Acne redness can be a result of several different causes. Redness can occur with acne papules, a red form of pimples without the obvious whitehead. It can also happen as a form of acne scar left from the infection or from a different type of skin issue called acne rosacea. The cause of the redness determines the appropriate treatment. By evaluating these causes, you can determine the best home cures to banish redness for good.
Acne Papules
According to the Mayo Clinic, acne papules are red bumps that form due to a clogged hair follicle. Many people call them “underground” pimples, and they are typically red and tender without exhibiting a visible pus pocket called a whitehead. Home treatments include washing twice a day with a mild soap and applying tea tree oil to the affected area afterward. Keep hair, hands and greasy products away from infected area to prevent further irritation.
Acne Scars
Macules are red spots that are essentially what remains after an inflamed acne lesion flattens. They can last a year without treatment. Home chemical peels and microdermabrasion kits can prove effective in encouraging these spots to fade. Since these scars are primarily superficial, meaning they reside at the surface of the skin, they are fairly simple to treat from home. Always test a small patch of skin before applying any treatment to larger areas to know how your skin will react to the treatment. Lemon juice is also known for lightening skin pigmentation. Simply dab fresh lemon juice onto your spots, then rinse after 15 minutes.
Acne Rosacea
Acne rosacea is a skin disease affecting the face, specifically the chin, nose, cheek and forehead areas with acne on top of inflamed, red skin. Unfortunately there is no cure for acne rosacea, but it can be managed with proper treatment. You can buy over-the-counter products to use at home, but be careful to use only products identified for use on acne rosacea. Regular acne treatments could cause the rosacea to worsen. Applying oil-free creams can help soothe inflamed skin and promote healing. Oatmeal-containing lotions may also help.
