Every week, we put out a call for your redhead questions. This gives you a chance to get advice or input from our team of redheads. From beauty and fashion to lifestyle, redheads are unique, and we want to help make this community a place where you can turn for all your redhead needs.
Recently, we were asked for redhead tips on dealing with pimples. This week, we’re sharing some of our best advice for preventing pimples and removing any ones that pop up.
1. How to prevent pimples
Pimples and blemishes can occur due to skin irritation, clogged pores, hormones, genetics, and other factors. Unfortunately, there isn’t one tried-and-true way to prevent them, but redheads can try some of these general tips:
- Cleaning: One of the main reasons for skin breakouts is improper cleansing. Unclean skin will be prone to breakouts because oils, dirt, and makeup will clog the pores. All redheads should have a gentle, sensitive, skin-safe cleanser that they use 1-2x daily. For some redheads, a double cleansing routine (one oil-based, then one water-based) might work best.
- Exfoliating: Most redheads have sensitive skin and may skip exfoliation to avoid irritating it. Exfoliation suits all skin types, but knowing which type to use and how often is essential. The recommendation for sensitive-skinned redheads is chemical exfoliant a few times per week.
- Avoid Certain Ingredients: Redheads often have sensitive skin and should avoid ingredients like fragrances, alcohol, and harsh acids.
- Stay Sanitary: Germs are everywhere, and it is important to sanitize things that come in contact with your skin. Pillowcases, towels, cell phones, makeup brushes, and hands should be cleaned regularly.
- Manage Hormones + Stress: Hormonal acne and stress breakouts can sometimes occur. If you are experiencing consistent and intense breakouts, speak to your doctor to have your hormone levels checked and try to reduce your stress levels if possible.
- Diet + Water Intake: The foods we eat and the amount of water we drink can significantly impact our skin. Reducing your intake of sugar, sodium, and processed foods can help to reduce breakouts, and ensuring you’re drinking enough water will help your skin glow.
2. How to treat pimples
We can’t always prevent pimples, but there are some tricks for getting rid of them quickly with reduced risk of scarring. Let’s look at some treatments for different types of blemishes:
- Pimple Patch: A pimple patch can help draw out anything stuck in the pores while keeping the pimple covered and clean. This will improve healing time and reduce the risk of infection.
- Acne Drying Solution: A drying solution can dry up a pimple and speed up the healing process. Be sure not to apply a drying solution to an open blemish.
- H2BAR FAV! Salicylic acid: It is a medicated topical gel, cream, lotion or solution. It treats and prevents acne along with other skin conditions, like warts, psoriasis, calluses and corns. Salicylic acid works by breaking down layers of thick skin.
- Warm / Cold Compress: A warm compress can help increase blood flow and allow the pimple to dissipate on its own. A cold compress can help to relieve swelling, redness, and pain.
- Prescription Acne Medication: If you have stubborn pimples or an excess of acne, talk to your doctor about your prescription strength options.
- Time: Most pimples will go away on their own within a few days. The best way to reduce scarring from a pimple is to let it heal without picking, popping, or touching it.
3. When should redheads go to the dermatologist?
If you’re a redhead with acne, seeing a dermatologist can be particularly beneficial if you encounter any of the following situations:
- Persistent or Severe Acne: If over-the-counter treatments aren’t making a significant difference and your acne is severe or persistent, a dermatologist can offer more advanced treatments or prescribe medication.
- Scarring or Hyperpigmentation: Redheads with fair skin are more prone to post-acne marks or scarring. If you’re developing scars or noticing dark spots that aren’t fading, a dermatologist can recommend treatments to minimize them.
- Frequent Breakouts: If you’re experiencing frequent or painful breakouts, a dermatologist can help identify potential triggers and provide targeted treatments to manage and reduce acne.
- Suspected Underlying Conditions: If you suspect that your acne might be related to an underlying condition (like hormonal imbalances or other skin disorders), a dermatologist can help diagnose and treat these issues.
- Skin Sensitivity: Given that redheads often have sensitive skin, if you’re experiencing irritation or adverse reactions to acne treatments, a dermatologist can suggest gentler options or tailor a regimen to your skin’s needs.
- Need for Personalized Advice: If you want expert advice on caring for your specific skin type, a dermatologist can provide personalized recommendations and a skincare routine that considers your unique needs.
- Failure of Routine Treatments: If you’ve tried multiple over-the-counter products and your acne is still problematic, a dermatologist can offer alternative treatments or therapies that might be more effective.
- Infection or Severe Inflammation: If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, or if your acne becomes inflamed and painful, you must get professional advice to prevent complications.
If the strategies listed above do not work for you, please consult your dermatologist to find the best treatment plan for your breakouts. Seeing a dermatologist can help you develop a treatment plan specifically suited to your skin type and concerns, which is especially important for sensitive skin prone to irritation and scarring.
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