Red Skin Treatments

Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Management

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Sensitive Skincare & Red Skin treatment

Oxford

Sensitive and reddened skin is often a result of damage to the skin barrier. When the skin barrier is compromised, it struggles to keep out irritants and microorganisms as well as to maintain proper hydration. This may lead to intermittent or chronic inflammation and facial flushing.

Symptoms can include:

Flushing in the central areas of the face, such as the nose, cheeks, and chin, which can be either sporadic or persistent.
The appearance of visible broken capillaries, often referred to as spider veins, localized on the central parts of the face.
Swollen spots or bumps on the cheeks and nose, which can often be mistaken for acne and may indicate a skin infection requiring treatment.
A burning sensation on the skin.
Changes in skin hydration, resulting in dehydration, flakiness, and a tight feeling, with some individuals experiencing an overproduction of sebum leading to oily skin.
Eye irritation that can manifest as dryness, swelling, and discomfort, potentially requiring medical attention.
A thickening of the skin due to continuous irritation, which can alter its appearance.

What Causes Red Skin and Facial Flushing?

Whilst the exact causes are not always known, there are certain risk factors that could encourage its progression. An effective treatment plan should include targeting as many of these risk factors as possible. Your risk factors depend on the particular cause, which include:

Hereditary factors can contribute to increased skin sensitivity.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly elevated estrogen levels, can affect skin barrier function and lead to vascular changes, often resolving after childbirth.
Menopause can alter skin thickness and overall condition, which may increase facial redness and alter your skin hydration.
Excessive sun exposure can compromise the skin barrier, enlarge blood vessels, and thin the supportive tissues around them.
Moderate or occasional alcohol consumption can cause facial flushing by expanding blood vessels.
Smoking negatively affects skin barrier function, leading to thinning skin and elevated blood pressure.
Prolonged exposure to irritants, including perfumed products, retinols, acids, and various additives, can disrupt skin barrier integrity and trigger inflammation.

How can I treat red skin and facial flushing?

The first step is often recognising and eliminating any possible triggers associated with the underlying cause. While this may not always be feasible, certain factors can influence skin conditions like rosacea. These include dietary habits, alcohol intake, sun exposure, and bacterial infections, all of which can provoke or worsen skin flushing and irritation.

In particular, food sensitivities, including reactions to spicy foods, hot beverages, and certain dairy or high-histamine products, may play a significant role in symptoms. Alcohol, especially red wine, is commonly reported as a trigger for many individuals with this facial flushing.

Sun exposure is another critical factor, as UV rays can lead to inflammation and worsen existing skin issues. It is advisable to use mineral sun protection, especially when spending prolonged periods outdoors.

Furthermore, a gut health check for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection might be prudent. This bacterium has been linked to digestive issues and can sometimes contribute to skin conditions like rosacea. A consultation with your GP can provide guidance on testing and subsequent management if necessary.

How can we help?

The treatment of red skin often focuses on repairing the skin barrier, which can be effectively achieved through the use of ceramides and lipids. These vital ingredients help to strengthen the skin's protective layer, preventing moisture loss and reducing irritation. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy further assists in this process by targeting thread and spider veins on the cheeks and nose, leading to less facial flushing and a more even skin tone.