Whether you’re recovering post-workout, suffering from rosacea or simply adjusting to the colder months, redness in your skin can be difficult to manage and can negatively affect your daily life. Whilst skin redness can be caused by a number of factors, often it can be painful and uncomfortable for people experiencing it. Skin sensitivity, itchiness and the appearance of problematic skin can all be effects of red skin. Luckily, the experts at Colorescience UK have whittled it down to 5 easy steps to instantly calm and hydrate redness and the appearance of flushed skin.
Find the offender
The first, and arguably most important, step in treating skin redness is to find the cause. Is this simply a case of temporary sunburn or is this a longer lasting condition such as dermatitis? Once you know what is causing your skin to become red, it will become much easier to treat sore and tender skin. Begin by fine-tuning your skincare and makeup routine by using minimum product, good quality cosmetics and choosing gentle cleansing over exfoliation which could make your skin condition worse. If the problem persists, seek advice from a dermatologist who will be able to run patch test on your skin and find the root cause of the problem. Ultimately, finding the offender means finding the best skincare solution for your skin.
Protect your skin from the weather
Skin redness can be caused or be worsened by the weather. Any type of sun exposure will make your facial redness worse as the UV rays can trigger your blood vessels to grow, so it is important to always apply sunscreen before you leave the house. The winter weather can also bring about additional challenges for your skin too. When the air is cold outside, the water in your skin evaporates more quickly, causing dry and flaky skin. The sudden change of temperature when you enter a warmer area causes the blood to rush back into your face, resulting in bright red skin. To instantly treat and avoid this, protect your skin in the colder months too. Stay warm, not hot, by wearing a scarf made from non-irritating fabrics around your face, as well as gloves and a hat.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
Red skin needs plenty of moisture as the skin tends to be dry and prone to flaking. A good moisturiser can help to calm the skin and instantly relieve the redness of the skin. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a moisturiser that does not irritate or burn the skin for those with skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea. The humidity can make skin more fiercely red and itch, so it is important to find a moisturiser that soothes your skin and does not irritate it further. Try fragrance free, thick lotions which are suitable for all skin conditions. There are plenty of lotions designed for specific skin conditions, so remember to do your research and always patch test on a small section of skin before applying the product everywhere.
4) Apply a cold compress
The best way to reduce redness is by using moderately cold temperatures to shrink the blood vessels flowing to the surface of your skin. You can DIY your own cold compress by placing a wet washcloth in the fridge for a few minutes, then apply it to your skin to soothe any irritation and burning sensations. Be sure to use a soft washcloth, as a rough compress will only aggravate your skin more, resulting in further redness.
5) Use a colour correcting concealer
Eliminating redness from the skin can be a process, but it’s possible to feel insecure and want to instantly disguise any unwanted colour in the face. For redness, green concealers are your go-to makeup product. Colour theory dictates that green will cancel out any redness and neutralize the skin. Use a tiny amount of product and target any red areas on the face. Smooth out the concealer and add a foundation that matches your skin tone over. Not only will this give you the extra coverage you desire, but it will absolutely eradicate any sign of redness. Make sure to finish off by setting your makeup in place with a hydrating setting spray as this will ensure that your coverage lasts all day long.
