How To Reduce Pimple Redness With 5 Science-Backed Ingredients

It always happens right before that big presentation or date. You wake up, look in the mirror, and see a giant red neon sign glaring back at you. 

Hello, inflamed pimple. We meet again.

Acne is already a difficult skin condition to deal with, but glaring redness can make it even

more frustrating. After all, there’s a huge difference between a few measly blackheads and a gigantic, swollen, red nodule. The latter is also known as a blind pimple, and learning how to get rid of a blind pimple overnight can be a life-saver.

Fortunately, you’re not stuck waiting it out until that red spot calms down on its own—there are some science-backed skincare ingredients that can help you fast-track the healing process. If you’re ready to leave breakouts and redness in the dust, this guide on how to reduce pimple redness will help you take that spot from scarlet to nada.

Which Types of Pimples Can Be Red?

Before knowing which ingredients to use to quell the redness, it’s important to identify the type of acne you could have. 

Pimples, also known as comedones, are generally divided into two categories: non-inflammatory (no redness) and inflammatory (some redness). Non-inflammatory pimples include blackheads and whiteheads, and treatment for them is often simple. 

But inflammatory acne can be complex, harsh, or difficult to treat. If you have red pimples or acne-prone skin, you likely have one of these types of inflamed comedones [1]:

• Papules, where the surrounding hair follicle walls break down from inflammation, leaving behind a hard, red, and clogged spot
• Pustules, which are similar to papules but also contain pus and usually an exposed yellow or white head
• Nodules, which are caused by more severe irritation and sit deep inside the skin, often require medical assistance
• Cysts, which sit very deep beneath the skin and risk scarring; they often appear hard, painful, and free of a head

Fortunately, whichever type of inflammatory acne you’re experiencing, there’s probably a matching skincare ingredient that can help pare down the redness that comes with it. 

5 Ingredients to Reduce Pimple Redness

Put down the pimple-popping tool. If you want to learn how to make a pimple less red in a safe way, turn your attention to effective topical skincare. Depending on the type of pimple you have, any of these top, research-backed ingredients can assist you with redness reduction ASAP.

#1 Retinoids

Retinoids work their magic by increasing your skin cell turnover—the rate at which new skin cells replace dead skin cells. Research shows that promoting cell turnover may play a role in reducing acne symptoms by [3][4]:

• Soothing inflammation, which reduces overall redness
• Exfoliating skin to remove dead skin cells and dirt that can clog pores
• Balancing sebum levels, which can reduce pimple formation and improve skin texture 
• Fade discoloration from past acne spots or scars 

But the advantages of retinoids go above and beyond your pimple. Retinoids come with a host of other skin benefits, from minimizing the appearance of wrinkles to helping to foster a brighter complexion [5]. 

Typically, products formulated with retinoids take at least 6 months to see visible improvement in acne and skin overall. Some people may experience side effects in the meanwhile. For first-timers, those with sensitive skin, or heavy-duty retinoid users, it’s common to experience [6]:

• Drying
• Flaking
• Irritation
• Generalized redness
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

However, it’s well worth pushing through these “retinization” side effects to see those glowy benefits. PROVEN’s AI technology gradually incorporates retinol and acne-fighting ingredients into your customized night cream to prevent unwanted symptoms. 

#2 Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is an essential oil from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It contains antimicrobial properties, slowing the growth of or killing acne-causing bacteria and other microbes on the skin [7]. 

