How to Treat Facial Redness

Identify the cause of irritation. A skincare product you use might be causing allergies, breakouts, or other types of irritation. Review all cosmetics, skincare, or haircare products you are currently using. Stop using all of them and reintroduce each product one by one. This way, you can pinpoint which product is causing the redness.

• Seek immediate medical attention if redness is accompanied by facial swelling, especially around the lips and tongue, or difficulty breathing. You can call emergency number 115.
• Start by testing the most recently used products, as they are the most likely culprits.
• Schedule an appointment with an allergist or dermatologist. They may perform a patch test, where small amounts of chemicals are applied to your skin to monitor reactions.
• The cause might simply be sensitive skin. If so, look for brands with product lines designed for sensitive skin, such as Aveeno Ultra-Calming and Eucerin.
• Once you identify the chemical causing the redness, eliminate all products containing it, whether in active or inactive ingredients.

Wash your face 1-2 times daily. Use lukewarm water, as both cold and hot water can dry out your skin. Improper washing can lead to further irritation and redness. Opt for a fragrance-free cleanser designed for sensitive skin, avoiding products with alcohol or drying agents. Consider using products like Cetaphil or Purpose.

• Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel after washing. Avoid rubbing, as friction can worsen irritation.
• Try cleansers containing sulfates, such as Rosanil, to help reduce inflammation.
• If redness is accompanied by acne and your skin isn’t sensitive, consider benzoyl peroxide products like Clearasil.

Apply a moisturizer. Use a moisturizer or lotion immediately after washing to lock in hydration.

• You can also refrigerate the lotion before applying it. The coolness will constrict facial blood vessels and reduce redness.
• Avoid products containing alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, fragrances, eucalyptus, or clove oil, as these can irritate the skin further.

Consider over-the-counter creams. The most common option is cortisone cream, which contains steroids to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and alleviate swelling. Look for creams with 0.5% or 1% hydrocortisone. Use sparingly, 1-2 times daily, and only on affected areas.

• Avoid prolonged use, as excessive exposure to the ingredients can cause further irritation.
• You can also explore natural soothing creams with ingredients like licorice, feverfew, tea, turmeric, magnesium, cucumber, or ginger.

Try aloe vera gel. Aloe vera can help reduce swelling and discomfort. You can extract gel directly from an aloe plant or purchase it from a pharmacy. Apply the gel to your face twice daily to reduce redness.

• To extract gel from an aloe plant, cut a large leaf near the base, slice it open, and scoop out the gel. Apply it to your face twice daily.
• Aloe vera gel is widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Experiment with coconut oil. Coconut oil is a natural emollient that helps lock in moisture. However, be cautious when applying it to acne-prone skin, as it may worsen breakouts. Coconut oil prevents moisture loss and dehydration, common causes of skin redness. It contains lauric acid, which has antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, aiding skin repair. Apply coconut oil nightly, focusing on extremely dry or red areas.

• You can also use olive oil, almond oil, or rosehip oil, which offer similar nourishing benefits and provide hydration.
• Coconut oil is particularly effective for redness caused by dry skin.

Try an oatmeal face mask. Oatmeal is a fantastic soothing agent for redness caused by various factors, including sunburn, eczema, or irritation. You can purchase plain oatmeal and mix it with water. Soak the oatmeal and apply it as a mask to your face. Use it once daily for at least 30 minutes, then rinse off.

• For enhanced results, mix milk into the oatmeal. Use milk with some fat content, like whole milk or 2% milk. The fatty proteins in milk can help rejuvenate your skin.

Conceal redness with color-correcting concealer. Regular foundation may not fully cover facial redness, but color-correcting concealers use complementary colors to neutralize discoloration. For redness, opt for a green-tinted concealer. Dab the concealer onto the affected areas and gently blend with your fingers or a makeup sponge.

• If redness persists or is too severe to conceal, you might have a condition like rosacea. Consult a dermatologist if you suspect this.
• Avoid applying too much product. A thick layer of concealer can make the green tint visible, so use a moderate amount for a natural finish.

Apply sunscreen. Redness can result from sun exposure. Always apply sunscreen before going outside, even on cloudy days. Look for sunscreens designed for sensitive skin, available at most pharmacies.

• Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for effective protection.
• Non-comedogenic sunscreens prevent clogged pores.
• You can also use makeup or moisturizers with built-in SPF.

Protect your skin in cold weather. Cold, dry winds can tighten and dry out your skin, while tiny particles in the air strip away healthy layers and damage the surface. Proper protection can reduce redness on your cheeks and nose when you move indoors.

• In cold conditions, blood vessels constrict, making your skin pale. However, when you enter a warm area, blood rushes to your face, causing redness.
• Use scarves, hats, or ski masks made from non-irritating fabrics to shield your skin.

