As if acne outbreak is not bothersome enough, it brings along with it an unsightly redness. Know how to reduce acne redness with the help of a few simple measures.
Treating acne can be a real headache, especially when there are ugly, bright red pimples on the cheeks to deal with. It gives your face a permanent red flush that persists even after the scar has been treated.
While there are many topical creams, antibiotics and medicine to treat this unsightly problem, the best way of reducing acne redness is by using simple self care measures at home.
How to Reduce Visible Signs of Acne Redness
» Apply toothpaste (non-gel based) to the affected area. Keep it on overnight, and then wash it off in the morning with lukewarm water to observe a visible reduction in the redness.
» Place ice cubes in a clean cloth, and apply it on the blemishes. Keep it for around 2 or more minutes. Repeat the process at least 5-8 times a day for good results. Be careful not to break the pustule, and release the pus though.
» Applying eye drops that contain tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride to the affected area can visibly reduce the redness.
» Apply crushed fresh mint leaves to the affected area, and leave it on overnight.
» Cucumber and tomato juice is a simple home remedy that can help tighten up the pores, and reduce the redness drastically.
Apply it on the face, and leave it on for around twenty minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. In the absence of juice, rubbing half a tomato, or a sliced cucumber on the affected skin area, should also do the job.
» Applying garlic juice can also help clear up the redness and inflammation.
» Lemon juice mixed with rose water is great for reducing inflammation and swelling. Apply the mixture on your face, leave it on for around 20 minutes and rinse off.
» Aspirin tablets, meant for treating headaches, can come handy in reducing acne marks. Crush 1 aspirin tablet, and mix it to 2-3 parts water, and apply. Wash it off with a wet tissue or cotton after 30 minutes of application.
» A paste of turmeric powder and Indian Lilac, or ground radish leaves, is a great antiseptic for clearing acne.
» A mask of vinegar and salt applied on the face can eliminate acne in no time. Apply the paste evenly over the face, and wash it off after thirty minutes with lukewarm water.
» Grated potatoes, mashed papaya, or a mix of fresh lime juice with groundnut oil can reduce the acne redness quickly.
» A glass of boiled milk with lime juice is not just great for skin whitening, but is also helpful in getting rid of pimples and redness.
» You can also use wet tea bags, or tea tree oil on the acne for 5 to 10 minutes, and get amazing results.
» Another option is using Aloe Vera gel on the acne. Wash off the thick gel after 30 minutes. It not only helps to reduce the redness, but heals the irritation and itchiness as well.
Few Tips for an Acne-free Skin
As it is said, prevention is better than cure, it is better to avoid acne and pimples than treating them. Here are a few easy steps to a glowing and healthy skin.
Eat a balanced diet, high in vitamins and minerals which are essential for a clean and shining skin. Vitamin E, A, K, and B are responsible for keeping the skin healthy and acne-free. Fruits and green leafy vegetables are the best sources of natural vitamins and minerals.
Drink plenty of water in a day. It not only keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized but also helps in flushing out toxins from your system. It is recommended to drink at least 5-8 glasses of water everyday.
Make regular physical activities a part of your daily routine. This helps provide a well-toned skin as it facilitates a good blood circulation supplying oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells.
For a soft and supple skin, avoid heavy smoking and drinking as the toxins in them tend to clog the pores in your skin making it difficult for the skin cells to respire. The toxins and dirt accumulated in these pores lead to pimples and acne.
If you are the kind who loves to dab makeup on your skin, make sure to remove it before you go to bed. Use a mild face cleanser to get rid of all the dirt and chemicals, and wash your face with a gentle face wash.
Lastly, a good night's sleep works wonder for your skin. It helps recharge your body, and makes your immune system efficient to fight against bacteria and stress. 6-8 hours of good sleep is recommended for total health and well-being.
If these methods do not work for you, then prescription ointments and antibiotics may help in reducing the redness and swelling. Most of the time, salicylic acid preparations are used for this purpose. However, you might want to consult a doctor before using any of these products as salicylic acid is associated with a number of side effects.
Also, before following any of the aforementioned home remedies, consult your doctor, as not all home remedies are clinically proven, and they may not show the same results for everyone.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.