If the answer is yes, you may be suffering from transient erythema, also known as facial flushing. This phenomenon, which can be very bothersome for those who experience it, can affect people of any age and skin type. In this post, we will explain what flushing is, what its causes are, and how you can manage it.
Facial flushing is characterized by a sudden and intense reddening of the face, and can last from a few minutes to several hours. Caused by the dilation of blood vessels, it usually starts as a mild redness, but can worsen over time. The most common triggers are temperature changes, sun exposure, strong emotions, alcohol, and spicy foods – statistically, it is more common in women.
Redness and Rosacea
Although skin redness is usually temporary, if the skin is not properly cared for, blood vessels can dilate more over time and the appearance of redness will be more frequent and evident. Suffering from flushing does not equate to a diagnosis of rosacea. This inflammatory condition shares the symptoms of flushing or blushing. Rosacea, on the other hand, is characterized by the appearance of telangiectasias (visible blood vessels), in addition to other symptoms, such as the appearance of papules and pustules, in more severe cases.
10 tips to treat facial flushing
- Identify and avoid triggers. The first step to managing skin redness is to identify what causes it. Keep a diary of your flare-ups to identify patterns and possible causes.
- Use an effective but gentle routine. Strong, balanced skin begins with a proper skincare routine. Facial flushing is very common in people with sensitive skin and a weak protective barrier. Avoid harsh cleansers and products containing alcohol, acids, and high in perfumes and fragrances, as these ingredients can irritate the skin and worsen redness. Note that all cosmetic ingredients are potentially irritating.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water. Extreme temperatures can affect the integrity of blood vessels. It is much better to wash your face with lukewarm water.
- Introduce soothing ingredients such as mallow, bisabolol, panthenol, and allantoin into your routine. Our recommendation: Nutritive Repair Emulsion
- Use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. The sun is one of the main causes of facial redness. Never let your guard down, sunscreen all year round.
- Avoid alcohol and hot drinks. Alcohol and hot drinks can dilate blood vessels and cause facial flushing.
- Avoid spicy foods. Spicy foods can irritate the skin and therefore worsen redness.
- Manage stress. Stress is another common trigger for facial flushing. Therefore, it is important to find ways to manage stress; we recommend meditation.
- In the case of rosacea. The best-performing ingredient is azelaic acid. On the label, you will find it as Potassium azeloyl diglycinate.
- If, despite the recommendations, the redness persists, it is highly advisable to consult a dermatologist or a trusted professional to get a proper diagnosis and establish a treatment.