How often does your face flush and turn red? Skin redness can come from many things like sunburn, allergies, rosacea, or eating spicy food. While it’s best to prevent some of these issues, others might need a doctor’s care. Learn about all the causes of facial redness and ways to reduce it.
What Causes Redness in Face?
- Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that usually affects the face and is more common in light-skinned women. The exact cause is unknown, but there are triggers that can be managed with treatment. - Spicy Food and Alcohol
Eating spicy food, drinking alcohol, consuming cheese, hot drinks, and caffeine, as well as aerobic exercise, can cause facial redness. Alcohol flushing is common among Asians because they lack a specific enzyme. Spicy foods cause blood vessels to widen due to their heat, increasing blood flow to the face and making it look red. - Contact Dermatitis
Redness from an allergic reaction when the skin comes into contact with foreign substances is called contact dermatitis. Fragrances, poison ivy, soaps, and hair dyes can cause these allergic reactions. - Eczema
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a rash that can suddenly appear, making the skin very dry, itchy, and scaly. It often shows up on the feet but can also affect the face. - Reaction to Medication
Taking certain medications can cause an allergic skin reaction, making it turn red, especially when you’re outside. A common example is using a face cream with hydrocortisone. - Retinol Overuse
Using retinoid creams makes your skin sensitive to the sun, which can lead to redness on your face. - Over-exfoliated Skin
If your skin becomes itchy and red right after exfoliating, and this lasts for more than 24 hours, it means you’re exfoliating too often. Over-exfoliation can cause redness, especially if your skin is dry. - Shingles
This condition causes a rash that looks like blisters on the face and sometimes on other parts of the body. It begins with a tingling feeling and is an infection. If the rash appears on your face, it’s important to seek treatment right away. - Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. When it affects the skin, it often causes a rash shaped like a butterfly on the face and cheeks, along with swelling. - Genetic Flushing
This condition occurs after drinking alcohol, causing red blotches or flushes on the face, neck, and sometimes the entire body. It’s common among Asians because of acetaldehyde buildup, due to a lack of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, which helps break down alcohol. - Dry Skin and Acne
Acne often shows up on oily skin due to pores getting blocked by too much oil from glands. It makes the skin look red during breakouts. Acne can also happen on dry, sensitive skin if it touches certain things. Not using sunscreen in the sun can also lead to redness. - Hot weather
Spending time in the sun is a common cause of skin redness, often resulting in sunburn. This happens because the sun’s ultraviolet rays damage the skin, causing it to send more blood to repair itself. - Weather Change
Hot summer or humid conditions can often cause prickly heat, a rash that makes the skin red. It usually appears on the torso and back, but sometimes it can affect the face too. - Inflammatory Skin
Skin inflammation can happen from touching poison ivy, having an allergic reaction to food, or from dermatitis. Symptoms include redness on the face and swelling. Some people also get red and inflamed skin due to stress or bacteria. - Low-quality cosmetics
When it comes to skin creams and makeup, it’s best to stick with trusted brands. Poor-quality ingredients in cosmetics made in unsanitary conditions can often cause rashes and breakouts.
Ways to Reduce Facial Redness
- Cool Water Bath or Ice Pack
For redness caused by heat, sunburn, or rosacea, a cool bath can help soothe the rash. A cold compress can reduce facial inflammation and provide relief for sensitive skin. - Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid Treatments
Glycolic acid peels remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin underneath. Salicylic acid peels effectively treat redness and blemishes from acne. Any chemical peel should be applied by a trained cosmetologist or dermatologist. - Sunscreen
To reduce redness from weather changes, using sunscreen with a high SPF can help. If you’re using retinoid therapy, it’s important to avoid too much sun exposure and use sunscreen for protection. - Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel or cream can reduce redness and itching. It soothes the skin, promotes new skin growth, and helps it heal faster. - Cucumber Slices
Cucumbers have cooling properties. Applying cucumber juice or placing cucumber slices on the face and eyes can soothe the skin and lessen redness. - Opt for Fragrance-Free Products
If your skin is sensitive and reacts to strong scents, opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free skincare products. These are designed for sensitive skin prone to redness. Avoid using deodorants, skin creams, and cosmetics that have strong fragrances. - Adjusting Your Lifestyle
If you experience genetic flushing, it’s best to avoid alcohol. For oily skin, adjust your diet by reducing oily and high-fat foods. Always wear sunscreen when going outside to protect your skin.
Visit A Professional
Now that you have learned about the causes of facial redness and ways to reduce it. If you’re concerned about redness in your skin, it’s advisable to consult a skincare specialist who can provide personalized help. At Lydia Skincare, you’ll enjoy a relaxing experience with a professional team who recommend the right facial treatments for your skin issues. They offer excellent advice on maintaining healthy skin and enhancing your skincare routine.
Step into Lydia Skin Care Centre and entrust your skin to our expert hands. With convenient locations in Johor Bahru at KSL City and City Square, we offer a warm sanctuary for those seeking top-notch skincare solutions. Our skilled skincare therapists at the Skin Bar use advanced technology, including a state-of-the-art computer scan machine, to thoroughly assess your skin. This detailed analysis forms the basis for delivering tailored treatments that your skin truly needs. Experience the best facial treatments in JB. Book your appointment today!