Facial redness is a common issue that I receive a lot of questions on. It can be triggered by a range of factors—anything from genetics and sensitive skin to environmental influences like sun exposure or sudden changes in temperature. Some people deal with consistent redness from broken capillaries, while others experience flare-ups from using certain products or from conditions like rosacea or eczema. Understanding what’s causing the redness is the first step in managing it. Once you know your triggers, you can adjust your skincare routine to calm irritation and help keep redness under control. Here are some of your commonly asked questions that I hope to answer for you today.
What causes facial redness?
Several factors can influence skin redness, and its severity can vary from person to person due to individual skin triggers. Key contributors to redness include skin type, genetics, and environmental factors. Certain people may have more broken capillaries giving their skin a red tone at baseline that include flushing and blushing. Others may become easily red with skin irritation. Environmental factors like sun exposure, temperature changes, and harsh products can play a roll in making redness worse. There could also be underlying skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema. Inflammation, allergies, and lifestyle choices like diet and stress can also contribute to redness.
What ingredients are best for redness?
It’s important to use ingredients that calm inflammation, soothe, and strengthen the skin barrier. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness, while azelaic acid is effective for rosacea and acne-related redness. Soothing botanicals like Centella asiatica and anti-inflammatory ingredients like allantoin and colloidal oatmeal also help calm irritation. Green tea and licorice root extracts, which are rich in antioxidants, help reduce redness and promote an even skin tone.Incorporating these ingredients can significantly improve skin comfort and reduce redness.
How can I calm red, irritated skin?
To calm red, irritated skin, I recommend using gentle, soothing products designed to reduce inflammation and support the skin barrier. Start with a mild, fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleanser to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils and prevent further irritation.Follow with a hydrating, soothing treatment during flare-ups or a calming moisturizer containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera, phytosphingosine, allantoin, ceramides, glycerin, vitamin E, proVitamin B5, niacinamide, oat complexes, yeast extract, or Centella asiatica. Applying a cool compress or using products with colloidal oatmeal can also provide immediate relief.Additionally, it’s important to avoid physical exfoliants and active ingredients like retinoids or acids until the skin has healed. Wearing sunscreen daily is crucial to protect the skin from further irritation caused by sun exposure.
I don’t recommend retinol for treating skin redness as it can sometimes make redness worse when first introducing it to your skincare routine. Retinol works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which can improve skin texture and tone over time. However, it can also easily contribute to barrier disruption leading to redness, dryness, and peeling, particularly for sensitive skin. While it may help reduce redness in the long term by improving skin quality and circulation for conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation, it’s important to introduce it slowly and balance it with soothing, hydrating ingredients to minimize irritation. I recommend trying my retinol staging method where you cleanse and moisturize early in the evening and then wait until bedtime to apply your retinol. This helps to reduce potential side effects like redness.
How can I differentiate between skin irritation caused by products and conditions like rosacea?
When distinguishing between skin irritation and rosacea, it's important to consider the timing and nature of the symptoms. Irritation from products usually results in redness, itching, or peeling shortly after use and tends to improve once the offending product is discontinued. Rosacea, on the other hand, is a chronic condition with persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps or pustules. Flare-ups can be triggered by sun exposure, spicy foods, or other factors. If redness persists despite stopping new products, I recommend consulting a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Are there certain formulas that are better for redness-prone people?
Yes, for individuals dealing with redness, certain formulas are better suited to manage and soothe their skin. Look for products that are formulated to be gentle and calming. Serums often provide concentrated active ingredients that can effectively address redness without the heaviness of creams. Ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, and Centella asiatica are particularly beneficial for reducing redness and inflammation. Creams can also be effective, especially those that are hydrating and contain soothing agents like allantoin or colloidal oatmeal to help repair the skin barrier. It’s best to opt for products labeled as fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to minimize irritation. Both serums and creams can be beneficial, but the choice may depend on your skin type and how your skin reacts to different textures.
Dr. Azi’s Recommended Products:
Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Cream: Rich, nourishing skin barrier creamto help restore moisture and support the skin barrier. Formulated with postbiotic extract to promote a healthy microbiome ideal for skin recovery.
La Roche posay Toleraine Double Repair
Formulated with ingredients including ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water. These ingredients help restore the natural protective barrier and their studies show it provides up to 48-hour hydration. Its lightweight cream texture easily absorbs into the skin making it suitable for all skin types, including oily, acne prone, and sensitive.
AziMD Skincare Intense Recovery Complex
This product is ideal for redness-prone skin as it combines 4 Essential Ceramide Complexes to strengthen the skin barrier, Glycerin for hydration, Vitamin E for antioxidant protection, and Allantoin to reduce inflammation and irritation. Additionally, Phytosphingosine enhances barrier function, while Cactus and Yeast Extracts soothe and reduce irritation caused by active ingredients.
SkinSmart Anti-microbial Eczema Therapy
This product only contains 3 ingredients making it great for sensitive skin and redness. Hypochlorous Acid soothes and reduces inflammation, Sodium Chloride (salt) gently cleanses and balances the skin, and Ionized Water is known for its purity and hydrating properties. Great option for those with active eczema patches that are prone to becoming colonized with harmful bacteria.
