Facial redness can flare up for a variety of reasons, ranging from a hereditary proneness to flushing to more serious skin issues, such as rosacea and perioral dermatitis. Some of the more common factors are sun exposure, wind, hot or cold weather, spicy foods, alcohol, exercise, stress, hot baths, and hot beverages. So to tackle it might take a holistic approach. Here, we're breaking down nine tried-and-true, research-backed methods to help mitigate facial redness.
* Cool Water and MedsIt may seem a basic solution, but sometimes the easiest answer is the most effective. Rosacea is often uncomfortable and, in some cases, painful. A cool bath or shower or a cool compress applied to your face will provide immediate relief to sensitive skin, and it can reduce redness. This is true for other causes of facial redness, too, including windburn, sunburn or negative reaction to a product. For particularly painful cases, a dose of acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin can provide longer-term relief while your skin heals.
* Aloe VeraFacial redness is usually a sign of inflammation or irritation, including cases of rosacea, acne flare-ups or burns. To reduce the redness, you want to soothe the skin. For some people, regularly applying an aloe vera cream, ointment or gel to your face can be beneficial. The active components in aloe vera expedite the healing process by soothing the skin, reducing pain and stimulating skin growth and repair. Look for products that contain Aloe Barbadensis Gel or Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice on the ingredient label.
* Additional Soothing IngredientsAloe vera is a commonly used remedy to soothe skin and reduce redness, but there are other natural choices you can try as well. For example, honey reduces inflammation and has antibacterial properties. Feverfew is another natural ingredient that has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be good at reducing redness. Other soothing substances to look for include oatmeal, chamomile, cucumber and calendula. Depending on the cause of the redness, dermatologists may recommend anything from cold compresses, sun avoidance, topical steroid creams or rosacea-specific creams.
* HoneyHoney has been used for ages to treat skin conditions and possesses wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help heal any lesions or rashes that may appear on your skin. Dab some honey on the sterile gauze.Apply it over the areas where the redness occurs.
* Chamomile TeaChamomile tea is commonly used to treat skin problems and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help in decreasing inflammation on your skin, which, in turn, reduces redness. Boil a few cups of water and steep 2-3 chamomile tea bags in it. Cool this decoction and use it to wash your face. Pat your face dry.