Here is an article from Wikihow describing the “Aspirin method” to reduce the redness and the size of new and old pimples. Worth reading.
from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit

You went to bed with clear and glowing skin, but when you awaken, you find a huge, monster zit ready to take over your face! Hurry, get the aspirin! No, not to soothe the headache you’re getting from imagining how people will react when they see this mountain on your face. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory, so you can put it right on the pimple to reduce redness and swelling.[1] Here’s how.

Steps

1. Place an aspirin tablet (or as many as necessary) in water and stir or shake. You’ll need about 2-3 parts water to 1 part aspirin. There is no need to pre-crush the aspirin. It will naturally dissolve when immersed in water. (Contrary to popular belief, you can use coated or uncoated aspirin without adverse effects.)
2. Mix the crushed aspirin with enough water to make a thick, somewhat gritty paste. It shouldn’t take more than a few drops.
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.
4. Let the aspirin sit on the spot(s) as long as you can. Usually, the paste will dry in less than a half hour and begin to flake off. Use a clean, wet tissue to remove the aspirin in as few wipes as possible. This can also be an opportunity for light exfoliation.

Tips

• Clean your face before applying the paste.
• An alternative is to make a mask instead of a spot treatment. This involves crushing several aspirin tablets, mixing with water and sometimes other ingredients (like honey) and spreading the mixture on your entire face.
• The active ingredient in aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, is very similar to (though not the same as) salicylic acid, which is used in anti-acne treatments.
• Uncoated aspirin is easier to crush.

Warnings

• 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.[2]
• Though rare, some are allergic to aspirin. Check to see if you are by testing the aspirin spot treatment behind your ear.
• 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.
• Aspirin is related to tinnitus, a ringing in the ears. If you already experience ringing in the ears, you should avoid this procedure.
• 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. [3]

Related wikiHows

• How to Reduce Video Size
• How to Get Rid of a Pimple
• How to Make Your Own Acne Treatment
• How to Get Rid of Acne
• How to Remove Sweat Stains With Aspirin
• How to Get Redness out of a Pimple

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/LIFESTYLES07/804140311/0/LIFESTYLES21
2. ↑ http://www.makeupalley.com/board/m.asp?id=43432958&keywords=aspirin
3. ↑ http://www.skinacea.com/acne/acne-treatment-aspirin.html

http://www.squidoo.com/clear-up-skin

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Reduce Pimple Redness and Size (Aspirin Method). All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

No related posts.