Redness on the face seems like an innocent problem, but it’s often one of the most irritating ones. Redness can be caused by various reasons, ranging from skin infections to allergic reactions to harsh weather conditions.
It might also feel like you’re wearing a sign on your forehead that reads “I’m Stressed Out And Unhealthy”. And, sometimes it just doesn’t go away no matter how many products you use or how many hours you cry yourself to sleep at night.
This article discusses how to reduce redness on your face with natural home remedies, and lifestyle changes. It also discusses some common causes of facial redness. Getting curious? Keep reading to find out.
How to Reduce Redness on Face
Redness on the face appears when the skin’s blood vessels are wide open, causing it to look irritated or swollen. From using natural honey to reducing stress, here are some home remedies to reduce redness on your face and stop yourself from looking like a tomato on the outside.
1. Honey
Honey is a natural ingredient that can be used topically to reduce redness on the face. “It is a natural antibacterial, and when applied to the skin, helps to soothe and calm irritated skin”, says Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
Pure honey also contains antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which work to reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals that cause redness and aging on the face.
Procedure:
- Start by washing your face with warm water, then pat dry with a towel.
- Then, put some honey in your hands, and use a spatula to spread the honey evenly over your entire face.
- Finally, wait for 30 minutes before washing off the honey with lukewarm water.
- For best results, apply honey 2-3 times a day.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a common household food used in everything from salads and desserts to skincare. Also, studies have shown that oatmeal has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the appearance of redness on the skin.
It can be applied topically to areas of the skin that are red, irritated, or inflamed for relief. It is also an excellent moisturizer, which means it can help to reduce the redness caused by dryness.
Procedure:
- Start by boiling 1/2 cup of oatmeal in a small amount of water.
- Let it cool, and stir the mixture together until you get a paste-like consistency.
- Next, apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Finally, rinse off with warm water and apply a moisturizer.
3. Cucumber
Applying cucumber to your skin can help to reduce redness on your face explains Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin, MD, a dermatologist. This is because they contain an anti-inflammatory substance called silica that helps to reduce swelling and redness.
In addition, cucumber contains other nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, which also help reduce inflammation. According to Viseslav Tonkovic, its high water content helps to hydrate your face, leaving it clearer and moisturized in just a matter of minutes.
Procedure:
- Peel a ripe cucumber and cut it into small slices.
- Second, blend the cucumber slices to form a pulpy mixture.
- Next, apply the juice to your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Finish by rinsing off with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- For best results, apply 4-5 times a week.
SEE: Learn How to Hydrate Your Skin Properly With This Simple Guide
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a common herbal remedy for many ailments, including redness on the face. Studies have shown it to have anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit excess production of sebum, which causes acne.
Additionally, chamomile contains flavonoids which are antioxidants that help protect your skin from free radicals, and it has antibacterial properties that can help soothe breakouts.
Procedure:
- Start by brewing a cup of chamomile tea and wait for it to cool down.
- Once the cup has cooled enough, pour the tea into a container and use it to wash your face.
- Then, place the chamomile tea bag on your face for about 15 minutes.
- Repeat this process as many times as needed until the redness on your face goes away.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant with a gel-like substance inside its leaves. People have used it for centuries to soothe skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema. It is also known to reduce redness on the face when applied topically.
This is because of a compound in aloe vera called “aloin” that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent. “You can use aloe vera for various purposes, from reducing redness on the face to fighting acne and clearing acne scars ”, says Dr. Marnie Nussbaum.
Procedure:
- Prep your skin by cleansing your face with any cleanser of your choice.
- Next, take a pea-sized amount of the aloe vera gel and apply it over your face.
- Wait for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off.
- For best results, apply to your face every night.
6. Coconut Oil
Studies have proven coconut oil to reduce skin inflammation and irritation as well as reduce skin cell turnover. It is also rich in fatty acids, which are needed for skin health and can also penetrate deeply into the dermis.
In addition, coconut oil is rich in vitamin E, which means it can act as an antioxidant to protect your skin from free radicals.
Procedure:
- Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the irritated and swollen skin.
- Next, massage the oil into your skin.
- Then, leave for 10 minutes and wash off with warm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times per day for best results.
7. Essential Oils
Whether it’s from acne or rosacea, a little bit of oil is all you need to get back to your beautiful self again. Essential oils like rosemary, lavender, jojoba, argan, and others possess anti-inflammatory, healing, and soothing properties that can help reduce redness on your face and keep your skin healthy and smooth.
Procedure:
- Add a few drops of any essential oil of your choice to a few drops of olive oil.
- Dab it on a cotton ball or pad and apply it to your face.
- Wait for about 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
- Do this daily to reduce redness and calm your skin with amazing results.
8. Green Tea
Drinking green tea has many different health benefits. Not only are antioxidants in green tea helpful for weight loss, but they are also great for getting rid of redness on the skin caused by acne, rosacea, or sunburn.
