If you’re currently red-faced, furiously searching to internet for solutions on how to decrease face redness – you’ve come to the right place.

A skin issue with various causes that can be hard to differentiate between, finding the right answer to your problem can be a lengthy process. Fear not, because we have the answers for you, courtesy of Dr Derrick Phillips, Consultant Dermatologist at OneWelbeck.

So, if you’re suffering and want to know how to decrease face redness, read on.

Why is my face so red?

“Red skin on the face can be caused by a number of different factors,” explains Dr Derrick, so identifying the specific kind of redness is important for both preventing and treating it. To help you navigate your face redness, we asked him to outline some of the most common causes below:

Rosacea

This is a chronic but treatable skin condition that’s characterised by redness, flushing, visible blood vessels on the face and sometimes acne-like bumps. It primarily affects the central face and is commonly triggered by sun, stress, alcohol, skincare products, anxiety, spicy foods or exercise.

Seborrheic dermatitis

A chronic skin condition that can cause red and inflamed skin, commonly on the scalp and face, particularly eyebrow and sides of the nose. It’s believed to be caused by an inflammatory response to a type of yeast that lives on the skin, combined with increased oil production. It can be triggered by a variety of factors including stress and tiredness.

Contact dermatitis

A skin condition which can result in red, itchy skin on the face and body. Usually this occurs when an irritant comes into contact with the skin, triggering inflammation. This could be soaps, detergents, plants, chemicals etc.

Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema can cause red patches on the face and body, as well as itching and scaling. Trigger factors will vary from one person to another and include dust mites, animals and pets, pollen, heat, sunshine, cosmetics, as well as stress.

Psoriasis

This is a common skin condition that manifests as salmon pink patches often with silvery white scale. It can affect the face, body, scalp and nails.

Sunburn

Can also cause redness and irritation on the face, and why a broad spectrum high factor SPF is essential.

What is facial flushing?

Facial flushing or blushing can also temporarily cause face redness, but is a normal reaction that will dissipate on its own. “It occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin widen, leading to increased blood flow and is often accompanied by a feeling of warmth,” says Dr Derrick. “Common causes include physical exertion, emotional reaction, dietary factors such as spicy food, and hormone changes such as those experienced during menopause. It can happen in anyone, even without an underlying skin condition.”

While other causes of face redness require treatment or prevention measures, facial flushing usually does not. “While facial flushing can be one feature of rosacea, not everyone who flushes has rosacea,” explains Dr Derrick.

How can I prevent face redness?

Rather than treatment, preventing the triggers of face redness can be more beneficial as a strategy. “People can help to prevent the effects of facial redness by identifying and avoiding triggers, these will vary from one person to another so it’s important to identify yours,” says Dr Derrick. He advises “using gentle, fragrance-free skincare products designed for sensitive skin, wearing SPF and taking steps to manage stress”, as additional ways of decreasing face redness.

Which ingredients help to reduce face redness?

Dr Derrick says that the most effective way to decrease face redness is to get a personalised diagnosis to help determine the cause. “Incorporating products into your skincare regime which help to alleviate redness and inflammation can also be important,” he says, outlining the following skincare ingredients that are known to help address face redness:

Niacinamide

This is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to reduce inflammation, even out skin tone, and strengthen the skin’s barrier. By reinforcing the barrier, it also makes the skin less reactive over time.

Azelaic acid

An ingredient that can help to brighten the redness left behind by acne. A popular anti-inflammatory agent it calms irritation by inhibiting inflammatory pathways in the skin, and improves skin barrier. It can also help to calm overactive immune response, reducing the activity of the skin sensors that can cause redness.

Chamomile

An ingredient that helps to calm skin.

Aloe Vera

An ingredient which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants which reduces redness and inflammation.

Green-tinted creams and sunscreens

Products that can also help neutralise redness, creating a more even skin tone while the active ingredients work to treat the underlying cause.

What products can I use to decrease face redness?

Now that you’ve understood the various causes and prevention methods for decreasing face redness, Dr Derrick outlines some of his favourite products for treating the effects.

“La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Concentrate is a lightweight serum that helps to reduce visible redness and strengthen the skin’s barrier. It’s formulated for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, helping to improve comfort and resilience over time.”