How to Reduce Redness on Your Face

What Causes Redness on Your Face?

The first step in finding out how to reduce face redness is identifying the underlying issue. Here are some common reasons why your skin might be red:

• Over-exfoliation: Exfoliation is one of the best tools you can use to get skin glowing and smooth, but moderation and proper technique are key. Make sure you choose the right exfoliation for your skin type. Chemical exfoliators are often more gentle than physical exfoliators, but you should still only make it part of your routine a few times per week.
• Acne: Acne can be harsh on skin and cause irritation, especially depending on what treatments you're using. Don't overdo it with aggressive products and make sure to balance your skin with a gentle cleanser and a good moisturizer. It's always a good idea to consult a dermatologist if you have redness and acne.
• Sun exposure: The sun's harsh rays can burn skin in less than 15 minutes and sunburns usually lead to red, achy, irritated and peeling skin. Make sure you always incorporate a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 into your routine. Reapply often if you're out in the sun during the day or sitting by a window.
• Dry skin: Rough, dry skin is one of the most common skin ailments and with it comes redness and dry patches. Using a good moisturizer and keeping skin balanced can help get rid of redness on your face. Be sure to choose nourishing moisturizers and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep skin plumped and hydrated throughout the day.
  

Dry, red skin on your face could also be due to certain skin conditions:

• Eczema: Also called, atopic dermatitis, eczema causes extremely dry, itchy and inflamed skin that sometimes looks like a rash.
• Rosacea: This common skin condition causes redness, irritation, small bumps and visible blood vessels in your face.

How to Reduce Face Redness

If you're trying to reduce redness on your face quickly, try the following:

• Apply products gently: When applying anything to your skin, make sure you're not too rough or abrasive. Always be as gentle as possible by patting products on rather than rubbing them in or dragging them across skin.
• Opt for a sponge rather than a brush: Sponges are often softer than brushes, which means less irritation and redness, and they attract fewer bacteria than a washcloth does. Plus, sponges have natural, gentle exfoliating properties, which means they'll help keep your skin smoother.
• Use cooling products: Red skin often feels hot, flushed, itchy and irritated. To combat that, look for products that state that they have cooling properties. Aloe vera is a soothing, cooling ingredient that's good for red skin. Likewise, rosewater—especially in a face mist—can provide a cooling sensation for irritated skin.
• Choose products with cica: Look for labels that include cica, also known as centella asiatica, which is a herb native to Asia and Africa. Its calming properties help reduce redness flare-ups and it can also assist in healing scratches and superficial burns, both of which contribute to red skin.
• Incorporate salicylic acid and glycolic acid: Gently exfoliating skin with salicylic acid and glycolic acid can help reduce redness since they both smooth skin, reduce irritation and help get rid of acne. Use them in moderation and make sure to check that the rest of the products in your routine are compatible to prevent further irritation.

Can You Prevent Redness on Your Face?

One of the best ways to deal with red skin is to do what you can to prevent it from flaring up. Here's how:

• Identify triggers: The most important thing is to figure out your skin type. If you have dry skin, for example, you may have different triggers than you would if you had oily skin. Pay attention to anything that may be affecting your skin. Your skin might flare up during certain times of the year (like when it's cold during the winter) or even when you eat or drink certain things. Once you identify triggers, you can work to avoid or eliminate them.
• Focus on ingredients: Ingredients are the key to everything, and once you identify your skin type, you can zone in on the ones that work best for you, as well as the ones you should avoid. Every skin type is different, so concentrate on finding the ingredients that work best for you to reduce redness.
• Always use SPF: One of the best ways to prevent skin issues is to protect your skin in the first place. Always use an SPF 30 or higher, even if it's not sunny out. Reapply often when it's sunny outside.
• Talk to a professional: If in doubt, consult a dermatologist about what might be causing your redness. It's always the best course of action and they will help you identify a routine specifically tailored to your skin type.

In general, redness on the face is one of the most common issues that all skin types deal with. Now that you know the basics of how to get rid of redness on your face, you can take simple steps to help ensure your skin stays calm and balanced.