Here are some ways to make a pimple less red, based on the search results:
- Cleanse the skin twice daily (morning and night) with a gentle, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic (wont clog pores) cleanser.
- Consider pimple patches or stickers. If the redness is limited to one (or two) locations, you can purchase pimple patches designed to minimize a pimple’s appearance. Most contain salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, or some combination of ingredients designed to reduce the pimple’s appearance and promote healing.
- Apply a cloth-covered ice pack or piece of ice over areas of redness. Leave on for 10 minutes or less.
- Apply a mild cortisone cream to an inflamed pimple to decrease redness and swelling. This should be done sparingly and only as a spot treatment, as topical steroids themselves can actually cause acne, as well other potential side effects such as skin thinning.
- Use makeup to cover up the redness.
- Apply a product that contains 2 percent benzoyl peroxide to the pimple. This treatment will help kill the bacteria that causes acne.
- Apply a warm compress once a whitehead begins to form. To make a warm compress, soak a clean washcloth in hot water; make sure the water isn’t too hot to avoid burning your skin. Then, apply the warm compress to the pimple for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this three to four times daily until the pimple releases pus and heals.
When looking for skincare products to help prevent acne and decrease redness, here are some ingredients to look for:
- Niacinamide: This ingredient helps to regulate oil in the sebaceous glands, which can help prevent breakouts. Niacinamide also reduces redness and eases inflammation.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), glycolic acid, and lactic acid: These can help fight breakouts and reduce redness. Using an AHA treatment removes dead skin, leading to an overall brighter, healthier complexion. The ingredient also helps reduce inflammation and reduces the appearance of acne scars.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This is one of the best ingredients for actually getting rid of acne instead of just preventing breakouts. The ingredient helps to remove excess oil, kills bacteria, and has exfoliating properties.
- Salicylic acid: This ingredient helps to unclog pores by removing dead skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Adapalene: This can help prevent new breakouts and unclog pores.
- Azelaic acid: This has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps prevent buildup of keratin, a protein that can clog pores[[6]](https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acn...
