Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Facial redness can be frustrating, embarrassing, and can make you feel like everyone is staring at your skin. Common triggers of facial redness are rosacea, acne, eczema, and even environmental factors like diet and sun exposure. Though facial redness can sometimes be difficult to get a handle on, there are several treatment options that can help reduce redness and improve the overall appearance of your skin. In this article, we’ll be discussing effective treatments that can help you reduce facial redness fast.
1. Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are a common first-line therapy for facial redness. These products are applied directly to the skin, and they typically work by helping to reduce inflammation and redness. Some effective topical treatments include:
Azelaic acid
This is a naturally occurring acid that works by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria on the skin. It’s often used to treat rosacea and acne and can be great for helping to reduce facial redness. Azelaic acid is available in several forms, including creams, gels, and foams. It is applied directly to the affected area and can be used once or twice daily. Remember to be patient and consistent, because it can take several weeks before you begin to see results with azelaic acid.
Metronidazole
This is another topical medication that is commonly used to treat facial redness that results from rosacea. It works by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria on the skin. Metronidazole is available in several forms, including creams, gels, and lotions. It should be applied directly to the affected area and can be used once or twice daily. Just like with azelaic acid, it can take several weeks to see results with metronidazole.
Brimonidine
Brimonidine is a topical medication that is specifically formulated to treat the redness associated with rosacea. It works by constricting blood vessels in the skin, which helps to reduce redness and flushing. Brimonidine is available in a gel form and is applied directly to the affected area. It can be used once or twice daily as needed. It’s important to note that brimonidine can cause skin irritation and dryness, so always follow your doctor’s instructions when using this medication.
Green-Tinted Moisturizers
These moisturizers contain a green tint that helps neutralize redness in the skin. They’re a great option for those who want to reduce redness while also moisturizing their skin. Green-tinted moisturizers are available at most drugstores and can be used daily as part of your skincare routine. An effective green tinted moisturizer to consider is Eucerin Anti-Redness Concealing Day Cream. This Derm approved cream helps cover redness and restore skin balance. It also contains SPF 25, as sunscreen is always key!
Probiotic Skincare
Probiotic skincare products contain live microorganisms that can help restore balance to the skin’s microbiome. The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that typically make their home on the skin. When the skin’s microbiome is balanced, it’s less likely to become inflamed and red. When it’s off balance, eczema, irritation, and pimples can become a problem. Probiotic skincare products are available in various forms, including cleansers, toners, and serums. The TULA Skin Care Ready-To-Go Skincare 3-Step Essentials Kit contains probiotic face wash, toner, and moisturizer to help hydrate and balance the skin.
Sunscreen
Sun exposure can cause and worsen facial redness, so it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it daily as part of your skincare routine. If you’re going to be in the sun for a longer stretch of time, you’ll want to be sure to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. And remember, people of all skin colors should follow this rule! Look for a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and avoid sunscreens that contain fragrances or other potential irritants. Tizo Facial Mineral Sunscreen and Primer is an excellent choice for sensitive skin and works well for people with light or dark skin.
2. Oral Medications
If topical treatments aren’t improving your facial redness, you may want to consider oral medications. These medications are taken by mouth and can help reduce inflammation and redness. Some effective oral medications include:
Antibiotics
These medications are often used to treat rosacea and acne. They work by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for facial redness include doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline.
Retinoids
These medications are derived from vitamin A and are often used to treat acne. They can also help reduce redness and improve skin texture. Isotretinoin is a commonly used oral medication that can improve acne and redness from conditions like rosacea.
3. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity light to reduce redness in the skin. This treatment is often used to treat rosacea and can be effective at minimizing facial redness. Laser therapy works by targeting the blood vessels that are causing the redness and destroying them. This results in a reduction of redness in the skin.
4. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) is another non-invasive treatment that can help reduce facial redness. This treatment uses a broad spectrum of light to target the blood vessels that are causing the redness. The light heats up the blood vessels, causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. IPL is often used to treat rosacea and can be highly effective.
5. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are another effective treatment for reducing facial redness caused by acne or sun damage. This treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layer of skin to peel off. This helps reduce redness and improve the overall texture of the skin. Chemical peels should be done in a dermatologist’s office. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.
6. Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medical treatments, there are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce facial redness. These include:
Avoiding triggers
Certain foods, drinks, and activities can trigger facial redness. Common triggers include alcohol, tea, coffee, spicy foods, and hot showers. By avoiding these triggers, you can help reduce the frequency and severity of facial redness.
Stress management
Stress can cause breakouts and exacerbate facial redness, so it’s important to find ways to manage your stress and get back to your happy place! This can include practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, getting enough sleep, and taking time for yourself to do activities you enjoy. Self-care is key to happy and healthy skin.
Skincare Routine
A good skincare routine can work wonders for your skin and can help reduce facial redness. Using gentle cleansers, avoiding harsh scrubs and exfoliants, using products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin, and practicing good sun protection are all important steps that you can take.
Conclusion
Facial redness can be frustrating, depressing, and embarrassing. Topical treatments, oral medications, laser treatment, chemical peels, and lifestyle changes can all help reduce facial redness and improve the overall appearance of your skin. If you’re struggling with facial redness, talk to your dermatologist to determine the best treatment options for you. With the right treatment and skincare routine, you can achieve smoother, more even-toned skin.
