According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, acne is caused from a build-up of oil and dead skin cells on the skin. The pores become clogged with the oil and dead skin cells, and inflammatory lesions, such as papules and pustules, give the skin a reddened appearance. If you are unable to treat acne inflammation on your own, speak to your doctor about more aggressive options, such as prescription antibiotics and topical retinoids.

Wash the skin with a mild facial cleanser twice a day. Avoid products with alcohol or any other irritants that can worsen the redness from the acne. Use gentle motions while cleansing the skin and rinse away soap residue with cool water.

How to Best Treat an Underground Pimple

Learn More

Apply an over-the-counter acne treatment product to the affected areas of the face twice a day. Salicylic acid-based topical creams, gels or lotions promote skin peeling and unclog the pores to treat breakouts.

Ease inflammation with aloe. Cut a slit into a leaf from an aloe plant. After draining away any yellow latex, remove a piece of the gel. Smooth the gel directly on the inflamed skin and use as needed. If you do not have access to an aloe plant, vitamin E capsules can be used as an alternative. Puncture the capsule with a needle to access the oil inside. Gently massage the oil into the acne-affected areas of the skin.

How to Relieve Redness & Peeling With Acne Scars

Learn More

Use only non-comedogenic skin care products. Oil-based makeup and skin care products will clog the pores on the face and worsen the breakout. Products labeled non-comedogenic have gone through testing and have been found to not clog the pores.

Tips

Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in over-the-counter topical acne treatment products. Benzoyl peroxide removes acne causing bacteria from the skin, but does not have anti-inflammatory properties.

If you experience any irritation or the redness worsens from the salicylic acid medication, reduce application to twice a day.

Warnings

Do not squeeze or pick at red pimples on the face. You can increase your chances of damaging and scarring the skin.