How To Reduce Redness & Swelling With Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Dermatology, affecting as many as 85 percent of people sometime in their lives. When you suffer with acne and your pimples are red and inflamed, it adds insult to injury; not only do you have spots on your face, but they're often swollen and tender to the touch. While you should never squeeze or pop a pimple, you can reduce the swelling and redness to make pimples less noticeable until they heal.

Step 1

Wash your face in the morning and at night with a gentle, soap-free cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubs or chemicals, which irritate already-sensitive skin. Use your hands to gently distribute cleanser over your face; avoid using scrubbing devices, which can exacerbate both the swelling and the overall redness of acne.

Step 2

Wrap an ice cube in a washcloth and hold it against a particularly swollen pimple. The cold causes the pimple to shrink temporarily, so it becomes less noticeable. Hold the ice cube over your pimple for up to five minutes and repeat as necessary on other areas.

Step 3

Take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Both act to reduce swelling in the body, including on the face. Painkillers help relieve acne soreness, as well as swelling and redness. Always follow package directions for taking over-the-counter medication.

Step 4

Apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide to the affected area. Benzoyl peroxide helps heal acne and is included in a variety of acne treatment programs. It works to dry out the pimples and reduce their size, and kills bacteria that causes new acne. Since benzoyl peroxide is often drying to the skin, begin with a once-daily application; if your skin tolerates the medication well, add another application to your schedule.

Step 5

Keep your hands away from your face, and never squeeze or pop a pimple. Squeezing a pimple often irritates acne more, resulting in a reddened, swollen appearance; it also transfers bacteria from your hands onto your face, which leads to even more acne. Make a point to avoid touching your face so your acne is less noticeable overall.