Facial redness: identifying the causes and adopting the right solutions to reduce it!
Summary
Facial redness affects us all at some point! Whether it's after a change in temperature or a strong emotion, the appearance of red marks on the face is a phenomenon that is as bothersome as it is common. Often perceived as an aesthetic concern, facial redness is, however, a direct indicator of our inner state, like many other skin problems.
Whether temporary or chronic , with or without the appearance of small blood vessels or rosacea, this type of skin reaction can have various causes. Most often, it involves minor discomfort , but it's important to identify it in order to take the right steps.
We've thoroughly investigated the topic to provide you with clear answers and tailored solutions. 🙌
What causes redness on the face? How can it be soothed permanently? Explanations.
What are the different types of facial redness?
Before getting to the heart of the matter, an overview of the types of facial redness is necessary: while some appear and fade quickly and randomly, others leave lasting marks on the skin, and that's a whole different story!
Temporary redness: when skin has mood swings
Temporary redness appears unexpectedly, most often triggered by external factors such as sudden drops in temperature during winter and sudden changes in heat ( a hot drink, a very spicy dish, prolonged exposure to UV rays, etc.). It also occurs in cases of intense emotions ! Who hasn't blushed during a moment of embarrassment, anger, stress, or intense excitement?
In cases of intense emotions, redness may spread to the upper chest and neck.
Although temporary, facial redness can become recurrent for some people, especially those with sensitive or reactive skin. A sudden heat, a cold sweat, and bam, the tomato-red cheeks are back!
This type of natural reaction tends to fade once the triggering element disappears.
Erythrosis: a persistent skin manifestation
Considered the first stage of rosacea, erythrosis is a condition that primarily affects sensitive and reactive skin, caused by a dilation of superficial blood vessels. Initially, the facial skin reddens regularly and diffusely, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of flushing. When this redness persists, it is called facial erythrosis . It is most commonly found on the sides of the face, the nose, and the cheeks.
Facial redness is not painful in itself, but it is a source of embarrassment and discomfort. These red patches give the impression that the person is constantly stressed, ashamed, or angry (or has had one too many drinks)!
👉 Soothing erythrosis requires addressing both the fragility and reactivity of the blood vessels. Certain beauty practices can help limit these untimely flare-ups.
Rosacea: a redness that is unavoidable
Rosacea, on the other hand, is a skin condition that has a knack for appearing unexpectedly, affecting between 2 and 3% of the French population ! Often accompanied by a burning sensation, it also manifests as papules (a kind of red bump) .
This chronic skin condition mainly affects people with fair skin, and is accompanied by discomforts such as dry skin and increased sensitivity.
👉 Dermatological treatments may be necessary to soothe the discomfort associated with invasive rosacea.
Rosacea: the blood vessels are revealed
Rosacea is a chronic skin reaction characterized by persistent redness linked to the dilation of small subcutaneous blood vessels.
The redness appears diffusely (chin, forehead, nose, cheeks) in the form of fine red or purplish veins that do not go unnoticed! Couperose is often associated with conditions such as erythrosis or rosacea.
👉 It can be alleviated with specific care and, for the most severe cases, by dermatological interventions such as laser treatment .
What are the main causes of facial redness?
Facial redness never appears without reason. Like many skin conditions, it originates from both external and internal causes!
Environmental factors: the skin's primary enemies
The skin is the largest organ of the human body , and is on the front line against environmental aggressions: the cold of winter, the wind that whips the face, the burning UV rays in summer, the humidity of certain climates and sudden temperature variations tend to weaken the skin barrier.
In response, the skin reacts by becoming inflamed! These repeated micro-aggressions only increase the skin's reactivity , causing facial redness and irritations of all kinds.
Internal factors: when genetics and hormones get involved
Some skin types are naturally more sensitive than others, often due to hereditary factors. If members of your family (especially your parents) have skin prone to redness and reactions , there's a good chance you have a predisposition to skin discomfort!
Another triggering factor is hormonal variations , especially during puberty, pregnancy, or in mature skin during menopause ! These are periods during which the vascularization of the skin can be impacted.
This is also the case in people with an endocrine disorder. In cases of high levels of hormones affecting blood pressure or the dilation of blood vessels, the facial skin may be marked by hot flashes and redness.
Women are therefore more prone to redness due to these hormonal fluctuations, which do not make it easy to maintain beautiful skin!
