If you have a pimple, the resulting redness and inflammation are often more annoying than the blemish itself. Dealing with pimples and blemishes is a great source of stress for many. When the skin is red and irritated, it can be embarrassing to go to school or work. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to get rid of the breakouts quickly. It is also possible to intervene to directly counteract the cause of the irritation.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Quickly Relieve Redness
Step 1. Don't squeeze the pimples
While it is normal to be tempted, it is best to avoid it at all costs, otherwise the skin will redden and become inflamed even more.
If you have a really annoying pimple, try dabbing in some tea tree oil, which helps dry it out sooner
Step 2. Don't touch your face
Touching your face not only causes the spread of sebum and bacteria, making the situation worse, it also causes the skin to redden. Keeping your hands away from your face helps fight redness.
There are residues of sebum and bacteria on the hands that could make acne worse. When you touch your face, even thoughtlessly, the microorganisms that are on your hands will contaminate it
Step 3. Try using ice cubes
Wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and gently place it on the pimple for 20 minutes. Take a 20 minute break, then repeat the application for another 20 minutes. This treatment helps to calm and soothe the skin, especially in hot weather.
If you prefer, you can also use an ice pack or a bag of frozen food, but be sure to wrap it with a thin towel to avoid exposing your skin to a prickly cold sensation
Step 4. Use eye drops
While it does not help get rid of pimples, it is effective for reducing redness. Pour a few drops of eye drops on a cotton ball and pat it gently on the blemish. It will help reduce the redness affecting the surrounding area.
Remember that this method does not relieve inflammation or get rid of the pimple, but it can help to slightly lessen the redness
Step 5. Apply cucumber slices
Cucumber is very effective in relieving inflammation and redness. Keep it in the fridge for a couple of hours (if you're in a hurry, put it in the freezer), then cut a few slices and let them work on the most inflamed pimples.
- Leave the cucumber slices on the pimples until they are heated. If you want to repeat the treatment, you will need cold slices.
- The cucumber helps to narrow the blood vessels around the pimple, which helps to reduce the redness.
Step 6. Fight pimples with aspirin
Many use this treatment to lessen the redness and inflammation triggered by pimples. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient commonly used in the treatment of acne. Not only does it help fight redness, it is also effective in drying the pimple.
- Crush aspirin tablets into a fine powder. Add a few drops of water at a time to form a paste. Don't use too much water, as the paste should be slightly sticky.
- Apply it to the most inflamed pimples and, if possible, leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
- Remove the paste by washing your face with a mild cleanser and water.
- This method should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Step 7. Apply a green concealer
While it doesn't help get rid of redness, it's effective at hiding it for a few hours. The green concealer is particularly suitable as this color contrasts the redness that affects the area around the pimple.
- You can also use a regular concealer, but green is preferable for pimples. Remember to apply only a thin veil!
- To reduce germs on the skin, wash and moisturize your face before applying the concealer. Then, gently pat it on the pimple and blend it with a sponge. If you have a habit of wearing makeup, you can also apply your usual foundation over the concealer.
Step 8. Use a specific product to reduce redness
There are products designed to treat skin prone to redness and couperose. Look for gentle cleansers and creams formulated for this type of skin, such as Eucerin's Anti-Rose Treatment and Aveeno's Anti-Redness Line.
Part 2 of 2: Coping with Pimples
Step 1. Wash your face twice a day
Use a mild cleanser designed for acne-prone skin. This type of product usually contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acids, or tea tree oil. However, if you have particularly sensitive skin, you should wash it with a mild cleanser that is free of anti-acne ingredients (or in a lower concentration).
Before washing, moisten your face with warm water, then gently massage the cleanser using your fingertips. If you leave it on for between 30 seconds and two minutes, it can help it penetrate your skin better. Rinse well with warm tap water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, but avoid rubbing, otherwise you risk irritating the skin and making the redness worse
Step 2. Apply a moisturizer
Choose a product designed for the face. Also, read the label - it should state it's oil-free and non-comedogenic. Apply the moisturizer to the skin immediately after washing, creating a thin and even layer. Proceed with extreme delicacy, especially on red areas.
Look for a moisturizer with SPF, which will protect your skin from the sun
Step 3. Keep your brushes clean
If you do your makeup using brushes, you should wash them once a week. The bristles accumulate residues of dirt and bacteria every single time they come into contact with the skin. If you don't wash a brush, you will only contaminate the skin. It is therefore essential to prevent this from happening, especially for those who have problems with pimples and rashes.
- To wash the brushes, you must first wet the bristles with warm water. Roll them on a stick of soap so they can absorb the product, otherwise pour baby shampoo into the palm of your hand and twist the bristles over it. Rinse well with tap water. Gently squeeze the bristles to remove excess water and spread the brush horizontally on a clean towel.
- You can also buy a shampoo or spray specially designed for washing brushes.
- Expose them to the sun to speed up drying.
Step 4. Do a localized treatment
There are products that are applied directly to individual pimples. They usually contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil. It is recommended to apply them before going to bed, after washing and moisturizing the face. Spread a thin layer of product on the affected area and leave it to act overnight. In the morning, wash and moisturize your face as usual.
- Talk to your dermatologist to learn more about creams that contain azelaic acid - they can be effective for both treating acne and fighting redness.
- Do not apply the product on the entire face, as it can irritate the areas not affected by pimples and other impurities.
Step 5. Avoid foods that can contribute to inflammation worsening
Dairy products, gluten, sugar, vegetable oils (such as canola), trans fats, processed meats, alcohol, grains and refined flours are believed to affect inflammatory states of the body (including those affecting the skin). Since almost all industrially sourced foods contain at least one of the ingredients on this list, it is recommended that you eat more fresh fruit, vegetables and organically sourced meat to alleviate acne.
Sometimes it is difficult to avoid foods belonging to these groups, but don't worry. The important thing is to make a commitment to eat healthy as often as possible: it is normal to make occasional "cheats"
Advice
- If you have severe acne, see a dermatologist who can help you determine the cause. They may also prescribe medicines or offer you other treatments to fight acne and reduce redness.
- Follow your skincare program consistently. The epidermis takes a few weeks to adjust to a new schedule, so don't expect acne to go away overnight. If you are committed to fighting redness and inflammation, you will be able to defeat it with a little time and patience.
