3 ways to cover up swollen red pimples on your face

Most people will have a period when their skin is at its best, but then they notice red pimples starting to appear! Red pimples can be difficult to conceal with just regular foundation, but when you combine the right concealer and follow the steps below, it will help reduce or even completely cover red blemishes.

Sequence 1: Choose the right concealer

Step 1: Choose a green-toned concealer

When choosing concealer, opt for green-toned ones; green is opposite to red, which is why green concealer works to blur and neutralize red spots. Dot the concealer onto the area you want to neutralize for color correction and blend the edges of the layer to create an even coverage.

Make sure to use a small amount of product to create thin layers on the skin until the imperfections are completely covered. It will be more difficult to use a large amount of green concealer to create a thick layer of coverage over red blemishes.

After applying concealer, start applying your usual foundation to your skin. Or, do it the other way around, apply foundation first then concealer (see the next section for full steps).

Step 2: Buy concealer specifically for red blemishes

These concealers will help cover red spots from irritated acne or scars, or even skin conditions such as rosacea. Dot the concealer directly onto the reddened areas and blend evenly to create a uniform coverage.

Step 3: Use a color corrector

Use a color corrector underneath your foundation to cover red blemishes and other dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation. This technique will brighten dark areas and significantly improve your uneven skin tone. Gently, dab the color corrector onto discolored areas.

Step 4: Use a high-end concealer

Inexpensive products rarely provide good coverage for large red blemishes. These concealers often have a thin, liquid texture that makes it difficult to achieve full coverage; although they can cover minor imperfections, they struggle with darker blemishes.

High-end concealers, such as Dermablend Cover Creme True Beige, have a thicker texture and are effective for covering darker acne spots, and can serve as both concealer and foundation.

Take a small amount of product and rub it between your fingertips to soften. Dot and blend directly onto the blemish-prone areas. Let it dry before applying additional layers of concealer if needed. Always use setting powder to set the foundation.

Step 5: Use products with better coverage

Larger pimples or acne lesions require better coverage. A concealer with better coverage will help hide various imperfections, such as dark spots, moles, and birthmarks.

Sequence 2: How to apply makeup to cover red blemishes

Step 1: Wash your face thoroughly

Make sure your face is fresh and clean before applying new makeup. Use warm water and facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and other unwanted residues. Wet your face with warm water and rub facial soap or cleanser in your hands. Gently rub it evenly over your face to completely remove dirt and rinse your face clean. Always pat your skin dry before applying any products.

Step 2: Use a daily moisturizer

Daily moisturizers for acne-prone skin that control oil will help reduce acne irritation by eliminating excess oil and soothing the skin. Apply moisturizer to your face, making sure all areas are thoroughly covered. Let it dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Apply foundation

Foundation is used to create an overall even base on the skin, helping to cover uneven skin tones, red blotches, or blemishes. You can apply concealer before foundation, but applying foundation first makes it easier to identify areas that are not well covered and need concealer for better coverage.

Use a primer to smooth the skin first so that the foundation applied afterwards is smoother, adheres better to the skin, and does not settle into streaks, dry patches, or create a rough texture. Let the primer dry before applying foundation.

Dispense a dime-sized amount of foundation onto the back of your hand and use clean fingers to dot it evenly on your forehead, nose, and chin. Blend the product smoothly and evenly over your skin, blending from the center outwards. Blend along the jawline to avoid a visible demarcation.

Step 4: Apply concealer

Use high-end concealer to achieve the best coverage results. The best concealers will have neutralizing capabilities to correct discolored areas, appear brighter, effectively cover dark spots from hyperpigmentation, and blend well with foundation to create an even makeup look.

Dot concealer onto discolored areas with your finger, brush, or clean makeup sponge. Gently dab to blend until the edges blend smoothly into the foundation and no streaks remain on the skin.

Note: Do not use liquid or cream concealers over powder foundation. If you use powder foundation, apply concealer first and let it dry before applying the powder foundation on top.

Step 5: Use setting powder to set your makeup

Use setting powder to finalize your makeup. This will help your foundation and concealer last longer. Use a fluffy brush to apply a layer of setting powder to areas prone to oiliness.

Tap off excess powder from the brush and gently dust it onto your skin to ensure no thick powder layer is created. Note: There is a difference between loose powder and pressed powder. Loose powder will make makeup look more natural, but the powder particles will be more prone to scattering on the skin.

