Soothe Pimple Redness Quick With These 7 Expert Tips

Why Is My Pimple So Red?

Redness is one of the ways your skin signals that it’s irritated and inflamed. With inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, redness is widespread across the face, but in acne, discoloration is limited to the immediate area surrounding the pimple. Acne causes a bacterial imbalance in the skin microbiome, which can disrupt oil production and create an inflammatory response, Dr. Vaidya tells IPSY. 

Still, redness is admittedly caused by our own interference sometimes. Picking at a pimple, or trying to pop it, can damage skin and leave you with red, irritated marks (and even scarring). Carelessly meddling with a blemish can also lead to infection, putting you at risk for more inflammation and potential pain. It’s always best to treat a pimple with clean hands, and of course, dermatologist-recommended advice. 

How to Make Pimples Less Red

Cleanse Regularly

Cleansing your skin in the morning and at night will help keep bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells from worsening your pimple. Staying committed to your regular cleansing will refresh your skin, preventing future acne and treating current breakouts. 

Apply a Cold Compress

Icing or applying a cool compress to your pimple will help any swelling go down, as well as treat any redness. Simply apply an ice cube—wrapped in a paper towel or cloth—directly to your blemish for up to 10 minutes. If the feeling is too intense, try soaking a clean washcloth in cool water, wringing out any excess before applying to your pimple. 

Use a Retinoid

“There are many benefits to incorporating a retinoid into a skincare routine,” says Dr. Vaidya. “It’s a well-researched ingredient known to stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing fine lines.” A retinoid not only treats and prevents acne, but the powerful skincare tool can also improve dark spots (yes, including deep-rooted scarring). 

Retinoid can even lead to a more youthful complexion over time, since it promotes skin cell turnover, Dr. Vaidya adds. “In terms of what type of retinoid to use, I usually recommend retinol for most skin types, or adapalene for acne-prone skin.” she says. 

Wearing Sunscreen

Wearing SPF protects your skin from sun damage—i.e., further irritation and redness. Pick out a non-comedogenic sunscreen and apply daily (even if it doesn’t look sunny out). 

Reach for Salicylic Acid

Beta hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. According to Dr. Vaidya, the potent skincare effectively dissolves dead skin cells, unclogging pores in the process. 

“Salicylic acid is an example of a beta hydroxy acid that is commonly used to treat acne due to its antibacterial benefits and ability to target comedonal acne, including whiteheads and blackheads,” she says. “While there is no specific age to start using a BHA like salicylic acid, I commonly recommend this ingredient for those with oily or acne-prone skin, especially teenagers.”

Avoid Over-Treating

Of course, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Use acne treatments as directed, warns Dr. Vaidya, and avoid over-exfoliating to prevent irritation. 

Use Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Products

Dr. Vaidya recommends opting for a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide, since that ingredient helps treat acne and improve dark spots. If you have sensitive skin, start off with a gentle cleanser that’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, which will help you maintain the integrity of your skin barrier. 

Final Thoughts

Discoloration can stick around long after pimples can, making it an especially frustrating symptom to deal with. Still, you’ve got options (and spoiler alert, redness isn’t looking like one of them).