How to reduce
Facial Redness

Facial Redness is often a cause of concern for many. Irritating red blotches on the face can become persistent and even painful depending on its severity. But what causes Facial redness and how can we reduce redness on the face?

Read on to discover answers to your concerns on this topic, including the main causes for a red face and the many efficient ways to treat it.

What are
the red blotches on my face?

The red blotches on your face, known as facial redness, is identified through flushed skin on your cheeks, thickened and uneven skin around your nose, or the appearance of small visible blood vessels across your face.

The appearances of facial redness may differ depending on the cause, and can be determined by an abnormality within the face’s venous system (such as dilated facial blood vessels). Some people may experience short-term facial redness through emotional responses such as blushing, whilst some more intense forms of facial redness may act as signs of an underlying medical condition.

What causes a red face

Why is my face
RED?

Facial redness is caused by a variety of conditions, including medical and emotional responses. Red blotches on the face may emerge from sun-exposure, allergic reactions, acne breakouts or even uncontrolled temperature changes.

If your face has been constantly feeling irritated and you are looking to alleviate the pain, understanding what is causing facial redness is extremely important. Facial redness can be triggered by the following conditions:

1
Over-exfoliation:
Exfoliation can help remove dirt and pollutants from the skin, however excessive exfoliation can lead to the damage of the skins protective barrier, often leading to facial redness and a feeling of tightness. Over-exfoliation strips the skin of its natural oils so it is important to give your skin the chance to recover between exfoliation.

2
Alcohol flush reactions:
Facial redness can occur when some people drink alcohol. This is a sign of alcohol intolerance and is caused by the differences in our genes. Some people get it, and some won't.

3
Sun overexposure:
Sunscreen is important! Going out in the sun and not protecting your skin can cause signs of facial redness both short-term and long-term. It is better to protect your skin from further damage by applying sunscreen to prevent sun overexposure rather than trying to reverse it.

4
Spider veins:
Spider veins occur when you don't protect your skin from the sun. As you age, the damage to your skin accumulates, causing red veins to appear around your nose.

5
Warmth:
When your body overheats, this can cause your skin to turn red, as blood moves closer to the surface of the skin to help cool you down.

6
Allergic reactions:
Allergic reactions to your skin can be triggered by a variety of substances or specific skincare ingredients you may be allergic to. If irritations from red rashes or hives continues to appear on your skin, seek professional help.

7
Eczema:
This may appear as either red, white, or purple bumps depending on your skin colour. Eczema is a medical condition that causes skin to become itchy, dry and cracked and can be caused by allergic reactions as well as genetics.

8
Acne breakouts:
Inflammation occurs from acne breakouts, which may be why your face is irritatingly red. When excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells penetrate your skin, this causes redness and swelling of the skin. You may end up seeing small, red bumps emerging on your face. Luckily there are many ways to combat acne breakouts.

9
Facial flushing:
Facial flushing occurs when your blood vessels become dilated and your face temporarily turns red. Compared to blushing, facial flushing is much more intense and is often a result of emotional stressors such as anxiety or embarrassment. It can also be triggered by medical conditions, including high fever or rosacea. If you're worried about facial flushing, be sure to visit your doctor for advice.

What causes a red face

Facial
FLUSHING

Skin flushing occurs from increased blood flow, and may be triggered due to a variety of skin conditions. A common skin condition that triggers facial flushing is rosacea. The cause of rosacea has never been identified, but there are a number of factors that suggest that rosacea in humans could have been triggered through overactive immune systems, abnormalities in blood vessels, or heredity causes.

Common triggers that cause rosacea flare-ups include:

Alcohol
Caffeine
Stress
Intense exercise
Too much sunlight / heat
Spicy food
Cold weather
Humidity
Dairy
Medications

If you've noticed facial flushing and persistent facial redness from any of the common triggers mentioned, you may be experiencing rosacea. Other symptoms worth noticing is dry, or sensitive skin, and facial swelling.

If you continuously take good care of your skin, you can easily alleviate these symptoms and rejuvenate your facial complexion. If you're concerned about rosacea, make sure to consult a doctor.

Treating
FACIAL REDNESS

Although makeup is created to cover up imperfections on your face, it is only a temporary way of reducing signs of facial redness. The optimal way in treating facial redness is to limit its appearance by taking proper care of your health and your skin. This can be done through a number of lifestyle changes including:

1. Exercise:

Exercise is essential to your well being and stress management, but it can cause short-term facial redness. If you are concerned about a flushed face, you can try and alter the ways in which you work out, including the length of your sessions or the environment you are working out in.

