How to Reduce Redness on Your Face, According to Derms
Common causes of facial redness and tips for soothing your skin.
Chronic facial redness is often a sign that something’s amiss either internally or externally with your body. In some cases, that redness might be telling you to reconsider a certain ingredient, product, or lifestyle factor, and in other situations it may be the result of an underlying medical issue that requires some professional attention and direction. Keep reading to learn more about some of the common causes of facial redness and expert tips on how to reduce redness on your face.
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8 Common Causes of Facial Redness
Understanding what’s causing your facial redness is the first step in soothing your skin, adopting the right treatment approach, and preventing future flare ups. Here are some of the most common causes of skin redness.
Contact Dermatitis (Rashes): “This is related to contact exposure with various irritants or allergens,” explains Farhan Taghizadeh, MD, a plastic surgeon at Arizona Facial Plastics. It could be caused by an irritating skincare product or ingredient, a laundry detergent, your shampoo or hair care product, or another substance that comes into contact with your face.
Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that results in dry and itchy skin accompanied by rashes, redness, blisters, and scaly patches.
Psoriasis: This is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the overproduction of skin cells, which results in irritated skin and thick, scaly patches.
Rosacea: Rosacea is a skin condition that causes intense flushing and visible blood vessels on your face, says Dr. Taghizadeh.
Sunburns: Skin that’s exposed to the sun’s powerful UV rays can become burnt, blistered, and dry. Sunburns usually resolve within a week, but the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that chronic sun exposure can actually lead to permanent redness due to enlarged blood vessels and damaged skin.
Acne: Acne triggers your body’s inflammatory healing response, which can lead to redness. Even after a breakout subsides, you can deal with “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” that can take weeks or months to resolve.
Dryness: When skin lacks enough moisture, the barrier becomes compromised. This can result in an inflammatory response along with sensitivity, itchiness or pain, and redness.
Over-Exfoliation: Similarly, over-exfoliating your skin with physical or chemical exfoliating products can compromise the skin barrier and make it susceptible to dryness, redness, and irritation.
Short-Term Causes of Facial Redness
Temporary facial redness—sometimes referred to as “flushing”—can occur for all sorts of reasons ranging from experiencing deep emotions (like anger or embarrassment-related blushing) to exercising to being overheated.
This sort of redness usually surfaces quickly and then goes away on its own within a matter of minutes or hours. It may be more visible on people with fair complexions. Generally speaking, it’s not a cause for alarm, but if you’re concerned about the flushing then check in with your doctor.
Tips for Reducing Redness on Your Face
Follow these expert tips for reducing facial redness and getting some much-needed relief.
Use Soothing Skincare
Ongoing facial redness may be a sign that your skin is irritated, sensitive, or otherwise compromised. In this case, Dr. Taghizadeh recommends reaching for ingredients that are known to help soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. Some of his favorites include aloe vera, green tea extract, chamomile, calendula, centella asiatica (also known as cica or tiger balm), and niacinamide.
Reconsider Your Current Skincare Regimen
Similarly, take stock of your current regimen and weed out anything that might be irritating your skin or compromising your barrier. Some major culprits include fragrances, dyes, harsh detergents, and acids.
Adjust Your Diet
Internal factors can trigger an inflammatory response that results in flushing or redness, as well, notes board-certified dermatologist Shasa Hu, MD.“Try to avoid excessive alcohol or spicy foods, caffeine, and chocolate,” she says. “At the same time, also live your life.” It’s all about balance, she notes.
Stop Exfoliating
If your skin is red and sensitive, then it’s time to refocus your efforts on soothing, moisturizing, and healing versus exfoliating. Put down physical scrubs, alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs), and enzymes.
Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which not only cause redness, burning, and permanent premature aging, but also skin cancer. Apply an SPF 30 or higher every day.
Moisturize Often
You can also protect and soothe your skin by doubling down on moisture. “Emollients or hydrating ingredients, like glycerin or lipids, help to add an additional layer to the skin barrier,” says Dr. Hu. If you have acne-prone skin, stick to water-based, non-comedogenic moisturizers. If you have very dry skin, reach for heavier products formulated with butters and oils.
See a Dermatologist
If you believe your facial redness is caused by an underlying medical issue, such as psoriasis or eczema, or you can’t seem to stay on top of breakouts, then your best bet is to meet with a dermatologist.
“It is important for medical causes of dermatitis to consult a physician because a lot of the over-the-counter therapies may not work,” Dr. Taghizadeh explains. “Seeing a professional will be the best course to move forward.”
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