The Best Way To Treat Post-inflammatory Erythema

HOW TO TREAT POST-INFLAMMATORY ERYTHEMA 😳 Dermatologist @DrDrayzday on the best treatments for post-acne redness and how to remove post-inflammatory erythema. I discuss lasers for post-inflammatory erythema, and the best skincare products for post-acne redness. Did you know that Afrin nasal spray can be used to treat post-acne redness? In this video I discuss oxymetazoline for post-inflammatory erythema. #acnetreatment #acnemarks #dermatologist

💜Products Mentioned

FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase using a link.

💜References
Kalantari Y, Dadkhahfar S, Etesami I. Post-acne erythema treatment: A systematic review of the literature. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Apr;21(4):1379-1392. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14804. Epub 2022 Feb 3. PMID: 35076997.
Min S, Park SY, Yoon JY, Kwon HH, Suh DH. Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment for Acne-related Post-inflammatory Erythema. Acta Derm Venereol. 2016 Jan;96(1):87-91. doi: 10.2340/00015555-2164. PMID: 26059315.
Agamia N, Essawy M, Kassem A. Successful treatment of the face post acne erythema using a topically applied selective alpha 1-Adrenergic receptor agonist, oxymetazoline 1.5%, a controlled left to right face comparative trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Mar;33(2):904-909. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1789045. Epub 2020 Jul 7. PMID: 32602755.

💜Social media
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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

[MeganAshleySmith]

THANK YOU for speaking on the insurance aspect of this. As someone who has spent thousands of dollars on acne treatments for over 15 years bc of creams, accutane, medications, diff providers, etc, it drives me NUTS that insurance companies can dictate what they deem necessary to pay for (esp when we already pay so much for it).

I’ve been fortunate enough to try most of the treatments, but I also can’t “just try” something that may not potentially work for several hundreds of dollars. There was a point where I literally ate almost nothing and was severely underweight because it seemed that everything triggered my acne flare ups. I would’ve rather not eaten than deal with the pain and extreme embarrassment of my appearance acne has caused me. Ive luckily and finally gotten my skin to its most normal state to date, but insurance has no clue how damaging acne can be on someone’s mental and physical health-not to mention how painful it can be.

As you’ve mentioned in a previous video, acne is a “disease” or rather, a skin disorder, and I totally agree. THANK YOU, Dr Dray, for helping and informing others, saving a lot of us time and money, and always suggesting the most practical methods out there. You’re a true gem!

[jonathandumanal]

honestly i love that you break down the science behind all the ingredients. it makes so much sense that vasoconstrictors like oxymetazoline would have this same blood vessel shrinking effect on the dermis

[kellygreen]

Once again, high caliber education around skin care! Thank you🌷

[samrittenhouse]

Thanks, Dr. Dray! I had a pulse-dye laser treatment a few years ago, which was very effective at "erasing" my PIE and numerous facial telengectasias. I used to love long hot showers and hot tub soaks, before I learned from you that these were not a great idea for someone with rosacea. The laser treatment was relatively affordable @$300 as I recall? I was supposed to have a series of two or three treatments, but I was pleased at the outcome after just one. Thanks to your advice, I have achieved good acne control with the Peach Slices salicylic acid face wash every morning, azelaic acid daily, adapalene most evenings, and of course sunscreen every day! I see you are up to 1.86M lucky followers! Wow! Congrats and keep up the great work, Fabulous One!!! Hugs - Sam

[SandiSueWho]

Great video as usual!! As an Employee Benefits Consultant, I can tell you that insurance companies won't ever approve a drug or treatment that is deemed as "experimental". And without those studies you mention, there is no proof of efficacy and insurance makes it the patient's responsibility to pay out of pocket until the studies are done and proof that a treatment or medication has positive outcomes.

[MichelleA]

Insurance is so flipping frustrating sometimes! 😣

[kimmarquez]

Hi Dr. Dray, what about tretinoin for treating PIE? 🙂

[tsukilew]

This is so well timed for me thank you so much! I'm suffering from red marks that won't go away😢 so thanks for this!!!

[julianofaria]

Dr. Dray, in the study: The role of the topical nasal decongestant oxymetazoline as a
novel therapeutic option for post-acne erythema, they used "Iliadin 0.05% nasal drops" which does contain Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05% as the active ingredient, but also has citric acid monohydrate, benzalkonium chloride, sodium citrate, glycerol and filtered water as inactive ingredients. In comparison, Afrin Original 12 Hour Nasal Congestion Relief Spray contains benzalkonium chloride, edetate disodium, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium phosphate dibasic, and sodium phosphate monobasic. The one we have in my country has only benzalkonium chloride, sodium chloride and purified water as inactive ingredients. I hope that we can have the same effect with these different products as the one used in the study.

[kyliessave]

You're such a mind reader Dr. Dray, I've been googling this for a while now and seeing your old videos, I wondered if you have updates 😆

[xsephiroth]

I had PIE that persisted for over two years and the only thing that worked to finally rid of it was seeking out procedures; I chose IPL. I am asian and quite fair, I'm not sure if that had anything to do with how stubborn it was. I had tried literally anything there was literature for, including L-ascorbic acid, azelaic acid, transexemic acid, and retinol. All of these over months and years, and nothing topical worked😢

[margieryne]

Insurance is a big pet peeve of mine! Great video! TFS! 🥰

[Kas]

I get regular BBL every three months. It really helps my redness, and additionally the "zapping" creates just enough skin injury to boost collagen production.

[IanM]

Happy Friday 😊can you use Afrin for redness for rosacea?? Thanks

[davidshabas]

Hi Dr Dray so excited to be here happy Friday I live for this ❤️

[lindy]

Dr Dray…how about using it for rosacea?

[mchampagne]

Happy Friday Dr Dray! Thank for for another informative and interesting video! 💚

[misswordsmith]

Happy Fri from NOLA. Redhead with red skin and lots of broken caps, probably from topical steroid use decades ago for seb derm. And also sunburns, rosacea. Trifecta!

[writeherstory]

Yes! I was told I would have to come out of pocket $1, 000 to treat everything after subjecting my body to the intense treatment of accutane 😢

[crunchycrumbs]

Nasal decongestants like oxymetazoline (found in sprays like Afrin) or phenylephrine are designed to constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion. They are not formulated for use on the skin.

The skin on the face, especially areas affected by PIE, can be sensitive and may react adversely to ingredients in nasal decongestants, which are not tested for topical use on the face.

Applying nasal decongestants to the skin could cause irritation, dryness, or an allergic reaction, potentially worsening the condition.