Redness is another of those annoying acne symptoms that just won’t leave you alone. First, you have the redness of inflamed acne lesions, and then there is post-acne redness to worry about too. Looking for an easy solution to soothe the complexion and clear up splotchy skin? You’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 simple ways to reduce the redness caused by acne.
1. Use cold and warm compress
A cold compress applied to the acne lesions eases the redness of pimples. It also reduces pimple size by bringing down inflammation. You could also try a warm compress to soothe the skin and help with the pain and discomfort that is associated with inflammatory acne. Warm compresses reduce inflammation and redness by drawing excess oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and grime out of blocked pores.
2. Get sun protection every day
The sun is not your friend, but sunscreen is! Exposure to the sun can make
acne-related redness and spots more prominent. Keep your skin happy by slathering on sunscreen. If you don’t like the feel of sunscreen, a daily moisturiser with high SPF will do. Regular sunscreen use protects your complexion from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and keeps the redness from acne in check.
3. Stop touching your skin already
Tempted to pop a bright red pimple or pick at a red acne scar? Don’t do it. Also, avoid touching the skin every few minutes to check if the zit is getting smaller. With constant touching, you risk transferring germs from your fingers to the skin and spreading acne bacteria to other parts of the face.
4. Soothe inflamed skin with aloe vera
Aloe vera has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective weapon against acne-related redness. Apply fresh aloe vera gel or invest in a cleanser or cream that includes aloe vera as an active ingredient. Aloe vera is soothing to the skin and can be safely used alongside most prescription-strength treatments for acne.
5. Spot treat with tea tree oil
Topical application of tea tree oil fights acne on multiple levels. It kills off acne bacteria, controls oil levels, and brings down redness and swelling. Just make sure to dilute it in a carrier oil and run a patch test to check for possible allergies first. If tea tree oil does not irritate your skin, it can be a handy addition to your skincare arsenal. You can use it to spot-treat breakouts as well.
(Read our guide for answers to all your questions about tea tree oil as an acne fighter.)
6. Combat redness with benzoyl peroxide
Over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide could counter red pimples and post-acne redness. Benzoyl peroxide fights acne-causing bacteria and helps with inflammation. However, it is good to run a patch test when using products with this ingredient. If your skin is sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, you could notice some dryness and mild irritation.
7. Beat acne symptoms with salicylic acid
Loads of acne-control cleansers list salicylic acid as an active ingredient—and with good reason too! Salicylic acid unblocks and clears pores, promotes the shedding of dead skin, and helps with swelling and redness. Its antibacterial properties make it an important safeguard against acne flares. Plus, it regulates oil production and calms the skin.
(Here’s all you need to know about salicylic acid face wash.)
8. Deploy retinoids against redness
Prescription-strength retinoids combat redness from pimples as well as post-
acne redness. Retinoids also prevent pore blockages and are sometimes combined with acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide to reduce inflammation within the pores. However, these compounds leave the skin very sun-sensitive. So, make sure to use sunscreen generously while using retinoids.
9. Check with your dermatologist
It can be a struggle to reduce the redness of acne scars naturally. The best approach is to consult a trusted dermatologist for treatment advice. Acne scars can be stubborn, and the doctor might suggest in-office procedures to even out your complexion. Microneedling, chemical peels, and laser therapy, for example, could minimise redness and eliminate scars.
(Find more tips on how to fade scars quickly.)
10. Invest in a multi-purpose acne cream
What’s the easiest way to avoid redness from pimples? Prevent acne from the start with a targeted product like Clearica Anti-Acne Cream. It reduces redness and swelling thanks to active ingredients like green tea and guava leaves. The lightweight cream glides over the skin easily, beating acne bacteria and giving you a healthy glow.
Takeaways
There are many ways to reduce the redness of acne temporarily. However, to ensure lasting change, you must keep your skin clean and use the right products to control acne flares. Choose the right acne-control regimen and you’ll end up keeping the redness away as well.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation or for diagnostic purposes. Please consult your dermatologist or doctor before acting on any of the information provided here.