Eight tips to get rid of red skin
We all know the feeling of attraction. Our pupils get bigger. Our pulse starts to race. Our palms get wet with sweat. But for some of us, our faces turn bright red, hot and flustered - not helping in the romance department. Why does this happen? Is it a sign of something more serious? Is there a way to treat it?
According to skin health experts at Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute, there are several reasons why skin can turn red. Most are related to genetics or environment. But for those with fair, sensitive or highly reactive skin, or with rosacea, redness can be a constant distraction. While there is no cure, redness can be alleviated with the following lifestyle or product changes:
1. Skip the soap bar!
Opt for a soothing, creamy cleanser without soap, like UltraCalming Cleanser, which is less irritating to the skin.
2. Skip the bath water
Extremely sensitized skin can be too sensitive to water, especially hot water. Avoid excessive showering or bathing, and ask your dermatologist about cleansers that are suitable for removal with cool, damp cotton.
3. Get physical - with sunscreens
Daily sun exposure can irritate the skin, but so can chemical sunscreens. Opt for a physical sunscreen, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, with an SPF of 15 or higher. Better yet, use a sunscreen that contains skin-soothing ingredients like green tea or licorice.
4. Avoid irritants
Using or mixing too many products that contain known irritants such as artificial fragrances, dyes and lanolin can worsen sensitivity, redness and irritation. Also, avoid cleansing with abrasive products such as scrubs or loofahs.
5. Turn down the heat
Avoid foods known to stimulate blood flow, such as alcohol, caffeine, hot spices, artificial sweeteners, red wine, tomatoes and dairy products. They could trigger these episodes.
6. Go Green
Using a moisturizer with a green, natural mineral tone (not an artificial color), alone or under makeup, can counteract redness. (Try Redness Relief SPF20.)
7. Put down the cigarette
Smoking is like suffocating your skin from the inside out; it inhibits the body's ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin and constricts blood vessels. This makes the skin more susceptible to sensitivity.
8. Relax.
Techniques like deep breathing or smiling can help reduce redness, especially if it's triggered by nervous reactions like embarrassment. Also remember that blushing is nothing to be ashamed of. For many, it is a sign of youth, health and vitality. That's why people have tried to mimic it with makeup, crushed berries, and even beets!