How to Get Rid of Redness from Acne: The Ultimate Guide

Acne can be frustrating, but dealing with the lingering redness it leaves behind can be just as challenging. If you’re searching for effective ways on how to get rid of redness from acne, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the best practices, ingredients, and skincare tips to help you achieve a clearer, more even-toned complexion.

First, a quick side note: it’s important to address your acne itself in addition to focusing on the redness from your acne. If your acne isn’t under control, the redness will keep coming back due to the damage your skin continues to encounter. If you struggle with cystic acne, check out this blog post on my journey and insights on cystic acne for more detailed advice.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!

Keeping your skin hydrated is super important when it comes to getting rid of redness from acne. When your skin is well-moisturized, it heals faster and is less likely to get irritated.

• Use a Gentle Moisturizer: Look for cleansers that are gentle, meaning they don’t have active ingredients in them (glycolid acid, salicylic acid, etc.). Too much exfoliation can be a bad thing, and we want to save your exfoliant ingredients for where it really matters, aka your serums.
• Hydrating Ingredients to Look For: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera can help to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.

Calming Ingredients

To get rid of redness from acne, it’s crucial to incorporate calming and soothing ingredients into your skincare routine.

• Niacinamide: This powerhouse ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce redness and blotchiness, making your skin tone appear more even.
• TSC (Disodium Tetramethylhexadecenyl Succinoyl Cysteine): This one’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s great for calming irritated skin and helping it heal.

Say Hello to Tyrosinase Inhibitors

Redness and hyperpigmentation from acne can also be tackled by using tyrosinase inhibitors. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that plays a key role in the production of melanin, which can cause dark spots and discoloration.

• Popular Tyrosinase Inhibitors: Ingredients such as kojic acid, licorice extract, and vitamin C are effective in reducing post-acne marks and preventing further discoloration. A lesser known tyrosinase inhibitor that’s just as powerful as a hydroquinone, is hexylresorcinol.

Never Skip SPF

One of the most crucial steps in any skincare routine, especially when dealing with redness from acne, is protecting your skin from the sun.

• Daily Sunscreen: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which can exacerbate redness and lead to further skin damage.
• Reapplication: Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you are outdoors for extended periods. This ensures continuous protection throughout the day.

Stick To A Routine

Achieving results requires consistency. Stick to a routine that includes cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin daily.

• Cleanser: Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove impurities without irritating your skin.
• Treatment: Apply products containing niacinamide, TSC, and tyrosinase inhibitors to target redness and discoloration.
• Moisturizer: Keep your skin hydrated with a soothing, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
• Sunscreen: Never skip your SPF, even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors near windows.

Wrapping It Up

Getting rid of redness from acne is a gradual process that requires patience and the right skincare strategy. By focusing on hydration, incorporating calming ingredients like niacinamide and TSC, using tyrosinase inhibitors, and protecting your skin with SPF, you can significantly reduce redness and achieve a more even skin tone. Remember, consistency is key, so stick with your routine and give your skin the time it needs to heal and renew.