Drinking green tea can also reduce inflammation, moisturize and soothe your skin. “To reduce redness on your face, try drinking at least 1 cup of green tea per day”, says Shari Lipner, M.D, a dermatologist in New York City.
9. Cold Compress
Cold compress is one of the simplest and fastest ways to reduce the redness and inflammation on your skin. It also helps to eliminate eye puffiness and reduce wrinkles.
Using a cold compress on your face for about 10-15 minutes every day will help to constrict the capillary vessels and reduce inflammation associated with rosacea and other skin conditions.
Procedure:
- Fill a container with some water and put in some ice cubes.
- Place it in the freezer and leave for about 30 minutes.
- Soak a washcloth in the now cold water
- Place it over your face and leave for at least 10 minutes.
SEE: Learn how to Get Clear Skin with These Practical Tips
10. Avoid Scented Products
From shampoos and creams to deodorants and cosmetics, scented products are all over the place. But they might not be the best thing for your skin.
“Many people with sensitive skin might find that these products cause their skin to react with redness, flaring, and irritation” Dr. Marnie Nussbaum further explains. Reducing the use of scented products will help lessen the number of triggers you’re exposed to and ultimately improve your skin’s health.
Here are some steps that you can take to avoid scented products and reduce redness on the face:
- Choose a deodorant that doesn’t contain fragrances and lotions.
- Choose a shampoo without fragrances or dyes.
- Avoid cosmetics with fragrances or perfumes; use those which are fragrance-free instead.
11. Revise Your Diet
If you have sensitive skin and an intense passion for beauty, then maybe it’s time to rethink your diet. Foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds can help to reduce redness and dry skin.
Some of these foods include green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli, nuts like walnuts and almonds, fruits such as cherries and strawberries, and fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
12. Limit Alcohol
Alcohol can cause many kinds of skin problems, including redness. This is because it tends to dry out your skin, making you more prone to redness, acne, and other skin conditions.
Similarly, drinking too much alcohol can make your skin look blotchy and cause it to lose its elasticity. To reduce redness on the face, it is vital to reduce your daily intake of alcohol and, if possible, avoid it altogether.
13. Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an essential item for people who spend lots of time in the sun. It prevents the skin from getting reddened and irritated.
This is because sun exposure causes your blood vessels to react to UV rays and produce more blood near the surface of the skin; this can lead to patches of redness, blotches, and even breakouts.
“Applying sunscreen lotion or a moisturizer with SPF to your skin before you go out in the sun will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and help prevent it from getting red and irritated”, explains Dr. Hadas Skupsky, a board-certified dermatologist.
If you find that your skin gets red and irritated, apply some more to it and try to avoid going outside for a while.
14. Reduce Stress
Stress is an inevitable part of life. But the problem is that it’s hard to tell when stress starts to affect you. It may seem harmless, but studies show that long-term stress can cause skin conditions like rosacea, which are characterized by redness on the face.
As a result, it is recommended to take proper rest each day and restrain from strenuous activities, to reduce stress levels and to reduce redness on the face.
SEE: Discover Easy Ways to Achieve a Glowing Skin
15. Stay Fit
Your mental and physical well-being can have a major impact on your skin’s health. In fact, studies show that exercising regularly releases endorphins, which can help relieve anxiety and stress that can cause redness on the face.
Another step you can take is to practice yoga or mindfulness meditation to calm your mind and reduce inflammation in the brain, which could have benefits for alleviating redness on the face.
Causes of Redness on Face
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, (AAD), some common causes of facial redness include:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Dry skin
- Sunburn
- Contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis or eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Excessive alcohol
- Allergic reactions
- Over exfoliation
FAQs
Can I use aloe vera on my face daily?
Yes, you can. Aloe vera contains properties that help reduce inflammation and redness on the skin.
It also helps heal wounds and regenerate skin cells. For best results, apply aloe vera to your face every night before going to bed.
When do I need to see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if, after treatment, you continue to experience redness for over two weeks or if you have any underlying illness or skin condition.
You should also see a doctor if you experience other symptoms like increased heart rate, skin lesions, or diarrhea.
Can ice reduce redness on my face?
Yes, it can. One of the best ways to reduce redness is by using ice on your face.
This will help constrict the capillary vessels and reduce inflammation associated with rosacea and other skin conditions.
Conclusion
We all want to look our best. But, sometimes we can be left feeling self-conscious because of our skin. Redness on the face is an embarrassing and difficult skin condition to deal with on a day-to-day basis.
It can create an unattractive appearance, and it can be a side-effect of a rash, rosacea, or simply sun exposure. However, redness is not inevitable. You do not have to resign yourself to this problem.
With these easy at-home remedies, you can reduce the redness on your face and have that smooth, healthy complexion you’ve always wanted.
Thanks for reading.
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