How to Reduce Redness and Swelling from Acne

Acne is something nearly everyone experiences at some point, but you don't have to suffer through those painful, swollen blemishes for months on end. Ice compresses are a quick and simple solution to reduce swelling in no time, and there are several other home remedies you can try right now. Here are 13 effective ways to rapidly diminish those inflamed acne spots.

Wrap an ice cube in a cloth to treat acne quickly. Apply the ice pack to your pimple, making sure the cloth only touches your skin, and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. The cold will constrict blood vessels beneath the skin, helping to reduce redness and swelling.

Apply this product to your pimple for a few hours. Acne patches will draw out pus and help the pimple heal faster. You can find these products at pharmacies under the name "hydrocolloid bandages" (which are cheaper) or "acne patches" (sometimes containing medicine for deeper, painful acne). Regardless of the type you choose, make sure to cleanse and dry the skin around the pimple before applying the patch. The patch will absorb impurities over a few hours. You can leave the patch on for up to 12 hours.

Use cosmetics to cover acne. Start by applying moisturizer, then cover the pimples with a thin layer of concealer that matches your skin tone. Apply foundation to the rest of your face and blend the concealer into the foundation using a clean brush or makeup sponge.

• If this doesn't work, try using a color-correcting product. Green or yellow tones can help neutralize the redness of pimples.
• Using hypoallergenic makeup while experiencing breakouts is also a smart idea.

Try using green tea lotion or used green tea bags. Green tea applied to the skin helps fight the bacteria responsible for swelling and redness. Lotions with green tea extract as a main ingredient may be the most effective, but if unavailable, you can place a cool, wet green tea bag on the pimple. Repeat once a day for best results.

Try this folk remedy if you have aspirin on hand. Crush an aspirin tablet into a powder, mix it with a few drops of water to form a paste, then apply it to the pimple using a cotton swab. While there’s limited evidence supporting this method, it’s worth a try since it’s easy to do.

• Do not attempt this remedy if you're under 12 years old, as it could cause skin irritation and lead to acne (e.g., from wearing a headband).

Apply tea tree oil cream to your pimples. Find a cream containing 5% tea tree oil and use a cotton swab to apply it directly to the blemishes. This is one of the most promising natural remedies, but like all acne treatments, it takes time to show results. Use it daily to help your skin heal.

• If you haven’t used tea tree oil before, do a patch test on your arm to ensure you're not allergic.
• You can buy pure tea tree oil and dilute it yourself with a kitchen scale. Mix 1g of tea tree oil with 19g of vegetable oil (do not use water). Jojoba oil is a good option due to its anti-inflammatory properties, while other oils may clog pores and worsen the condition.

This method may not be highly effective, but it’s safe. A drop of honey, especially when mixed with cinnamon powder, is an easy and inexpensive acne treatment. Both ingredients have antibacterial properties. While it’s not a miracle cure, it can make a noticeable difference.

• If you’re allergic to pollen, you should use honey mask products or other skincare items containing honey that have been filtered to remove pollen, preventing any allergic reactions.

Buy a moisturizing face mask for acne. Ideally, choose a product with alpha hydroxy acid as a key ingredient. (This may be listed as AHA, glycolic acid, or lactic acid). These products tend to be cheaper and gentler than stronger masks with lemon juice or more luxurious products with untested exotic ingredients, so it’s a win-win.

• Test the product by applying a small amount behind your ear and leaving it for 1-2 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
• If you’re applying a mask near your eyes, protect the sensitive skin by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
• Clay masks with jojoba oil seem to work well for some people. Try using the mask 2-3 times a week on your entire face or just on the areas with acne.

This over-the-counter medication is the first choice for treating inflamed acne. It may take a few weeks to see results, but it’s still more effective than most home remedies. Typically, you apply the medication to the acne 1-2 times a day, but be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

• Benzoyl peroxide can cause a tingling or irritation sensation for some people. To start, try using it every other day to see if your skin gets used to it.
• If this method doesn’t work, you can try using azelaic acid or retinoids, or ask your doctor about stronger prescription treatments. Salicylic acid, another common over-the-counter acne treatment, is often more effective for blackheads and whiteheads than for cystic acne.

Wash your face twice a day with warm water. Only wash the acne-prone areas and gently pat with clean hands. Over-washing, scrubbing too hard, or using rough towels can worsen acne.

• You should also wash your skin after sweating.
• Oily scalp can lead to acne along the hairline. Regular hair washing can help prevent excess oil buildup.
• You can also use a mild facial cleanser. Some contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which help open pores and reduce acne.

Moisturize your skin if you are using strong acne treatments. Many acne medications like benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, aspirin, and others can dry out the skin. It may seem counterintuitive, but moisturizing can actually help control acne. You can apply a moisturizer after washing your face daily or whenever your skin feels dry.

• Look for moisturizers labeled "oil-free," "non-comedogenic," or "won’t clog pores."

Try reducing your intake of sugar and dairy. While this isn’t a heavily researched topic, many people have reported clearing up their acne after eating foods with a low glycemic index (meaning less sugar and simple carbs) and cutting back on milk. Give this method a try for a few weeks to see if it works for you.

• Not all dairy products seem to trigger acne—cheese and yogurt appear to have no impact. Skim milk (fat-free milk) seems to be most closely linked to acne, so switching to low-fat or whole milk may also help.

Try switching to hypoallergenic makeup. Sometimes, cosmetics are the cause of breakouts. Consider switching to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic makeup for a few weeks to see if it helps.

• There’s a long list of ingredients that can cause acne, but the most common culprits are fragrances, followed by preservatives like parabens or methylisothiazolinone.
• Even hypoallergenic makeup can cause problems. If you suspect your makeup is contributing to your acne, consult with a dermatologist or allergist. They can help guide you toward products that will suit your skin.
• And always remember to remove your makeup before going to bed.