Acne is a very common skin condition that happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. It is generally caused by the same factors: oil, dirt, dead skin cells trapped in pores. Some types of acne can cause redness and irritation during the growth stage. Once the acne is gone and the dead cells of the scab dissolve there is a chance it will leave a scar behind. There are certain ways of reducing redness and swelling while we still have acne and also mitigating the risk of getting scars as a result of healing.


types of acne

There are several different types of acne depending on whether it gets infected, or how deep the acne occurs into the skin. There are a total of 6 different types of acne:

Blackheads

Whiteheads

Pustules

Papules

Nodules

Cystic

Blackheads and whiteheads are the least severe, non-inflammatory types of acne which means they are not caused by bacteria and are located close to the skin surface. Therefore they don't cause redness in the surrounding skin area.


On the other hand, there are more severe, inflammatory types of acne such as pustules, papules, nodules and cystic acne. Inflammation, redness and swelling are the body’s natural response mechanism to heal itself. Redness is a sign that our skin is healing itself. Unfortunately, when it goes on for a long time, inflammation can become very harmful to the skin—this is when we see dark spots where the acne lesion was. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

HOW IT'S BORN, HOW IT GROWS AND HOW IT DIES

Follicles (also called as pores) are ducts in our skin and each has a single strand of hair in it. These follicles are connected to a sebaceous gland which constantly produces oil to keep the skin moist. In case everything is going as it's supposed to be, oxygen can freely flow through the pore. Although, if the follicle gets blocked an acne is born. Afterwards, your skin's healing process can be faster or longer depending on numerous factors including how you treat your skin in the meantime.


types of acne scars

During wound healing, the normal architecture of your skin cells are changed and the abnormal formation of collagen eventually causes the formation of acne scars. There are many different types of acne scar treatments available and each type of treatment may be applicable to some type of scars but not others. As such, a consultation with a medical professional to decide the most appropriate treatment for your acne scars is much advised. We can distinguish four types of acne scars:

Rolling scar

Boxcar scar

Icepick scar

Hypertrophic scar (keloid)

4 tips to treat acne redness

  • Don't touch your acne

    Probably the most important thing you can do in order to heal your acne faster without causing any severe, long-term damage (acne scarring) on your skin is avoid touching it. Try not to pick at it, pop it, touch it. Irritating your pimple can result in increased swelling, redness and more potential bacteria getting into your pores. The cleaner the skin can stay during that period of healing, the faster the process is. 

  • Cool it down

    In case you’re dealing with a red, inflamed acne, instead of popping it, try applying ice directly to the blemish to help decrease inflammation. The cold will reduce the size and visibility of the spot. Wrap an ice cube in a thin cloth and hold it on your skin for a few minutes. Repeat throughout the day to relieve pain and temporarily reduce swelling.

  • Avoid inflammatory food and drinks

    Reduce the amount of inflammatory food in your diet such as sugar, excessive alcohol or processed meat.

  • Use sun protection
    The best you can do is avoid direct sun exposure. Stay in the shade and use at least 30 SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from further inflammation or burning.

3 ways to help fade acne scars

  • Scar treatments

    Depending on the type of your scarring, there are options to consider when looking for treatments. These medical solution include laser, dermabrasion, chemical peel, needling, minor surgeries. Always consult with a medical professional before choosing any of these treatments.

  • Protection from sun exposure

    Using sunscreen can help limit the contrast between your unscarred skin and a scar. Apply at least 30 SPF sunscreen.

  • RecoverX

    This advanced skin repair cream's formula was specifically designed to heal damaged skin and help your skin build new, healthy connective tissue. When applied on your skin, it draws moisture from the environment onto your skin and promotes faster healing. It can be used to reduce swelling and redness caused by acne as well as fade acne scars. Depending on how old and deep the scar is it can help fade it within 4-8 weeks of use.

To sum up, acne affects up to 40-50 million individuals only in the United States. It is a very common skin condition and there are some certain tips you can keep in mind while you have a breakout and after the acne is gone. Most importantly, be patient and consistent with your skin.