2. Applying sunscreen:

As you start aging, sun damage can cause your face to turn red overtime. This is because the sun has the ability to create permanent stretching of small blood vessels which, overtime, will give your skin a reddish appearance. So start applying sunscreen whenever you leave the house! Discover NIVEA's range of suncare products, perfect for reducing facial redness.

3. Relaxation:

Stress can change your complexion, so take some time to relax. Simple techniques like deep breathing, meditation or something as easy as smiling might help reduce unwanted levels of facial redness.

4. Diet:

There is a whole list of food and beverages that contribute to facial redness. Food containing Histamine (tomatoes, chocolate, and nuts) can cause your red blood vessels to dilate, which triggers rosacea. A high sugar diet can also alter a person's hormones, which in turn can make acne and facial redness worse.

5. Avoiding scented beauty products:

Facial redness often correlates with sensitive skin and it could be possible that your skin is sensitive or irritated by scented products. You should try to avoid scented products and see if you notice any improvements in your facial complexion.

6. Cool baths:

A cool bath can help bring red rashes down, especially for heat or rosacea related redness.

However if you are aware that your facial redness has emerged from skin conditions, or has been persistently irritating you for long period of time, NIVEA advises you to visit your local dermatologist.

Treating facial redness

How to cure redness on face overnight
with the right ingredients

Another efficient way of curing facial redness overnight is utilising skincare products with the right ingredients. The three ingredients commonly found in skincare that are highly recommended in treating facial redness are Aloe Vera, Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid.

Aloe vera:
Aloe Vera is an ingredient capable of reducing signs of facial redness due to its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe Vera can be used as ailments for sunburn and healing wounds, and is extremely effective in targeting skin conditions including eczema, rosacea and acne breakouts. The NIVEA Naturally Good Radiance Day Cream, enriched with Organic Aloe Vera, is a great choice for individuals who are looking to improve their skin complexion by reducing red blotches on the face whilst keeping their skin moisturised.

Salicylic acid:
Salicylic Acid is mostly found in skincare products that reduce blemishes. Known to be an excellent chemical exfoliating ingredient, Salicylic Acid can help remove dead skin cells on your facial skin. This keeps your skin fresh and mitigates chance of acne breakouts from occurring, making it an optimal ingredient for reducing facial redness.

Glycolic acid:
Glycolic Acid is a fruit acid that can visibly improve your skin's appearance by removing dead skin cells. This allows you to maintain healthy skin and ensure that no excess oil or pollutants are penetrating deep into your skin, which are root causes of facial redness.

A word from our expert:

"Some other active ingredients known to soothe the skin, with anti-inflammatory properties and also barrier strengthening effects are Vitamin E, Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) and Bakuchiol."

- Dr Andre Mahns, Head of Global Development. With a doctorate in biology and over 15 years of experience in skin research at Beiersdorf, Dr. Mahns has in-depth scientific knowledge of skincare and cosmetic ingredients.

Treating facial redness

Products to help with facial redness -
Derma Skin Clear

If acne breakouts are a major cause of facial redness for you, check out the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear range. This product range combines both Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid with other beneficial ingredients to create products that can help combat blemishes and reduce facial redness. All products are mildly formulated and have been clinically tested, with NIVEA studies showing a 93% visibly clearer complexion within seven days.

Explore NIVEA Derma Skin Clear

Treating facial redness

How to get rid of redness on face:
home remedies

If you're looking for home remedies that can help alleviate facial redness, try making your own face masks utilising ingredients like Aloe Vera and Cucumber Extract. By blending cucumbers with some oatmeal, you can create your own homemade cooling mask which are proven to be highly effective in toning down redness. Placing cucumber slices on red spots can also cool and reduce redness.

Clay masks can also be highly effective when combating irritation from facial redness. Luckily they are simple to make. Try mixing water with facial clay to create a thick paste, and spread across your face for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. If your redness is coming from sunburn, mix some aloe vera with white vinegar and cider vinegar to alleviate the sting.

Other ingredients that can help tone down facial redness include:

Honey
Chamomile Tea bags
Lavender Oil
Coconut Oil
Yogurt

Home remedies can help alleviate symptoms of facial redness, however adopting a specific skincare routine is still the best option whenever available.

Understanding
your skin

It is important to understand what the root causes are for facial redness on your face. Some concerns can be targeted through much simpler treatment processes, such as being more consistent with sunscreen application or opting into skincare products that help combat facial redness. However it is important to acknowledge that, if ever in doubt, seeking medical expertise is always advised.