Is there anything more frustrating than waking up with a zit on your chin that you could’ve sworn wasn’t there last night?! Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Luckily, there are a few ways to treat a zit in under 5 minutes using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here are our 5 favourites!


Ice

Stop touching that pimple right now! Stop picking at it! And definitely don’t try to pop it! I know you’re thinking about it! Before you make it any angier than it already is, go grab an ice cube, wrap it in a thin cloth or paper towel, and hold it against your pimple for 3-4 minutes. Do this sporadically throughout your day to help the swelling go down and reduce any pain.


Aspirin

Ever heard of salicylic acid? It’s probably a key ingredient in the face wash you use! It’s an awesome acne fighting ingredient, and it’s also a main ingredient in aspirin! Make an aspirin paste by crushing up a tablet or two and mixing the powder with a small amount of water. Spread the paste over the pimple (and any other acne-prone areas, while you’re at it). This will unclog your pores and get rid of excess oil, making the pimple go away faster. It even eases pimple-related pain! (Physical pain, that is. Emotional pain may be better dealt with by using a good concealer)


Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a great, natural spot treatment. It’s great for fighting bacteria and reducing inflammation—in fact, it targets the two main types of bacteria that cause acne! Using tea tree oil has been known to cause very few unwelcome side effects, which makes it a perfect way to get rid of a zit quickly. It is very important to note, however, that tea tree oil is too potent to apply directly to the skin! It’s suggested to mix it with a ‘carrier oil’ before applying it to the face: olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, etc.


Honey

Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s perfect for treating a zit quickly! Just lather it on and let it sit for a few minutes. You can leave the honey on for up to 20 minutes—then just wash it off and see the results.


Toothpaste

Forewarning: try to use this one sparingly. Toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which can be applied directly to a pimple to dry it out. Prolonged use can cause irritation to the skin, so only use this trick when you’re desperate (think: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, waking-up-on-your-wedding-day-with-a-volcano-on-your-chin type of desperate). We don’t recommend this tip for anyone whose pores get clogged easily, but in a pinch, this one can work a treat.


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