Buzz
After crushing a HIIT session, there’s nothing better than feeling hot and sweaty, followed by that much-desired post-workout glow. However, for some, the reward is a vivid red face, which can leave them feeling a bit self-conscious post-gym.
To ensure you never skip your favorite spin class or running trail, we dug into the reasons behind post-exercise redness by consulting dermatologists to see if it's something to be concerned about or if there’s a way to reduce it. Keep reading to uncover why your face flushes when you work out and how to handle that redness.
Reasons Behind Post-Workout Redness
Blood vessel changes trigger the flush.
The good news is that having a red face after a workout is a completely normal reaction to physical exertion. As our bodies heat up during exercise, sweat helps cool us down, but increased blood flow and changes to blood vessels can also result in a flushed face. "The redness that follows a workout happens due to the widening of superficial blood vessels in the skin of the face," explains Dr. Blair Murphy, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The face tends to be the focal point because of the abundance of blood vessels in that area.
Individuals who are prone to flushing might have a greater number of superficial capillaries in their skin.
In simple terms, this skin flushing happens in some people after exercising because their capillaries are closer to the surface. To boost oxygen delivery to the muscles, blood flows faster, causing the capillaries to expand and push heat to the skin's surface, preventing overheating. Factors like fitness levels can also influence this process, and the increased blood flow may trigger the release of different substances from skin cells. In some cases, skin cells may release prostaglandins, contributing to redness. For others, histamines may be released, intensifying the flushing.
Flushing tends to be more noticeable in those with lighter skin tones.
"Everyone flushes during a workout, but it's more visible in individuals with fairer complexions, as darker skin pigments can sometimes mask mild flushing," says Dr. Arash Akhavan, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. He further notes that some people genetically have a denser network of small blood vessels feeding their capillaries, making the redness more obvious."
Tips for Preventing Facial Redness
Choose breathable and light clothing.
Although it's impossible to completely prevent the flush of redness that occurs during exercise, there are ways to minimize it. For instance, try working out in a cooler setting and opt for loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to help reduce the effect.
Steer clear of alcohol and prolonged sun exposure.
If you're prone to flushing, avoid consuming alcohol before exercising. As Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, explains, "Alcohol dilates blood vessels, boosting blood flow and intensifying facial redness." Additionally, excessive sun exposure can inflame the skin, causing the capillaries to become more visible due to the dilated superficial capillaries associated with sun damage.
Avoid skincare products that could irritate.
Those with excessive flushing and a tendency for rosacea should refrain from using products that may further irritate the skin, such as alcohol-based items, high-acid creams, or strong retinoids. According to Dr. Akhavan, "Opt for skincare containing anti-inflammatory ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide, such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream or CeraVe PM." Vitamin C is particularly important due to its antioxidant properties, which reduce oxidative stress on the skin and provide additional defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can worsen redness. Additionally, it is wise to avoid fragrances in skincare products as they may trigger flushing.
Ways to Address Facial Redness
Consider professional laser treatments.
While there's no definitive way to prevent or cure flushing, laser treatments can help control symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Dr. Murphy notes, "Pulsed dye laser treatment can target and destroy superficial blood vessels, significantly diminishing redness after a workout." The Vbeam, a popular pulsed-dye laser, is often recommended by dermatologists, including Dr. Ellen Marmur, for both flushing and rosacea. Rosacea, a chronic condition that causes facial redness, affects 415 million people worldwide, as reported by the National Rosacea Society. Dr. Marmur explains, "This laser delivers a concentrated light burst that specifically targets the blood vessels in vascular lesions using heat, without harming surrounding skin." The procedure lasts about 20 minutes and feels similar to rubber band snaps; some swelling and bruising may occur for up to five days. Typically, three to five sessions, spaced a month apart, are required for the best results.
Use cooling mists after your workout.
If you prefer to keep your skincare routine simple before opting for laser treatments, try this quick fix. Before your workout, pack a chilled water bottle to sip during your session to help lower your core temperature, and bring along anti-inflammatory products like cooling mists, says Shuting Hu, PhD, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Acaderma. Spraying your face during and after exercise will help calm the redness and bring your skin back to a balanced state after physical exertion. Another way to cool down your reactive skin: try an ice roll, which helps constrict blood vessels and soothe inflammation. You can also use cryo or ice globes (massaging tools kept in your freezer) or ice toner pads (frozen toner cubes to rub on your skin).
Take smarter showers.
Though a hot, steamy shower feels relaxing after a workout, it's not ideal for redness-prone skin. If you shower every day (or three times a week), keep it short (under ten minutes) and avoid using water that's too hot. Aim for a temperature between warm and hot; if your mirror steams up, turn the dial down to prevent drying out your skin and compromising its barrier.
Combine a cool washcloth with a gel moisturizer.
After your workout, you can ease skin tightness by gently pressing a cool, damp washcloth against your face. Follow this with a soothing gel-based moisturizer to help reduce inflammation and cool your complexion. If the redness persists, a small amount of hydrocortisone cream can be used to calm the irritation, but be mindful of the quantity as it is a steroid. Avoid long-term use without consulting your healthcare provider.
Consider trying a prescription treatment.
Topical treatments like Rhofade and Mirvaso can sometimes help with redness. If your skin flushing is severe, antihistamines taken orally may assist due to the histamine release. Speak with your healthcare provider if home remedies aren’t providing enough relief.
How to Conceal Redness
Use makeup to reduce the appearance of flushing.
If you're hitting the gym, it's best to skip the makeup. However, if your redness hangs around long after you've left the locker room, consider using one of these hybrid solutions that blend skincare with makeup. Look for color-correcting creams, often green-tinted, designed to neutralize redness while calming your skin. Popular brands among makeup artists include It Cosmetics, Clinique, Dr. Jart, Bare Minerals, and Dermablend.
Proceed with care.
Be gentle when applying products to your face, whether you're washing, massaging in a moisturizer, or putting on makeup. For those who experience flushing, triggers such as spicy food, caffeine, hot showers, or stress can worsen the situation. The lighter your touch, the less likely you are to provoke further irritation.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
There’s temporary redness from exercise, and then there’s rosacea. While exercise-induced flushing fades after a short time, rosacea is persistent. According to Dr. Hartman, it’s considered rosacea "if you stay flushed on the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead for extended periods without any trigger for the flushing."
Rosacea is a long-term condition characterized by recurring redness and flushing, with visible broken blood vessels on your cheeks and nose. Additionally, pimples similar to acne may appear, though these lack the blackheads or whiteheads typically associated with acne.
If you notice these symptoms, it's crucial to seek advice from a dermatologist, as rosacea can be effectively managed. Keep in mind that for those with rosacea, exercise can sometimes trigger flare-ups, even if their skin is usually under control. Depending on your age, your doctor may also be able to offer guidance on how to manage facial redness caused by hot flashes related to menopause.