Research shows that this power helps tea tree oil reduce overall lesions, redness, excess sebum, and even swelling in mild to moderate acne cases [8][9]. While this is a natural option, it is still potent and may cause side effects in some people. To use tea tree oil for pimple redness, be sure to follow these tips when applying a product that contains it [10]:

• Choose diluted oil formulas since pure tea tree oil can irritate and harm the skin
• Add a carrier oil to any pure tea tree oil mixture, like almond or jojoba oil
• Avoid the eye area since tea tree oil can irritate its delicate skin
• Try a patch test on your arm before applying tea tree oil to your face, just in case you have an adverse reaction

#3 Benzoyl Peroxide

Luckily, benzoyl peroxide is fairly easy to find. Your drugstore likely has many over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, such as:

• Facial cleansers
• Spot treatments
• Facial creams or lotions
• Body washes or soaps 

For some people, benzoyl peroxide can be harsh on the skin, especially in higher concentrations. To avoid peeling and irritation, start with formulas at 2.5% lower. You can also choose products that you may only use twice per day, such as a facial cleanser or spot cream.

#4 Niacinamide

• Inflammatory acne – For inflammatory pimples like pustules or cysts, niacinamide can reduce overall redness, swelling, and even the total number of lesions. One study found that a 4% niacinamide gel significantly reduced symptoms in mild to moderate acne in just eight weeks [13].
• Excess oil – If you have oily skin, you may have a higher chance of developing inflammatory acne. One study found that 2% niacinamide cream reduced sebum production in just four weeks, possibly preventing acne lesions in the future [14].  
• Damaged skin barrier – Your skin has a protective barrier made of ceramide lipids that help retain all of its moisture. A damaged barrier can let moisture out, leaving you with a dry, irritated, and red complexion. Niacinamide naturally repairs the lipid barrier by increasing protein and ceramide synthesis in the skin [15].

Niacinamide is generally gentle enough to use as-needed, rarely causing any harsh side effects. Try adding a daily moisturizer with SPF that is also formulated with niacinamide so that you’ll never forget to apply it in the morning. 

#5 Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also a strong anti-inflammatory, which can significantly improve acne lesions, reduce redness, and lower swelling [17]. Research shows that topical vitamin C can help acne-prone skin by [18]:

• Lowering overall inflammation, which can significantly improve the appearance and formation of acne lesions 
• Exfoliating dead skin cells to prevent the formation of future pimples forming and improve texture
• Boosting collagen stores, which can help heal acne scars and increase skin firmness
• Brightening the skin by reducing melanin production, which can reduce hyperpigmentation from past acne lesions
• Repairing the skin barrier to reduce redness, irritation, and peeling

You may have heard of other popular skincare ingredients like salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. Is hyaluronic acid good for acne? Depending on your skin health, there can be other ingredients that help repair, restore, and rejuvenate your skin. The only way you’ll know for sure is by taking our Skin Health Quiz that develops custom formulations with the right doses. 

Factors That Cause Pimples to Get Redder

It may not seem like it, but the redness is a sign that your body is actually on your side. That’s because pimple redness is a result of inflammation—the body’s natural response to injury or infection.

Inflammation heals wounds by drawing more blood cells to a specific area, providing it with more nutrients and oxygen. To your body, a pimple is a wound (especially if it’s deep in the skin tissue or opened). As a result, your body inflames the area, which can create symptoms like:

• Redness
• Warmth
• Swelling
• Pain
• Irritation

Several other factors can cause, create, or contribute to more redness:

• Certain strains of bacteria 
• Outer irritation (touching, picking, etc.)
• Hormonal changes
• Genetics
• Diet
• Stress
• Certain skincare products
• Medications

One of the best ways to keep a zit from forming? Building a clean, clinically-effective regimen that keeps your skin’s best long-term interests at heart.

Make Your Skin Smile with PROVEN

Almost everyone faces a red, swollen, and angry pimple at some point in life—but at PROVEN Skincare, we’re not here to repeat history. Does your acne get worse before it gets better when you try new products? We’ve got you covered.

Every custom skincare routine we create is designed with formulas containing natural, clean, clinically-effective ingredients personalized to your skin needs. Whether you’re up against inflammatory acne or the first signs of fine lines, we want to create a regimen that helps you reach your beauty goals. Take our skincare quiz today to discover your PROVEN 3-step skincare set and reveal your best skin yet.