Redness-prone skinRedness-prone skin is usually characterized by flushing and redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Over time, the redness tends to become more persistent. Visible blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop. Skin suffers from burning or stinging. Symptoms may worsen if not treated correctly.  Level 1: Intermittent redness: A “flush” is when your cheeks suddenly become very red. In most cases flushing is skin’s normal reaction when a person is nervous, exercising, or upset. Redness-prone skin can experience flushes when there’s sudden change in the temperature or consume of alcohol or spicy foods.  Level 2: Permanent redness: During a flush, the blood vessels in the face dilate rapidly, then return to normal. However over time, the redness becomes permanent, especially on the cheeks – that is what we call erythrosis. Level 3: Dilated blood vessels:  On top of the erythrosis, some blood vessels are more dilated than others and are visible to the naked eye. These little red blood vessels, or telangiectasies, are the early stages of rosacea. Level 4: Spots:  Rosacea was formerly called “acne rosacea” because in addition to redness, spots appear - similar to the symptoms of adolescent acne. Red spots (papules) and white spots (pustules) flare-up on a background of erythrorosacea. 10 things you can do to minimize redness I. Visit a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. 2. Apply sunscreen SPF 15 or higher is recommended on a daily basis. Look for mineral sunscreens suitable for sensitive skin to avoid further skin irritation. 3. Manage your stress level. Stress is a key redness trigger. Reduce stress through relaxation exercises, soothing music, massage therapy or any technique that helps you relax. 4. Protect skin from environmental exposure. Limit time outdoors or protect the face with a scarf or ski mask when exposed to prolonged cold or wind. 5. Care for your skin with a gentle daily skincare program that incorporates a moisturizer to minimize dryness and flakiness. Look for products formulated for sensitive skin with a minimum of ingredients to lessen the risk of irritation. 6. You are what you eat. Learn what foods trigger your redness and avoid them. Start by avoiding steaming hot foods, spicy foods and alcohol which have been shown to aggravate redness. 7. Exercise in moderation. Avoid high-intensity workouts that can cause overheating and flushing. When exercising outdoors, choose cooler periods such as early morning or evening. Staying cool will help minimize redness. 8. Avoid hot baths, showers and saunas. Use of gentle, non-abrasive, soap-free cleansers is recommended. Allow the skin to dry completely before applying medication. Wait 10 minutes before applying a moisturizer. 9. Select skincare products that are formulated for sensitive and/or redness prone skin. Avoid products that contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol and witch hazel. Look for products that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. 10.Know that you are not alone. Accept the fact that you have a medical condition but can take action to improve the symptoms and manage your condition.
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