We may love the way a bit of blush can enliven the skin, but rosacea, blotchiness and general redness on the face is different. We want to be the ones to decide where a red flush belongs, thank you very much. So what can we do about unwanted redness?
Causes of redness on the face
Understanding the cause of redness on the face is the first step in treating it. Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, dermatologist and founder of Epionce, says it can be caused by a number of factors. The sun is the first thing we probably think of, but airborne pollution, changing temperatures and allergic reactions can also contribute. Vasodilating foods and beverages (ones that dilate blood vessels) like caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods can also make the problem worse. Even our skin care products or being too aggressive with them can result in red skin.
Redness and rosacea are sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably, but there is a difference between them. Board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Dendy Engelman says that rosacea symptoms include persistent redness or flushing. Rosacea is genetic, especially if you have fair skin. It’s primarily vascular inflammation and the result of excessive glandular activity, says Thornfeldt.
Prevention and treatment of redness
Many people may be tempted to focus on covering up red skin with foundation and concealer. But why mask the problem when we can treat it with over-the-counter products? Engelman recommends treatments that cool skin and restrict blood vessels. Those with rosacea may need a prescription product, though.
When choosing products, it’s important to scan the labels as certain ingredients can make things worse. Watch out for fragrances, AHAs, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and certain preservatives, cautions Thornfeldt. Alcohol is another sensitizing ingredient. If the labels are confusing, take note of products that dry out skin or compromise the skin barrier because they often lead to worsening redness.
Scroll down for some of the best products to soothe and treat redness on the face.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #1
SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer, $67 at SkinStore
This formula not only corrects redness, it actually prevents it. It’s all thanks to its NeuroMed Complex that combats environmental triggers and interrupts inflammation while protecting your skin's barrier. For rosacea suffers, it reduces redness and flushing by 30 percent.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #2
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Re.Pair Serum, $45.60 at Feelunique
It's said that tigers roll in centella asiatica, aka tiger grass, to heal their wounds. If it's good enough to fix their battle wounds, it's good enough to soothe redness. Dab on this serum to soothe irritated, blotchy, red skin instantly.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #3
Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $16.99 at Ulta Beauty
Forget about covering up red skin with foundation. This neutralizing face cream has a slight tint to counteract redness. It's free of fragrance and noncomedogenic so it shouldn't upset skin further.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #4
Lush Eau Roma Water, $22.95 at Lush
There are just two active ingredients in this refreshing toner: lavender water and rose water. The floral duo work together to soothe, balance and hydrate skin. Spray on the product after cleansing, then gently remove any excess with a cotton pad.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #5
La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense, $39.99 at La Roche-Posay
Afraid to try new skin care products in case they make face redness worse? Relax because this serum-gel is formulated with sensitive skin in mind. It's free of preservatives, parabens, alcohol, fragrances and colorants. Apply the product in the morning and evening to soothe skin and visibly reduce redness.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #6
Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser, $39.50 at Dermalogica
Anti-redness creams and serums are effective, but why wait until the third step of a skin care regimen to tackle inflammation? Use a calming cleanser to ensure skin maintains its ideal pH. This non-foaming formula doesn't contain artificial fragrances or colors. It strengthens the skin barrier to help protect sensitized skin and rinses away easily so there's no need for excessive scrubbing.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #7
Dear by Renée Youth Soothing Crème, $76.50 at Walmart
The anti-inflammatory cream is suitable for all skin types, but anyone with sensitive, allergy-prone, red skin or rosacea will want it in their regimen. The multitasking formula strengthens while providing relief to dry, itchy skin. It also boosts radiance and fights the signs of aging.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #8
EmerginC D-Red Daytime Emulsion, $73 at DermStore
Dealing with red skin? What about broken capillaries? Put on this emulsion in the morning and it will target both skin care concerns. As it soothes, it strengthens skin to become less reactive.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #9
Osmosis Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum, $144 at DermStore
If we're getting technical, redness often occurs when the dermis is weakened. This serum helps strengthen it. In addition to targeting red skin, it improves the appearance of scars, age spots, blemishes and other forms of inflammation.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #10
Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser With Probiotic Technology, $18.75 at Clinique
Got redness? This is the solution. The cleanser harnesses the power of probiotics to improve any redness on faces and broken capillaries. Test it out and see why probiotics are as good for skin as they are for keeping guts healthy.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #11
Eucerin Redness Relief Night Creme, $9.89 at Amazon
Apply the soothing cream before bed and skin will be calm and hydrated come morning. It absorbs well so there's no need to worry about greasy pillows.
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Calm Down: 12 Skin Care Products for Redness #12
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Redness Relief Serum, $60 at REN Clean Skincare
Keep skin calm, cool and collected with this anti-redness serum. It's free of numerous potential irritants, including gluten, parabens, silicone, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents, synthetic colors, nitrates and synthetic sunscreens, to name a few. What it does contain are milk polypeptides and rice protein to fight inflammation and boost skin's volume for a more youthful appearance.
