Why is my face red all the time? I’ve probably asked myself this more than I’d like to admit. It’s time to get to the bottom of constant redness.
Have you ever spent 30 minutes pampering your skin with an arsenal of products at night only to wake up with a splotchy complexion in the morning? Or maybe you’ve left the house with flawless skin only to be greeted by red patches in the office bathroom mirror?
There are a lot of reasons why, despite your best efforts, your skin could be flaring up. We asked two dermatologists to share their tips on getting to the bottom of the issue and because you can’t always control redness, the best remedies for calming down your complexion fast.
What’s going on?
Stress, spicy foods, alcohol, product sensitivity, exercise and even the temperature outside can all cause facial redness.
To help pinpoint your triggers – the first step in managing the issue – note if the redness developed after experiencing any of the factors listed above.
A red complexion could also be a sign that you’re not taking care of your body. “A few lifestyle habits that can help reduce facial redness include adequate intake of water, getting at least seven hours of sleep every night, consuming a balanced diet with good portions of fruits and vegetables and taking probiotics,” says Steve Wang, a New Jersey-based dermatologist and co-founder of Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare.
Or, your flushed cheeks could be the result of a common skin condition like rosacea, but more on that later.
How to Treat It
Incorporating calming products with anti-inflammatory ingredients into your routine may not erase redness completely, but can help prevent flare-ups and tone them down.
According to Wang, one of these ingredients is licorice root, which can be found in the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Advance Serum, a lightweight formula that smoothes and soothes.
Another is chamomile, a star ingredient in RE:P’s Bio Fresh Mask With Real Calming Herb.
For redness related to dry skin, New York City cosmetic dermatologist Sejal Shah recommends nourishing ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide.
The SKINRx MadeCera Face Cream contains the latter and plumps, hydrates and brightens the complexion.
Shah will sometimes advise her patients to whip up a calming mask at home (always consult with your dermatologist before trying any DIY treatment). Her personal recipe contains oatmeal, honey, turmeric, chamomile and plain yogurt, which all have soothing effects. She’ll also apply a cool green or chamomile tea bag over an inflamed area. “It works wonders,” she says.
When to See An Expert
If the redness persists for one to two weeks, is concentrated around the cheeks and nose and includes other symptoms like broken capillaries and acne-like bumps, you may have rosacea, and Shah recommends visiting your dermatologist.
While not curable, Dr. Shah says that treatments, like topical medication and laser therapy, can be more effective if you catch it early.
Bottom Line:
You can finally start to get yourself on the path to stop asking yourself, “Why is my face red all the time?” Simply start making some lifestyle changes and start using the recommended products above. If the redness persists, it’s time to see a derm.