Facial redness is a common skin concern that can be frustrating for those affected. Common causes include inflammatory conditions such as rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema, as well as over-exfoliation and reactions to cosmetics. The resulting redness ranges from mild to severe, and may be accompanied by itching, stinging, and burning. Blood vessels, bumps, and pimples may also be noticeable.
The first step in treating facial redness is to see a clinician who can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. At Island Glow Aesthetics, our experienced skin specialists can rule out any underlying medical conditions, and will work with you to find the best treatment options for your specific concerns.
Treatment for facial redness depends on the underlying cause, but may include topical creams, oral medications, IPL skin rejuvenation, needling, and a gentle skincare routine with non-irritating products. Continue reading for an overview of the common causes, treatments, and skincare ingredients to help prevent and reduce facial redness.
Common Causes Of Redness In the Face
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the capillaries beneath the skin, causing facial redness, bumps, pimples, and a burning sensation. The cause of rosacea is undetermined, but it is widely believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms can be triggered by sun exposure, stress, hot or cold weather, alcohol, spicy foods, and certain medications. Rosacea can also be exacerbated by skincare products that contain irritants.
Treatment options include avoidance of known triggers, oral antibiotics, topical creams, and laser therapy.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a broad term encompassing a variety of conditions that cause inflammation of the skin, resulting in redness, itching, and dryness. The most common type of dermatitis is atopic dermatitis, which typically affects the face, neck, and insides of the elbows and knees. Individuals with a family history of dermatitis, allergies, asthma, or hay fever are more likely to be affected.
Dermatitis is often triggered by stress, hot or dry weather conditions, and exposure to irritants or allergens.
Treatment options include corticosteroids, antihistamines, and a gentle skincare routine.
Eczema
Eczema is a type of dermatitis that causes patches of irritated skin that can be red, scaly, dry, itchy, and bumpy. Eczema is often seen on the face, neck, and insides of the elbows and knees.
Symptoms can be triggered by dehydration, dry skin, exposure to allergens and irritants, and changes in environmental conditions. Affected individuals often have a family history of dermatitis, allergies, asthma, or hay fever.
Treatment options include avoidance of known triggers, regular moisturising, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and a gentle skincare routine.
Reaction to Cosmetics
For some people, the ingredients in cosmetics can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. These reactions commonly cause facial redness, along with itching, dryness, and a stinging or burning sensation.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, prompting the body’s immune system to respond by causing inflammation. Irritant contact dermatitis is a nonallergic skin reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant, causing redness, itching, and dryness.
If you suspect you have allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, you should stop using any new cosmetics until you have determined which product or ingredient is causing your symptoms. When purchasing cosmetics, avoid products that contain fragrances, preservatives, and alcohol.
Over-exfoliation
When the skin is treated with exfoliating products too frequently or too aggressively, this can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to severe dryness and redness. It can also cause the skin to produce more oil in response, leading to breakouts. It’s important to avoid over-exfoliation by avoiding harsh scrubs and limiting exfoliation to once or twice a week.
Skincare Ingredients To Reduce Facial Redness
Some skincare ingredients can be used to reduce facial redness by soothing irritation and inflammation. Products infused with aloe vera, antioxidants, and green tea can help to protect and repair the skin, reducing redness and improving the skin’s overall appearance.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its healing properties. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds called polysaccharides that can reduce skin redness. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E, and beta-carotene, which can hydrate the skin while improving its natural barrier and protecting it from environmental stressors. Aloe vera can be found in a variety of skincare products, and can also be applied directly onto the skin from the plant’s leaves.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants work to protect the skin by neutralising free radicals (molecules that can damage skin cells and cause inflammation) and improving the skin’s natural barrier. When applied topically, antioxidants can reduce skin redness and dryness, and prevent future irritation. Some common antioxidants used in skincare products include vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
Green Tea
Rich in antioxidants, green tea is an effective ingredient for reducing skin redness. One of the key compounds found in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which can soothe irritated skin and protect it from environmental stressors that can cause inflammation. Green tea can be found in various skincare products, including serums, moisturisers, and masks, and can also be applied by brewing green tea in its pure form and using it as a toner.
Treatments To Reduce Redness On Face
LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses different wavelengths of light to treat a range of skin concerns, including facial redness. The lights penetrate deep into the skin, killing bacteria that can cause acne and inflammation, and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin to accelerate healing and improve the overall appearance of the complexion.
Micro-needling
Micro-needling is a skin treatment that uses a device with fine needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving the skin’s natural barrier, promoting circulation, and reducing redness and inflammation.
IPL Photo Rejuvenation
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photo rejuvenation is a non-invasive light therapy treatment used to improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of common skin concerns, including facial redness. Typically performed in a series of sessions, the light energy is absorbed by targeted skin cells, which causes them to shrink. This reduces the appearance of inflammation, and is an effective treatment for rosacea and dermatitis.
When Should You Seek Treatment For Redness On Face?
If you’re suffering from facial redness, it’s important to seek treatment if it is persistent or severe, causing anxiety, or accompanied by itching, burning, or pain. At Island Glow Aesthetics, our team of skin specialists will help you determine the underlying cause of your facial redness to identify triggers, reduce discomfort, and prevent future flare-ups. We understand the importance of healthy skin and how the right treatments can help to improve your appearance and boost self-confidence. Contact us to discuss your concerns, or book an appointment today.