We’ve all been there—waking up to a red, irritated pimple that seems to take over our face.
Whether it’s a single blemish or a breakout, acne redness can feel like it’s impossible to hide, no matter how many makeup tricks you try.
But don't worry, you're not alone. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless skincare advice out there, sometimes simplicity is the key.
In fact, you don’t need a 10-step skincare routine to see real improvements. With just a few targeted products and the right approach, you can reduce acne redness and inflammation.
Start your day with a gentle cleansing routine, use the right anti-inflammatory ingredients, and follow some tips to keep your skin calm and balanced.
Let’s look into this detail guide for How to get rid of redness on face from pimples..
What is Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)?
To understand how to treat PIE, let’s first break down what it is. Post-inflammatory erythema is the reddish or pinkish mark left behind after a pimple has healed. This is not to be confused with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which are dark spots that can remain after a pimple or acne blemish heals. PIE, on the other hand, happens when blood vessels under the skin dilate during inflammation, causing the area to appear red or flushed even after the pimple has disappeared.
While it might seem like a scar, PIE is actually a temporary condition, and with the right treatment, it can be reduced or completely eliminated. But before we get into treatment options, it’s helpful to know how and why PIE occurs.
Why Do Pimples Cause Redness?
The redness that appears after a pimple heals occurs because of inflammation. Pimples are essentially swollen pores caused by clogged hair follicles filled with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. When the pimple becomes inflamed, the body’s immune system sends extra blood to the area to heal the infection, causing blood vessels under the skin to expand. After the pimple pops or dries up, the blood vessels may take time to return to normal, leaving behind the red marks known as PIE.
The severity of PIE can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Skin type: Lighter skin tones tend to show more redness, while darker skin tones might experience more hyperpigmentation (dark spots).
- Pimple size: Larger, more inflamed pimples tend to leave behind more noticeable redness.
- How long the pimple was present: The longer a pimple remains, the more likely it is to cause persistent redness.
- Picking or squeezing: Picking at pimples can damage the skin further, leading to prolonged redness.
Scientific Research on PIE
Understanding how to treat PIE requires knowing the science behind it. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examined the effectiveness of various treatments for PIE, including laser therapy, topical treatments, and antioxidants. The study found that laser treatments, particularly pulsed dye laser therapy, were effective in reducing the redness caused by PIE. Pulsed dye lasers target the blood vessels under the skin, helping to reduce their size and appearance.
Topical treatments like creams containing niacinamide, vitamin C, and retinoids have also shown positive results in helping to reduce redness. These ingredients work by promoting skin healing, reducing inflammation, and improving skin texture.
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Step-by-Step Guide - How to Treat Post-Inflammatory Erythema?
Treating PIE requires patience, consistency, and the right approach. Below are some steps you can take to reduce redness and promote faster healing:
1. Gentle Cleansing
Start your skin care routine with a gentle cleanser. Harsh cleansers can irritate the skin and make the redness worse. Look for a cleanser that is:
- Non-comedogenic: This means it won’t clog pores.
- Fragrance-free: Fragrances can be irritating to sensitive skin.
- Hydrating: Choose a hydrating cleanser to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Recommended Products:
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser: Contains benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide to treat acne while soothing the skin.
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser: A mild, non-irritating cleanser suitable for all skin types.
2. Moisturize Regularly
Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, moisturizing is crucial. Moisturizers help maintain the skin’s barrier, preventing further irritation and redness. Look for:
- Fragrance-free formulas to avoid skin irritation.
- Non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog your pores.
Recommended Products:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores.
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer: Helps reduce redness and irritation while soothing sensitive skin.
3. Apply Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in your routine, especially when dealing with redness from pimples. Sun exposure can worsen PIE and cause hyperpigmentation. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every morning, even on cloudy days.
Recommended Products:
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: Contains niacinamide, which helps calm redness while protecting against UV rays.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Sunscreen Milk SPF 60: Offers high protection against the sun without irritating sensitive skin.
4. Use Targeted Treatments
There are several active ingredients that can help reduce PIE and accelerate healing:
- Niacinamide: This vitamin B3 derivative reduces redness, improves skin texture, and promotes even skin tone.
- Retinoids: These encourage skin cell turnover, helping to fade redness and prevent future breakouts.
- Vitamin C: Known for its brightening properties, vitamin C can reduce redness and hyperpigmentation.
- Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) helps unclog pores, reduces acne inflammation, and improves skin texture.
Recommended Products:
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: A potent serum that reduces redness and inflammation while balancing oil production.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Night Serum: A retinoid serum that helps promote skin renewal and reduces redness.
- Cica-Cream: A product containing Centella Asiatica, which helps soothe irritated skin.
5. Avoid Picking or Squeezing Pimples
It’s tempting to pop pimples, but doing so can lead to prolonged redness and scarring. Picking can damage the skin, leading to more inflammation, which can make the redness last longer. Always try to resist the urge and let your skin heal naturally.
6. Consider Professional Treatments
If the redness persists and over-the-counter treatments don’t help, consider visiting a dermatologist for professional treatments. These might include:
- Laser Therapy: Pulsed dye lasers can reduce the appearance of blood vessels under the skin, helping to reduce redness.
- Microneedling: This treatment involves tiny needles that create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and helping to fade redness.
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels can help exfoliate the skin and reduce discoloration.
Effective products for Reducing Redness
Managing PIE involves a combination of skincare practices and, in some cases, medical interventions. Here are some recommended products and treatments:
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
This cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to help clear pores and reduce acne, along with niacinamide to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Night Serum
A vitamin A serum that promotes skin renewal and reduces redness, suitable for sensitive skin.
- Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm
A balm formulated with vitamin E, panthenol, and peptides to heal acne and soothe damaged skin, effectively reducing redness.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
This serum combines niacinamide and zinc to reduce redness and inflammation, promoting a clearer complexion.
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer
A moisturizer designed for sensitive skin, it helps reduce redness and irritation associated with acne.
Preventing Future Redness: Long-Term Skin Care Tips
Prevention is always better than treatment, so here are some long-term tips for avoiding PIE in the future:
1. Stick to a Consistent Skin Care Routine
A consistent skincare routine will keep your skin healthy and balanced. Make sure to cleanse, moisturize, and apply sunscreen every day. Incorporate active ingredients like niacinamide, retinoids, and salicylic acid to keep acne at bay and prevent inflammation.
2. Treat Acne as Soon as Possible
The quicker you can reduce acne inflammation, the less likely you are to experience prolonged redness. Use acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as soon as you feel a pimple coming on. The earlier you treat acne, the less damage it will do to your skin.
3. Use Non-Comedogenic Makeup
Makeup can be a culprit in clogging pores and worsening acne. Use makeup labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block your pores. Always make sure to remove makeup thoroughly before bed.
Conclusion
While it may feel frustrating to deal with redness after a pimple, it’s important to know that it is temporary. With the right skincare routine, patience, and professional treatments if needed, you can reduce the redness and prevent future breakouts.
By following a consistent routine that includes gentle cleansing, moisturizing, sunscreen protection, and the right active ingredients, you can reduce the appearance of post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and enjoy smoother, clearer skin. Remember, it takes time for your skin to heal, but with the right care, the redness will fade
