It never fails; you’re getting ready for a job interview, a photo shoot, or a date with a loved one when you notice a pimple showing up on your face at the absolute worst time! Pimples are an extremely common skin issue for both men and women, so it’s not surprising that they pop up when you least expect them.

If you don’t have a few days to wait until they go away on their own, here are a few quick tricks on how to get rid of pimples fast when you have important plans.

Try Some Ice

If your pimple is red and painful, ice can help soothe it. Place a single ice cube in a paper towel or clean cloth and gently press it against the pimple for up to 5 minutes. Don’t put the ice directly on your skin, or you might increase the amount of inflammation and redness in the area.

Ice is a great way to not only soothe the painful bump, but can also help reduce the appearance of the pimple and lighten the redness around it. If you only have a few minutes to spare before you need to leave the house, give this tip a try!

Make an Aspirin Paste

While this may sound strange, making a paste from a crushed up aspirin can reduce swelling and provide pain relief as well. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, the same ingredient found in a wide range of exfoliators, acne creams, and other facial products which makes it great to use in a pinch.

Crush one aspirin tablet into a powder and add a small amount of water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste directly to the pimple and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. After the time has passed, gently rinse the aspirin paste off of the area with lukewarm water.  You’ll notice a reduction in the redness, swelling, and pain.

PCA Skin has a great acne gel as well or if your skin is really oily use their acne cream. Use a mask once or twice a week.

Additional tips: Drink a lot of water and less sugar, salt and dairy. Wash those brushes and pillowcases and sheets.