Ways to reduce facial redness

You wake up, catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, and your face is redder than a stop sign. Ugh. You wonder what caused it this time and what you can possibly do to make it go away- fast. Dont stress, we’ve all been there. Red, blotchy skin can happen for so many reasons and we know that it's beyond annoying. But take a deep breath because we’ve got your back. Read on for some tried and tested ways to get rid of redness and finally get your skin back on track!

What causes facial redness?

Facial redness can be caused due to a number of factors, ranging from harmless to more serious underlying conditions. Getting to the root of what’s behind your rosy (sometimes not so sweetly) complexion can help you find the right treatment.

Environmental factors 

Exposure to elements like sunburn, cold weather, windburn, and hot showers can result in transient facial redness. While this redness is usually temporary and diminishes once out of such conditions, recurrent exposure may contribute to persistent redness. To mitigate this, it's advisable to consistently shield your face by using sunscreen, moisturizer, and suitable clothing whenever venturing outdoors. This preventive approach helps safeguard your skin and reduce the risk of long-term redness.

Skin irritation 

Skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and acne breakouts often result in facial redness and inflammation. Identifying and treating the underlying trigger is key. An allergy test can detect problematic ingredients you may be sensitive to. Gentle skincare can calm the skin and help alleviate aggressive symptoms of eczema and acne. 

Poor circulation

Poor circulation can lead to facial redness because inadequate blood flow may result in reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin. This can cause the blood vessels in the face to dilate, leading to increased redness. Lifestyle factors like smoking, lack of exercise, and nutrient-poor diet can impair circulation over time so appropriate changes are needed to kick facial redness to the curb. 

Lifestyle changes to reduce facial redness

Facial redness can be troubling, but there are several lifestyle adjustments you can make to help minimize flare ups and soothe irritated skin. Here are some effective ways to do so:

Keep hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to redness. Aim for the recommended daily amount of around two liters. You can track your water intake on a marked bottle.

Protect from sun exposure: UV rays cause redness and irritation. Wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen on your face daily and limit direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours.

Manage stress levels: Stress causes blood vessels to constrict and then rebound with a flush. Try relaxing activities like meditation, yoga or deep breathing. Get enough sleep, take breaks, and say no to extra obligations. 

Avoid triggers: Track lifestyle factors that seem to precede flushing like alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, temperature changes, and fragrance exposure. Limit or eliminate triggers and see if it makes a difference.

Watch products with actives: Ingredients like retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin C make skin more sun-sensitive. Use only as directed and be vigilant with sun protection. 

The Role of Gentle Skincare Products

To prevent and manage facial redness, incorporating gentle skincare products into your routine is paramount. Opt for mild cleansers that won't strip your skin of its natural oils, and select fragrance-free moisturizers to avoid potential allergens. Look for products with soothing ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and aloe vera, which can provide a calming effect on the skin. Additionally, consider patch testing new products before incorporating them into your daily regimen to ensure compatibility with your skin type. By adopting a gentle skincare approach, you create a protective barrier against external aggressors, reducing the likelihood of redness and promoting overall skin health.

Topical treatments

Topical treatments are great for instant relief from the discomfort that usually accompanies facial redness and inflammation. You can use some of the following treatments at home to see positive results:

Aloe vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe facial redness and irritation. Applying a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to the affected area can provide instant cooling relief and promote healing. You can find aloe vera amongst other soothing ingredients in the Leovard Tonic which is a great pick-me-up for instant relief from facial redness be it post cleansing, shaving or waxing. 

Green tea: Green tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce facial redness. You can apply cooled green tea as a toner or use skincare products containing green tea extract to soothe and calm irritated skin. Additionally, drinking green tea can contribute to overall skin health.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce facial redness. You can create a gentle mask by mixing finely ground oatmeal with water and applying it to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing. This can help calm irritated skin and alleviate redness.

Witch hazel: This botanical extract has astringent properties to help tighten, tone and soothe the skin prone to redness. Use an alcohol-free witch hazel toner after cleansing. Or apply witch hazel hydrofoil using cotton pads for an instant anti-inflammatory effect.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E, an antioxidant supporting skin health and reducing inflammation, can be applied by breaking open capsules or using creams. Leovard Multicream, containing vitamin E, green tea, and aloe vera, is a great pick to soothe facial redness as it restores hydration, alleviates inflammation, and helps relieve itching.

Conclusion

Achieving a calm and radiant complexion is within reach with these effective strategies to combat facial redness. By understanding the various causes, implementing lifestyle changes, and incorporating soothing topical treatments, you can regain control over your skin's appearance. Remember to stay hydrated, shield your skin from the sun, manage stress levels, and be mindful of potential triggers. With the right combination of preventive measures and targeted treatments, you can bid farewell to unwanted facial redness and embrace a more confident, comfortable version of yourself. So, face the world with assurance and let your natural beauty shine through!