Facial redness can make you feel self-conscious and socially uncomfortable. And it’s fairly common as many conditions ranging from rosacea, atopic dermatitis, skin irritations, and acne to insect bites and sunburns can give you red irritated skin.
# Aloe VeraAloe vera has been used for skin condition through the ages. It can be used to treat sunburns as polysaccharides and anthraquinones present in it work synergistically to heal skin and its anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can reduce the skin reddening caused by ultraviolet rays. It might also be able to help you if you have acne. One study found that combining a topical retinoid with aloe vera made it much more effective at reducing non-inflammatory and inflammatory pimples in people with acne. It was also observed that this combination resulted in significantly less severe reddening of skin.
# TeaCooled tea is commonly applied to soothe sunburns. The polyphenolic compounds found in tea have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and so can help repair skin as well as protect against the damaging effects of sunlight. This is particularly useful for people with rosacea as inherent sun sensitivity is a common feature of the disease. Green tea extracts decrease the disruption of the skin barrier too which is also seen in people with rosacea. Moreover, tea can improve symptoms like the appearance of spider veins (a condition known as telangiectasias where small blood vessels become visible).
# OatmealThe common oatmeal could help you tackle that unsightly reddening of your face. It can help with conditions like rosacea and eczema and even deal with the problems caused by irritants and insect bites. In fact, according to the US Food and Drug Administration colloidal oatmeal “provides temporary skin protection and relieves minor skin irritation and itching due to poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac, and insect bites.”
Oatmeal improves the barrier function of skin too as polysaccharides and proteins present in it bind to skin and form a protective barrier. And that’s not all- it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it effective against skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. So adding some oatmeal to your bath or washing your face with water to which some powdered oats have been added might just be the best thing you could do for your skin.
# CalendulaCalendula (marigold), is well known for its soothing properties and is commonly used topically for various skin problems. The triterpene flavonoids and saponins it contains gives it anti-inflammatory properties which can calm irritated skin.
In fact, one study found that using a cream containing marigold extracts provided protection against contact dermatitis or skin irritation by the chemical sodium lauryl sulfate which is commonly used in soaps, shampoos, and detergents. Essential oils found in calendula flowers can also protect you from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
# ChamomileChamomile too has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Use chamomile tea to soothe itchy rashes, insect bites, and stings. Ointments containing chamomile essential oil can help with eczema and itchy skin too.