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So whats the deal with the aspirin as a spot treatment?

Well, the answer is complicated.

Aspirin for Acne

Stocksy

Interestingly, the dermatologists we spoke to werenotunanimous on thissome said hack, others said hoax.

(More on what they prefer later).

Why Is Aspirin Used as a Spot Treatment?

First things first, the basics.

It has drying effects that minimize excess oil and dead skin cells, ideally helping to clear acne.

So you might be wondering: What does it have to do with aspirin?

Aspirins active ingredient is acetylsalicylic acid, a similar ingredient, though they are not actually the same.

It will not work for blackheads or whiteheads (non-inflammatory acne.)

Yet, for some dermatologists, that doesnt preclude it from being useful in a pinch.

As it is anti-inflammatory, it can also help to calm redness.

Typically, aspirin spot treatments are made by mixing crushed-up aspirin with a couple drops of water.

If you experience a negative reaction or irritation, better to leave your pimple alone!

Before putting anything on the spot, youll first want to wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

If you gotta use your fingers, confirm to wash your hands right before doing so.

give a shot to stick to doing this 23 times a week at most, Hayag warns.

You will give yourself more than a headache if you combine aspirin with benzoyl peroxide.

It’s a no-go, Shamban says.

Nowadays we have options, so we might as well take full advantage of them!

Here are some of the blemish-busting hero ingredients that dermatologists recommend over spot-treating with aspirin.

Luckily, its very easy to find, too.

This MuradRapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment contains 2%, the highest recommended amount.