Which Medication Heals Post Acne Redness the Best?

Post Acne Redness otherwise goes by the name Post Inflammatory Pigment Alteration (PIPA) or Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). The key is that you start with an active acne lesion, a papule or pustule (the acne bump) that is usually inflammatory (red and inflamed), though it does not necessarily have to be.  Once the acne resolves it leaves pigment alteration, usually a red or brown mark, at the site of the previous acne lesion, thus post-inflammatory pigment... more

Post acne redness is usually post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Duac and Differin both have acne medications in them, so they are more for active acne. Hydrocortisone cream 2% - available by prescription - is what I'd recommend more, as well as good sunscreen. And if the spots are brownish, not reddish, hydroquinone is also quite effective. Additionally, very light laser treatments like Cutera Laser Genesis is extremely effective for PIH and I recommend and do this often on patients. more

Redness secondary to acne is what we call post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (discoloration). Essentially, you start with an acne lesion such as a papule or pustule, and when that goes away, it can stain the skin a red or brown (in darker skin types) color which can last for months to years. Of the three medications you mentioned, Differin (topical adalapene which is similar to topical Vitamin A) and hydrocortisone cream cam be helpful in fading discoloration. Duac is a combination of... more