Drink water and consume hydrating foods. Adjusting your diet can help alleviate redness from within. Cool, water-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, celery, coconut, cucumbers, watermelon, peaches, papaya, spinach, and broccoli are packed with antioxidants that hydrate your skin internally.

• Light yellow or nearly clear urine indicates proper hydration. Dark yellow or orange urine suggests you need to drink more water.
• Eating such foods can protect your skin from drying out in cold winter air or other harsh, dry conditions.
• Avoid spicy foods, hot beverages, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can worsen redness and aggravate skin issues.

Apply cucumber slices to your skin. Cucumbers are rich in water, vitamins, and minerals that help hydrate the skin. Peel and slice a cucumber, then lean back and place the slices on red areas of your face for 15-20 minutes.

• During this time, the vitamin C in cucumbers helps reduce troublesome redness.
• Avoid rubbing cucumber slices on your skin, as friction can cause further irritation.

Use green tea on your skin. Green tea contains anti-inflammatory properties and constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and redness. Steep a few green tea bags or tablespoons of loose leaves in boiling water, then let it cool. Soak a cloth in the tea and apply it to your face once it’s cool.

• Chamomile or peppermint tea can also be used, but avoid peppermint if you have sensitive skin.
• Use a cloth you don’t mind staining, as green tea can discolor fabric.
• Gently press the cloth onto your skin without rubbing to avoid further irritation.

Apply petroleum jelly. Be cautious when using petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin, as it may worsen breakouts. For added skin protection, apply a thin layer to your face. Petroleum jelly prevents rapid blood vessel dilation, helping reduce facial redness.

• Test a small amount on the least red area of your cheek. If redness or irritation worsens within a few hours, avoid applying it elsewhere.

Use a cold compress. Cold temperatures help reduce redness by constricting blood vessels. This method is especially useful if redness is accompanied by burning or swelling. To make a cold compress, soak a cloth in cold water and gently press it onto the affected area.

• You can also use an ice pack wrapped in multiple layers of cloth if you prefer not to use a wet compress.
• Alternatively, chill a damp cloth in the refrigerator for a few minutes before applying it to your face.
• Avoid using rough or excessively cold cloths.

Avoid triggers that worsen rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that flares up intermittently. While it can be unpredictable, one of the best ways to manage redness-related symptoms is to avoid common triggers.

• Common triggers include sun exposure, heat, alcohol, spicy foods, hard cheeses, stress, and weather changes like increased humidity or strong winds.
• Emotional triggers such as stress, fear, anxiety, and embarrassment can also exacerbate rosacea.

Ask your doctor about prescription oral medications. If natural remedies aren’t effective, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce skin inflammation. Inform your doctor if you’re pregnant or have other medical conditions before starting new medications.

• Your doctor might prescribe doxycycline, an oral antibiotic that reduces inflammation. Low-dose doxycycline, such as Oracea, starts with a higher dose to build effectiveness, then transitions to a maintenance dose.
• Doxycycline not only treats redness but also addresses red bumps associated with rosacea.
• Other prescription options are available. Consult your doctor to determine the best choice for your condition, especially for moderate to severe cases.

Use prescription topical treatments. Some patients prefer topical treatments over oral medications. Your doctor may prescribe creams like sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur, Metrogel (metronidazole), or Finacea (azelaic acid), which are as effective as oral medications but applied directly to the skin. These treatments target redness and bumps caused by rosacea.

Consult a dermatologist about laser therapy. Laser therapy is often used for long-lasting reduction of redness. It helps diminish visible blood vessels on the face, neck, and chest, while also brightening skin tone and improving overall skin appearance.

• Laser therapy may cause mild discomfort, but local anesthesia and ice packs can alleviate this.
• Multiple sessions over 3-6 weeks are typically required for optimal results. Insurance usually does not cover this treatment.
• Laser therapy is generally reserved for patients who don’t respond to simpler treatments.

Use salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps reduce swelling and redness while unclogging pores. It’s available in gels, wipes, creams, cleansers, moisturizers, and sprays. Choose a product that suits your daily routine, starting with a 2% concentration to avoid drying out your skin.

Apply aspirin paste. The salicylic acid in aspirin constricts blood vessels and reduces facial inflammation effectively. To create a mask, crush an aspirin tablet and mix it with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply it directly to acne spots and cover with a bandage for 30 minutes.

• If using coated aspirin, crush it and add water until it forms a paste.
• After 30 minutes, blood vessels will constrict, significantly reducing redness around the acne.

Take prescription medications. Over-the-counter skincare products may not suffice for severe or chronic adult acne. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger topical creams, oral antibiotics, laser or light therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion.

• Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to kill acne-causing bacteria. Hormonal treatments like birth control pills or spironolactone, a blood pressure medication, can also be effective.
• Topical treatments often contain antibiotics, retinoids, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid.
• These therapies can be combined for better results.