Reducing acne redness requires a combination of gentle skincare, protective habits, and lifestyle adjustments. Consistent care helps soothe irritation, while professional treatments offer effective solutions for persistent redness.

Acne itself is common — and the lingering redness it can leave behind can be particularly frustrating. 

Dermatologists have spent years studying skin and have some proven tips to combat this concern.

These aren’t just quick fixes. We’ll talk about proven strategies that tackle redness effectively.

If you’re tired of trying countless remedies with no success, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through these five practical, expert-backed tips. 

By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to help reduce stubborn redness and restore a healthy calm to your skin.

Tip #1 — stick to a gentle cleansing routine 

When it comes to managing acne redness, the first and most important step is gentle cleansing. 

Your skin is already dealing with inflammation, so the last thing it needs is to be irritated further by harsh products.

Let’s start with what to avoid. 

Steer clear of cleansers with strong fragrances, alcohol, or sulphates. These ingredients can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and more irritation. 

Instead, opt for cleansers labelled as gentle or suitable for sensitive skin. Look for ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. These help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, keeping it hydrated and calm.

How you cleanse matters, too. 

Use lukewarm water – not too hot, not too cold. Hot water can dry out your skin, while cold water might not effectively remove impurities. 

Massage the cleanser into your skin using your fingertips in a circular motion, then rinse thoroughly. Pat your face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it.

cleanse without compromising the integrity of your skin barrier.

A gentle routine sets the foundation for all the other steps you’ll take to reduce redness. Tip #2 — keep your skin moisturised

You might think that since you have acne-prone skin, moisturising would only make things worse. But that’s a common misconception. 

In reality, proper moisturising can significantly help reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.

Hydration is your skin’s best friend. When your skin is dry, it becomes more susceptible to irritation and redness. 

A good moisturiser acts as a protective barrier, locking in moisture and keeping out irritants. This not only helps in reducing the redness but also in maintaining the overall health of your skin.

Choosing the right moisturiser is important. Look for products labelled as non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores. This is especially important for acne-prone skin. 

Choose lightweight, gel-based moisturisers if you have oily skin, or more hydrating creams if your skin tends to be dry.

Ceramides are excellent for restoring the skin’s barrier and keeping it hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is another one to look out for – it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a fantastic hydrator. 

Niacinamide is also a great addition, known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness.

Regular application of the right moisturiser helps manage post-acne redness.  Proper hydration strengthens the skin barrier, which can help minimise the appearance of redness and promote overall skin health.

Tip #3 — apply sunscreen generously

The sun’s UV rays can exacerbate redness and cause further irritation. Protecting your skin from these harmful rays is an important step to reduce redness.

UV exposure can inflame your skin and make existing redness worse. It can also lead to dark spots and prolonged healing times for acne marks. 

, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the skin and cause damage, this is why daily application of SPF is so important. 

As with your moisturiser, your sunscreen should also be non-comedogenic. You’ll want a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Aim for at least SPF 30 for adequate protection.

Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often recommended for sensitive and acne-prone skin. They provide effective protection without irritating the skin. 

Chemical sunscreens can also be effective but choose ones that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin to avoid potential irritation.

Applying sunscreen daily, even when indoors, can help prevent UV-induced redness and keep your skin looking its best.

Tip #4 — consider professional treatments like AviClear Laser

While at-home remedies provide a solid foundation for managing post-acne redness, achieving lasting results may require a more targeted approach.  

Consider consulting a board-certified dermatologist. They can assess your specific skin concerns and create a personalised treatment plan to address the root cause of the redness. 

Professional treatments can offer faster results. Don’t hesitate to take the next step and unlock the full potential of your skin.

AviClear is an advanced solution for those dealing with particularly stubborn inflammation.

AviClear Laser is a groundbreaking treatment specifically designed for acne. It works by targeting the sebaceous glands, reducing oil production and calming inflammation. 

Unlike other treatments, AviClear is non-invasive and suitable for all skin types. It’s a great option for those who haven’t found success with traditional spot treatments. 

Dermatologists often recommend this treatment for its efficacy and minimal downtime. So, if you’ve tried everything else with little success, discussing AviClear with your dermatologist might be the next best step.

Tip #5 — maintain a healthy lifestyle 

Your lifestyle plays a significant role in the health of your skin, including how much redness you experience from acne. 

A diet high in sugar and dairy can sometimes trigger acne and increase inflammation, leading to more redness. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich foods, like fish and flaxseeds, can help support your skin’s health. Of course, drinking plenty of water is also essential for keeping your skin hydrated and reducing irritation.

Stress management is another important element. High stress levels can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to acne flare-ups and increased redness. 

Finding ways to manage stress can make a big difference. Activities like yoga, meditation, or even just taking regular walks can help lower stress levels and improve your overall skin health.

Also, sleep is often overlooked but incredibly important. Poor sleep can lead to increased inflammation and stress, both of which can worsen acne and redness. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. 

Taking these steps not only benefits your overall health but also significantly impacts the appearance and health of your skin. Making conscious lifestyle choices can lead to clearer, calmer skin, and less acne redness.

Combine self-care with professional support

Give these dermatologist-approved tips a try — and time – to do their job. After all, your skin needs a little TLC and time to show its true potential.

Also remember that while these tips are effective, everyone’s skin is different. 

Consulting with a dermatologist and the skin clinicians at Ascension Clinic . They can personalise advice and suggest treatments like AviClear if your redness is particularly stubborn. 

So, if acne is something you have been struggling with, put your skin in the hands of highly-trained skin experts, where acne redness can be a problem of the past.