspirin mask, or if you do, use fewer than 3 aspirins, put it on your face for 15 minutes or less, and repeat only occasionally.

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Since you can absorb chemicals through your skin and the long term impacts of applying aspirin topically are unknown, it's not recommended that you make a habit of this.^{[7]
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