Seeing red? When it comes to your skin, that’s not a good thing. But facial redness is actually pretty common. “Redness or flushing occurs when there is vasodilation of the superficial blood vessels, which is a fancy way of saying when blood rushes to the surface of your skin,” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, Dermatologic Surgeon at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Centers. “Dilation occurs when an internal or external factor triggers a reaction, such as surface irritants, temperature changes, or alcohol consumption.” So what are the main reasons that your skin gets super flushed? We asked Dr. Engelman just that, and she shares the most common reasons skin can be red and sensitive.
Extreme weather. Hot summer days and the frigid winter are particularly to blame. Sun exposure can cause redness and blood vessel dilation, and can heat up the skin and body overall, so be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight when it’s strongest between 10AM and 2PM. “Sunscreen acts as a barrier, which is why I actually like mineral sunscreen for my sensitive skin patients,” Dr. Engelman says. “Mineral sunscreens containing zinc and titanium dioxide provide a physical barrier to reflect UV-rays. Chemical filters absorb the rays and break down which can release heat and it can be a trigger for redness.” If you’re prone to redness, avoid extreme temperatures and activities like saunas. Cold weather leads to dry, irritated skin and a compromise of the skin barrier, so cover up when you head out. Indoor heat can increase vasodilation and dryness, which irritates skin, so try to maintain a moderate temperature year-round. Wind is another major trigger, since it irritates sensitive skin.
Rosacea. You’ll need to see a dermatologist to confirm this diagnosis. If you have a persistent flush or acne-like pustules, call the doc. “When you think of rosacea, you think of redness, but it is actually a condition that has a few characteristics,” says Dr. Engelman. “Your dermatologist can diagnose you and work with you for a treatment protocol as rosacea is unfortunately untreatable.” She refers her rosacea patients to the prescription drug Rhofade. (Kristin Chenoweth is a fan.) “The active ingredient, oxymetazoline hydrochloride, is the same ingredient in Afrin used to treat redness. Rhofade is the first and only alpha1A adrenoceptor agonist approved for persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults. What this means is that the medication targets a very specific set of receptors which is what you want so you don’t get the rebound effect.” Try to avoid heat as much as possible—think washing your face with cool water for starters—since a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that the skin of individuals with rosacea is significantly more sensitive to heat. Other rosacea fixes include switching to a gentle, non-irritating cleanser and using a tinted moisturizer with SPF. “Not only will it neutralize the appearance of redness, but it will also reduce the flaring that comes from sun exposure,” says Dr. Engelman. “Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 20 is a great option because it is a mineral-based sunscreen that provides UVA/UVB protection without irritating sensitive skin.” Additionally, laser treatments are very effective at minimizing persistent facial redness, but make sure to choose a board-certified specialist who is well-versed in laser medicine.
Sensitive skin. There could be a few things triggering redness as a result of sensitive skin. “It’s increasingly more common due to pollutants and for some people it is over-exfoliating,” Dr. Engelman says. “With sensitive skin you don’t want any products that can irritate the skin, so opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options.” Consider it a major bonus if products create an anti-pollution shield, such as Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE City Smart.
Allergies. “When you experience redness due to an allergic reaction, the redness is a result of increased blood flow as your body is producing histamines to fight the allergen,” Dr. Engelman says. “If that is the case, taking an antihistamine like Benadryl should help calm it down, and topical steroids can help alleviate the allergic reaction on your skin.”
Your facial cleanser. Look for ones that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. “I like oil-based cleansers as they are able to remove the products on your face without the need for repeated scrubbing,” Dr. Engelman says. Be sure to skip harsh exfoliators for that reason. “The key is to find a gentle enough product that provides exfoliation and right after make sure you replenish your skin barrier with a ceramide product, like Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules.”
Dry skin. “Skin that is irritated as a result of dryness is an easier problem to find a solution for but there is still a method—with dry skin you should be replenishing moisture and oil,” says Dr. Engelman. “The easiest way to do that is to apply a product containing glycerin immediately after you shower to lock in the moisture. I like Bio-Oil or Weleda Rose Oils. For those with extra dry skin, try a hyaluronic acid product.”
Your diet. Foods that can increase blood flow to the skin—hence triggering redness—should be avoided. Spicy foods top the list, as well as alcohol and drinks that are hot in temperature, including tea and coffee. Warming spices like ginger, cumin, black pepper and cloves are also a culprit; they can cause an anti-inflammatory response.
Makeup. “When applying makeup, I emphasize patting not rubbing your makeup as the friction caused while rubbing can increase the redness,” Dr. Engelman says. You can also mask redness with the right foundation and color-correcting makeup. Look for products that are specifically designed to tackle redness as well as gentle formulas.
Your skincare products. “Some people say go as natural as possible but you have to remember natural doesn’t mean it’s not an irritant,” Dr. Engelman says. “Some of the most natural things in the world are extremely toxic. With that said, my advice is to keep it simple with the ingredients as the longer the list the higher the chance that something in there will irritate you. The redness formulations are generally tested for that, so look to tried and tested formulas that other people are recommending. Then the rest is up to you and your dermatologist for trial and error.”