Lifestyle and diet: the art of nourishing your skin
It's a well-known fact: our skin reflects our diet and lifestyle. Alcohol, spices, tobacco, and stress are enemies of skin prone to redness .
Regarding alcohol, the tendency to flush is more common among some consumers: according to a 2013 Korean study , this could be a sign of vulnerability to the effects of alcoholic beverages on blood pressure. Yet another reason to switch to mocktails! 🍹
As for stress, it also influences the condition of the skin and the appearance of redness in people with reactive skin. A consistently high cortisol level disrupts the skin's immune system and barrier function, accelerates aging, and induces skin reactions such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne.
It is therefore important to focus on habits that influence cortisol regulation: lifestyle, sleep, physical activity, nutritional intake, emotional management, etc.
On the other hand, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants will help support the skin barrier and fight against oxidative stress in cells, while limiting the appearance of facial redness!
👉 Top foods rich in antioxidants: colorful fruits and vegetables (blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, beets, broccoli, red cabbage, peppers, etc.) , dried vegetables, shellfish and seafood, not forgetting cocoa!
Using unsuitable products: beware of harsh cosmetics
Sensitive skin doesn't require a thousand and one cosmetics; it mainly needs suitable products free from harsh substances.
The following ingredients are known to cause reactions:
Parabens tend to increase allergic and irritant reactions .
Synthetic dyes added to improve the visual appearance of the product
Some perfumes, whether of synthetic or natural origin
Essential oils can be highly irritating if used improperly.
Denatured alcohol (alcohol denat.), which dries out the skin and causes irritation.
👉 Skin prone to redness prefers gentle formulas with as few ingredients as possible. Simplicity rhymes with effectiveness, an idea we certainly appreciate!
What alternatives can be adopted to limit redness and enhance one's skin?
Wanting to conceal redness on the face isn't cheating; it's primarily a matter of daily comfort and self-confidence. While makeup isn't mandatory, some simple tricks can enhance the skin's appearance. 😊
Adopt simple makeup techniques
The makeup trick for redness is green concealer, which can also be used for acne breakouts or oily skin. Its complementary shade neutralizes imperfections and conceals blemishes without suffocating the skin.
Since it contains colored pigments, opt for the cleanest products possible! 🌿
👉 Our advice: apply it as a base to areas of the face showing signs of irritation after your daytime skincare routine (light cream or serum) . You can also mix it with a light, non-comedogenic liquid foundation.
To soothe irritations while mattifying the complexion, opt for a powder containing active ingredients such as zinc or chamomile to calm irritations while mattifying the complexion.
Taking care of your self-esteem: the long-term beauty secret
Redness and marks on the face , however visible they may be, say nothing about who we are! Learning to put our physical imperfections into perspective is a long journey for some, but important to lighten the burden of appearance worries.
And since a quote from Osho is worth a thousand tips: “Be yourself. Never try to be someone else. That's the only way to mature. Maturity is accepting the responsibility of being yourself, at any cost.” 🧘
Lifestyle habits to prevent and reduce redness: our tips and tricks
Like many physical ailments and discomforts, especially those affecting the skin, sometimes simply modifying certain lifestyle habits and adopting the right practices is enough to see a change. This includes reducing facial redness without resorting to laser treatment!
Avoid triggering factors and adopt a suitable diet
Avoid foods that can worsen redness , such as alcohol or very spicy foods, and minimize exposure to irritants like tobacco. Also, ensure you maintain a healthy environment at home by keeping the temperature and humidity levels appropriate.
👉 Our tip for what to eat: focus on whole, seasonal foods , ideally organic and/or locally grown. Good for your complexion and the planet! 😀
Incorporate the right internal and external beauty routines
Our skin is 70% composed of water, so hydration is the first beauty habit to adopt! Drinking enough water helps maintain good skin suppleness and elasticity .
👉 Adopt a suitable skincare routine to strengthen the skin barrier and limit the impact of external aggressions.
Making serenity a true beauty treatment
While it is not always easy to keep calm amidst our hectic pace, a few simple relaxation techniques are all it takes to regulate the nervous system.
👉 A gentle yoga session, some stretching at the beginning and end of the day, and deep abdominal breathing exercises will help calm the mind and, in turn, the skin!
Facial redness is often perceived as a burden, but certain actions and good habits can soothe it. Better still, learning to accept it and see it as a unique characteristic can lighten its impact on your daily life. Be kind to your skin; it's doing its best!