Step 6: Draw attention to your eyes and lips

Apply striking eye and lip makeup to create a focal point on your face and divert attention from red blemishes. Use darker eye makeup or lipstick shades to draw attention.

Sequence 3: Treating red blemishes

Step 1: Only use gentle, safe cleansing products

You can try products containing small scrub particles for physical exfoliation and to remove discolored skin, but this can easily damage the skin, making it difficult to heal. Instead, use gentle facial cleansers like the HydraLight gel cleanser (a moisturizing and brightening product line).

Apply a small amount of gel cleanser to your slightly damp face and eye area. Use gentle circular motions to thoroughly remove dirt and oil from the skin. Rinse thoroughly with water. To remove heavy makeup, repeat or use with a clean, wet cloth.

Step 2: Chemical exfoliation with AHA or BHA

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are found in fruits, nuts, milk, or sugar. They break down the bonds between cells, making it easier to exfoliate the skin. BHAs or salicylic acid are found in willow tree bark, wintergreen oil, or sweet birch oil. Salicylic acid can penetrate the oil in the skin and remove dead skin cells and excess debris in the hair follicles.

It is also a good anti-inflammatory agent that can effectively reduce redness. Apply an adequate amount to the entire face, avoiding direct contact with the eye and lip areas. Leave it on, do not rinse. Use once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Be sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 25 or higher during the day.

Step 3: Use sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF 25+ daily

Skin directly exposed to UV rays without good protection can cause damage and hinder the skin's healing ability. This means red acne scars can linger longer or even worsen. UV exposure damages skin cells and slows down the healing process of acne on the skin.

Protecting your skin from daily UV exposure is crucial for fading red acne spots. Use sunscreen as the final step in your morning skincare routine. Reapply at least every 2 hours if skin is exposed to a lot of sunlight.

Step 4: Use antioxidant products containing Vitamin C and Retinol

These two antioxidant ingredients help protect the skin from further damage and accelerate the healing process of damaged skin cells. They help reduce inflammation and shorten the healing time for discolored blemishes.

Use toners, serums, and/or moisturizers that contain these ingredients in their formulas. Apply after cleansing, toning, and chemical exfoliation. Avoid use around the eye and lip areas. Can be applied at the same time as AHA or BHA products.

Some people may experience delayed irritation with retinol after a period of use. So, don't be complacent if you don't see irritation after just a few applications and quickly decide to apply it more frequently. Pay attention to your skin's reactions and adjust use accordingly.

If sensitivity occurs (redness, peeling, stinging, or dry skin), reduce the frequency of use or mix an adequate amount of retinol for a single treatment with your favorite night serum or moisturizer.

Step 5: Use skin brighteners

You should also use skin brighteners, such as turmeric powder, licorice powder, or lemon juice, to reduce the appearance of red blemishes. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these home remedies.

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which reduces the rate of melanin production in the skin. Mix turmeric powder with lemon juice and cucumber juice and apply to the skin. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Mix a small amount of licorice extract powder in distilled water; licorice extract contains a compound called Glabridin which brightens the skin.

Dip a clean, thin cloth into the mixture and apply it to the red spots. Dab fresh lemon juice onto the skin with a cotton ball. You can also mix lemon juice, lime juice, and grapefruit juice to apply to the skin.

Step 6: Consider medical treatment

Research shows that red and dark brown acne scars can be effectively removed with a series of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments. This method will be performed by dermatologists.

Another option is a monthly chemical peel with BHA or AHA performed by a dermatologist. Finally, microdermabrasion is another option performed by a dermatologist.

Step 7: Ask your doctor if you should use prescription medication

Your dermatologist may recommend a prescription medication, such as one containing azelaic acid, which inhibits melanin synthesis and helps reduce hyperpigmentation on the skin. Always use prescription medication as directed on the product label. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Author: Margareth Pierre-Louis. Translator: Huyen Tran.

Source: Wikihow. Copyright belongs to: Kallos Vietnam.

A little about the author Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

This article is co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a licensed dermatologist, entrepreneur, and founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine.

Equation Skin Care was created to provide natural, evidence-based skincare products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned her bachelor's degree in biology and master's degree in business administration from Duke University, her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed her dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board-certified in dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.