Acne can be a persistent challenge, and the redness it leaves behind can be just as frustrating. If you’re seeking effective ways to manage and reduce redness from acne, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we will discuss acne redness and its causes, and explore different types of acne that contribute to skin irritation. We will also provide actionable tips on managing acne and its aftermath.
Causes of acne redness
Acne redness results from inflammation caused by the body’s response to acne, a clogged hair follicle.
When hair follicles are congested with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, the body’s immune system responds by triggering an inflammatory reaction. The body directs more blood to the affected area, manifesting as redness and swelling.
If the acne ruptures or is squeezed, the contents can spread to surrounding tissues, increasing inflammation and redness.
Types of acne that cause redness
Different types of acne can contribute to redness, ranging from mild to severe.
- Papules: Papules are small and raised red bumps on the skin. They are tender to the touch and result from inflammation and infection around the hair follicles.
- Pustules: Pustules are like papules, but they have a pus-filled centre. They appear as red bumps with a white or yellowish centre and are often considered a more advanced stage of inflammatory acne.
- Nodules: Nodular acne are larger, solid, painful lumps beneath the skin’s surface. They can cause significant inflammation and redness due to the deep-seated nature of the lesion.
- Cysts: Cystic acne is deep, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can cause extensive redness and swelling. They are larger and more severe than pustules and nodules, often leading to scarring if not properly treated.
Managing acne redness
Skincare routine
Establishing a gentle yet effective skincare routine can help you manage acne redness. Consider the following steps.
Cleansing
A mild, non-comedogenic cleanser removes dirt and excess oil without exacerbating irritation.
Regular cleansing helps remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin’s surface. Clean skin and pores are less likely to be clogged, reducing the risk of acne development.
Moisturising
Hydrate your skin with a fragrance-free, non-greasy moisturiser to maintain its natural balance.
Proper skin hydration is essential, even for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. A suitable moisturiser helps balance the skin’s moisture levels, preventing excessive dryness that can trigger the overproduction of oil. Opting for a non-comedogenic moisturiser ensures that it won’t clog pores.
Sun protection
Apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from harsh UV rays.
Sun exposure can worsen redness and inflammation in acne-prone skin. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the skin and prevents further irritation while helping minimise post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Topical treatments
Incorporating targeted acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids, into a skincare routine can help manage existing acne and prevent new breakouts.
- Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid exfoliates the inside of the follicles, breaking down and removing dead skin cells, excess oil, and other debris. By maintaining clear pores, salicylic acid helps prevent clogging, reducing the risk of inflammatory acne.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient kills acne-causing bacteria by introducing oxygen into the pores. It creates an environment where the bacteria cannot thrive, helping to reduce their numbers while decreasing inflammation and redness.
- Retinoids: Retinoids increase cell turnover, facilitating the loss of dead skin cells and the formation of new cells. They enhance exfoliation, which helps keep the pores clean, reducing the risk of developing acne and redness.
Remember, consistency is key to seeing results from skincare and topical treatments. Establishing and sticking to a routine allows your skin to adapt to the skincare ingredients and therapy, leading to more effective long-term results.
Professional acne treatment
If you are struggling with a severe case of acne, you can consider professional acne treatments to provide you with significant relief. A medical facial, for instance, can help calm inflammation by cleansing, exfoliating, extracting impurities and delivering rejuvenating serums.
Acne scar treatments
Acne that is accompanied by redness can sometimes leave a scar. However, there are ways to address acne scars and reduce their appearance.
- Skin resurfacing: Techniques like laser therapy can refine skin texture and diminish scars.
- Chemical peels: Exfoliates the outer layer of skin, promoting collagen production and minimising scars.
- Dermal fillers: Fill in depressed scars for a smoother complexion.
- Subcision: Break up scar tissue beneath the skin’s surface to improve overall texture.
Acne and scar treatment in Singapore
Managing and reducing redness from acne involves a holistic approach, from establishing a proper skincare routine to using professional treatments.
If you’re seeking expert guidance, Dr. Jon Yong Aesthetic Clinic stands ready to assist you on your path to a more confident and radiant complexion. Our specialised treatments, including medical facials and acne scar treatments, can help you effectively manage the redness from acne and reduce scars.