Acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations that stimulate the production of sebum. Sebum, which is a greasy matter, clogs the follicles, causing blackheads, pimples, redness, and other symptoms typically associated with acne to form. A percentage between 70 and 87% of adolescents suffer from acne, not to mention that this disorder often affects adults as well. Therefore, rest assured that you are not alone in looking for effective methods to reduce blemishes. Almost all pharmaceutical treatments take a few weeks before starting to give results, so even if it is good to consult a dermatologist to start a long-term therapy, these products do not allow you to quickly fight redness. Fortunately, in the meantime, you can use a wide variety of methods to quickly relieve the redness caused by acne.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Easily Available Ingredients
Step 1. Apply ice
Applying ice to the affected area is the fastest (and cheapest) way to reduce the swelling responsible for the redness. In addition to reducing the size of pimples, ice fights the pain and discomfort they cause. In addition, it is effective in shortening the duration of the rash.
- Make sure you wash your skin before applying ice to make sure it's clean.
- Wrap an ice cube with a cloth. Ice should never be applied directly to the skin.
- Wrapped in the ice, place it directly on the affected area and let it act for a minute.
- Take a 5 minute break, then repeat the application for another minute as needed.
Step 2. Coat the affected area with lemon juice
Lemon juice fights inflammation and has antibacterial properties. When the epidermis has a slightly acidic pH, it tends to enjoy optimal health (and the ideal pH for the epidermis is approximately equivalent to that of lemon juice).
- Apply it for 15-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Apply lemon juice with extreme caution on sensitive skin.
- This treatment is not recommended for those with dark complexions. Lemon juice causes melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) to generate antioxidants that protect the skin. Dark complexions have a higher concentration of melanocytes, which means their skin produces more antioxidants. As a result, applying lemon juice can lead to blemishes, especially when the skin is then exposed to the sun.
Step 3. Dab the milk of magnesia on the affected area
Milk of magnesia has corrective properties for the skin, the problem is that they are only really effective if the complexion has the same tone as this compound. In such circumstances it is worth trying this concealer, especially for its convenience. If not, it is good to opt for another method.
Step 4. Treat blemishes with toothpaste
Although this treatment should not be used in the most severe cases of acne, applying the toothpaste on the affected area is effective for quickly relieving less extensive breakouts. Leave it on for at least an hour before rinsing (you can also leave it on overnight).
Step 5. Apply honey
Honey is an effective natural antibiotic for relieving the inflammation responsible for redness. You can take it directly from the jar to make a mask, to be rinsed off after about 30 minutes. You can also use it to give a shock treatment to specific areas of the face.
Try diluting the honey with water, apply it as if it were a toner and leave it on overnight. Apply only a thin layer of the solution and allow it to dry slightly before going to bed
Step 6. Use eye drops
The drops used to reduce eye redness are also effective in reducing the inflammation triggered by acne. Apply the eye drops with a cotton swab or cotton swab and leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing.
Step 7. Use a concealer
Consider that making up the areas affected by the breakouts can further clog the pores, so, if possible, it is best to avoid resorting to the concealer. However, it is a quick and easy product to use to reduce redness in an emergency. Just make sure you remove your makeup once you get home.
- The green concealer is effective for reducing redness and can then be hidden by applying a foundation of the same color as the skin. Keep in mind that on oily skin the foundation may melt, revealing the green concealer.
- For fair skin it is also possible to use a golden concealer, while for Asian, olive or dark skin it is preferable to choose one in shades of brown. Always remember to cover the concealer with a layer of foundation that is the same color as your complexion.
Method 2 of 3: Try a Topical Treatment
Step 1. Get tea tree oil
Tea tree oil kills acne-causing bacteria, reducing redness and inflammation. Considering that it is an effective tool for reducing redness in a single night, it is a particularly useful product to combat this blemish quickly. On the other hand, when it comes to swelling, it offers results within a week or so. The various sources disagree about the concentration of oil to be used for the treatment to be successful. Many tea tree oil products have a concentration of 5%, which has proven effective over time. For a quick treatment you could use a 10% solution instead.
Test the tea tree oil on a small area before using it. This product can sometimes cause skin rashes or aggravate rosacea. Discontinue use immediately if you notice that it tends to exacerbate the redness
Step 2. Buy a product containing alpha hydroxy acids
These acids are found naturally in citrus fruits and other foods. When applied to the skin, they help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. They can be particularly useful if you are looking for a treatment to eliminate the reddish scars left by acne.
Alpha hydroxy acids increase photosensitivity, so be sure to apply sunscreen before going out
Step 3. Try using a lotion containing green tea extract or zinc
Lotions containing 2% green tea extract solution have been shown to reduce mild to moderate acne. Zinc-based products also help reduce breakouts.
Method 3 of 3: Take Targeted Steps in Daily Life
Step 1. Use an oil-free moisturizer with sun protection factor
In many cases, sun exposure makes acne worse. However, by decreasing the risk of getting burned, you can eliminate a possible inflammatory agent. Choose products that are "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic" to avoid further blocking the pores.
Step 2. Avoid skin contact with hair, clothing and other irritants
By leaving your face free, you will hardly contaminate it with other bacteria. Remove hair from problem areas, avoid tight clothing and do not rest your hands or objects such as the telephone receiver on your face.
Step 3. Eat foods containing vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps repair the skin and protect it from further damage. Although the body does not produce it naturally, it can be absorbed through digestion or through the skin. Having anti-inflammatory properties, it is effective for reducing redness. Furthermore, according to research, vitamin E is expelled from the body by means of sebum, which is the greasy matter that clogs the pores. This means that it is possible to free them naturally by consuming it. The excess of vitamin E can favor the expulsion of the substances responsible for the obstructions.
Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and other leafy vegetables, squash, red peppers, mangoes, avocados, swordfish, and peanut butter are all excellent sources of vitamin E
Step 4. Eat a diet rich in vitamin C
It is a water-soluble vitamin that works best in tandem with vitamin E. In addition to regulating the production of collagen, it strengthens the immune system, as it reduces the body's inflammatory response to the bacteria responsible for acne (thus reducing redness).
