The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid—the same key ingredient in many topical acne products. "Crush one aspirin in water and make a paste," suggests Debra Jaliman, MD, New York City-based dermatologist and author of Skin Rules. "Apply the paste directly to the pimple with a cotton swab and leave on for 10 minutes." Then rinse off with warm water.
Tea tree oil
"Tea tree oil is a mild antiseptic and mild anti-inflammatory," says Jessica Krant, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Put a few drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton pad, and then gently dab it onto your blemish, Dr. Jaliman suggests. "Leave it on for a few hours or overnight," she says.
Ice
Just as ice controls swelling on a sprained ankle, it can reduce inflammation in a pimple, says Dr. Jaliman. "Wrap an ice cube in a wash cloth and hold it on the pimple for a minute," she says. "It will vasoconstrict the blood vessels and take down the redness and swelling."
Apple cider vinegar
For a DIY toner, dilute one part apple cider vinegar with three to four parts water (use four if you have sensitive skin), and then apply all over your face using a cotton ball or pad. "It may kill surface bacteria and give a mild chemical peel," Dr. Krant says. What's more, adds Dr. Jaliman, apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid—added to many over-the-counter acne products.
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