Table of Contents
Acne affects nearly 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24. That’s a staggering number, right? But what’s even more frustrating than the pimples themselves is the redness that sticks around, sometimes long after the breakout has healed. If you’ve ever stared at your skin in the mirror, willing to calm down, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are some solid ways to reduce that redness and speed up the recovery process.
Let’s break it down and dive into practical steps you can take today to get your skin back on track. But first, let’s understand what causes redness in acne.
What Causes Acne Redness?
Acne redness primarily arises from inflammation associated with various types of acne lesions, such as papules, pustules, and cysts. These lesions occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to bacterial infection and subsequent inflammation, which manifests as redness and swelling on the skin. Additionally, post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) can occur after acne lesions heal, leaving behind red marks that may take time to fade.
How to Remove Redness From Acne
A gentle and consistent skincare routine is crucial for managing acne redness. Here are some effective strategies:
Cool it down with ice
First things first cooling inflammation is one of the easiest ways to reduce redness quickly. Just like how you’d put ice on a sprained ankle, it can work wonders for acne too. Grab an ice cube, wrap it in a soft cloth, and apply it to the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. The key here is to avoid putting ice directly on your skin, as it can cause irritation. A simple, quick fix that’s also gentle on your skin.
Cleansing
Use a mild, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily. Over-cleansing can irritate the skin, exacerbating redness and inflammation. Opt for products that are designed for sensitive skin to avoid further irritation.
Dirty makeup brushes can also harbor bacteria, oil, dead skin cells, and product buildup, which can lead to breakouts and skin irritation. A silicone brush cleaner helps eliminate these issues by thoroughly cleaning your brushes.
Targeted Treatments
- Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid is effective in treating acne due to its ability to penetrate pores and reduce inflammation. It is available in various concentrations (0.5% to 5%) and can help minimize redness when applied directly to affected areas.
- Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and improve skin texture. Using a niacinamide serum in your routine can provide soothing effects on inflamed skin.
- Pimple Patches: For localized redness, consider using pimple patches that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide. These patches can help reduce the appearance of pimples and promote healing.
- High-Frequency Wand: The High Frequency Wand is designed to tackle acne and pimples effectively. In just 3 minutes per session, it helps clear existing pimples, prevent new ones from forming, and calm redness and irritation. This device not only heals but also enhances skin texture, leading to a clearer and more even complexion.
Moisturising
A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer is essential to maintain skin hydration without clogging pores. Look for hypoallergenic products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can help soothe and hydrate the skin. You can also look into collagen sheet mask benefits, it boosts collagen, hydrates the skin deeply and gives glowing youthful skin.
Protect your skin from the sun
Last but certainly not least, always use sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy. Sun exposure can worsen redness and cause lasting damage to your skin, especially if it’s already irritated from acne. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, ideally one that’s designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Make it a habit to apply it daily, even if you’re just stepping outside for a few minutes.
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to a proper skincare routine, certain lifestyle changes can further help reduce acne redness:
Diet
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries can improve overall skin health. Avoiding processed foods and sugars may also help in managing inflammation.
Stress Management
Stress can exacerbate acne and inflammation. Engaging in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise can be beneficial for both mental and skin health.
Professional Treatments
If at-home remedies and lifestyle changes do not yield satisfactory results, consider consulting a dermatologist for professional treatments:
- Chemical Peels: These treatments involve the application of acids to exfoliate the skin, promoting cell turnover and reducing redness. Depending on skin sensitivity, a dermatologist can recommend suitable types and frequencies of peels.
- Laser Therapy: Non-ablative laser treatments, such as LED face mask, pulsed dye lasers, target blood vessels under the skin to reduce redness without damaging surrounding tissue. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.
- Microneedling: This minimally invasive procedure stimulates collagen production and can help improve skin texture and reduce redness associated with acne scars.
- Prescription Medications: In severe cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth.
Conclusion
Managing acne redness requires a multifaceted approach that combines a gentle skincare routine, lifestyle adjustments, and potentially professional treatments. By focusing on reducing inflammation and choosing the right products, individuals can effectively minimize the appearance of redness and achieve clearer, healthier skin. Similarly, if you have inflammation under your eye or dark circles, a mini eye massager is a good treatment option. It is advisable to seek personalized advice from a dermatologist to tailor treatments to individual skin types and needs.
