Redness on Face: Treating Rosacea, Acne, Red Spots, and More

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Redness on face

Health issues like psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, acne, and stress hives can cause redness on face, making the skin look swollen and inflamed.

Using home remedies for redness on the face may help combat inflammation while soothing any painful irritation and discomfort. And luckily, there are quite a few natural remedies that will help ease inflammation and redness while hydrating and repairing skin cells.

Sometimes, though, redness of the face is a result of nothing more than what you are already putting on your face—cosmetics and beauty care products.

If you’re wondering how to reduce redness on face caused by these products, the best way is to stop using your current products and move to simple cleansers and moisturizers. Then, see if you notice a difference after 30 days.

facial redness

Psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, acne, and stress hives can cause redness on the face, making the skin look swollen and inflamed.

What Causes Redness on Face?

A condition called perioral dermatitis causes redness around the nose, chin, mouth, and eyes. Nervousness can cause red blotches on the face called stress hives, although they typically don’t present as raised bumps). Also, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea can all cause the skin to become red and inflamed.

Conventional treatments for redness on face are available for these conditions and more. But, there are also natural remedies that you can use to help calm any redness down.

1. Rosacea

A common incurable skin condition, rosacea causes facial features like the nose and cheeks to turn red, similar to blushing. It may also spread to the ears, forehead, and chin.

These patches may be the result of stress, excessive internal and external heat, tobacco use, and consuming alcohol or spicy foods.

In addition to redness, the affected areas may become swollen; have tiny, red bumps; and expand facial blood vessels, producing red lines on the face known as telangiectasias. Rhinophyma may also be seen, which is a condition causing the nose to enlarge and become red.

2. Eczema

Eczema may cause redness in the face and itchy, red bumps on other parts of the body. Skin conditions appear as unsightly rashes, which may be irritated and dry. And scratching the rash may lead to infection of the bumps.

Eczema refers to a group of skin rash conditions that also includes the common condition known as atopic dermatitis. This chronic condition usually is first seen in childhood and may extend into adulthood in many cases.

3. Seborrhea

Commonly referred to cradle cap in infants, seborrhea is a common skin condition that may cause facial redness when spread across the face. The rash-like red, tiny bumps may appear on the eyelids, nose, behind the ears, and other parts of the body.

Seborrheic dermatitis also causes the skin to dry, become flaky, and itch. Persistent scratching may lead to infection of the skin.

No direct cause has yet been determined, but stress, cold temperatures, genetics, and certain medications are known to be triggers in most cases. It is seen in infancy and between the ages of 30 to 60 years of age. And, it is more prevalent in men.

Seborrhea may be linked to several health conditions, such as rosacea, psoriasis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), alcoholism, epilepsy, heart conditions, eating disorders, and depression.

4. Acne

Redness in the face may be a form of acne. This common skin condition is seen in all ages but is primarily seen affecting young people. Acne appears as small bumps, pimples, whiteheads, cysts, and blackheads.

Acne develops from inflamed hair follicles that become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum. Sebum is an oily substance produced by glands under the skin’s surface. These glands are connected to the sacs known as follicles, which lead to the pores on the face. Any bacteria within the pores results in inflammation that presents as a pimple.

Acne redness may be caused by high androgen hormone levels, genetics, certain medications, stress, cosmetic ingredients, and hormonal changes during menstruation and menopause.

5. Lupus

This condition may first be detected by redness in the face in the shape of butterfly wings across the nose and cheeks. In cases without this shape, the redness, swelling, and bumps may be misdiagnosed as other skin conditions.

Lupus is a disease where the immune system attacks the organs and tissues as a result of infection, exposure to sunlight, and a reaction to certain medications.

In addition to redness in the face, lupus may cause the blood cells, joints, kidneys, heart, and brain to become inflamed. As there is no cure for lupus, symptoms are managed through medications and lifestyle changes.

6. Dry Skin

Dry skin with redness in the face is referred to as xerodermatitis. In addition to the red patches, there also may be flakes of skin particles, itchy rash, and inflamed, irritated areas.

Dry skin occurs when the skin’s surface (epidermis) has an insufficient water content. A lack of water in the air creates a low-humidity environment, which can also cause dry skin. This is seen with extremely cold temperatures and cold, dry air.

These factors cause the epidermis to lose fatty oils that maintain moisture to protect against damage such as dry skin. This is prevalent in older men and women due to the aging process and ingestion of certain medications that strip moisture and other lubricants from the skin.

Home Remedies for Redness on Face

The following is a list of some natural skin products that can deliver positive results when used regularly. These remedies for red spots on the face are affordable and can be purchased in local grocery stores and health food stores.

1. Aloe Vera

aloe vera for skin

Aloe vera is packed with over 75 vitamins, nutrients, and essential fatty acids that hydrate itchy, dry skin.

Rosacea, acne, and other skin problems can cause facial redness, which can be unsightly and painful. This discomfort can be soothed with aloe vera gel. It has been used for centuries as a first-aid treatment because it soothes and cools damaged skin.

You can buy a plant to keep at home and snip off the pieces as needed. Bottles of already extracted aloe vera gel can also be found in most health food stores.

Aloe vera is packed with over 75 vitamins, nutrients, and essential fatty acids that hydrate itchy and dry skin. Store the bottle of gel in the fridge for further use.

2. Aspirin Paste

Aspirin Paste

An interesting remedy for irritating skin issues is to use a mask made from aspirin.

Skin redness, no matter the cause, can be embarrassing and make us feel less inclined to be out in public.

An interesting remedy for irritating skin issues is to use a mask made from aspirin. It can help ease inflammation and dry out the red spots. Below are some instructions for creating and using an aspirin mask.

  • Crush one aspirin pill in a small container using a mortar and pestle if you have one. You need it to be fully crushed for this to work well.
  • Mix the crushed aspirin with water. Combine two to three parts water with one part aspirin.
  • Apply the paste to wherever there is redness and leave it on for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the paste with a warm facecloth. As the paste will dry out the skin, you can then hydrate it with aloe vera gel or rosehip seed oil.

3. Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip oil also has retinoic acid in it, which is known to brighten skin.

Rosacea treatments need to be gentle and non-irritating to the skin, and rosehip oil is one such treatment. It’s a soothing balm made from the seeds of Rosa moschata. And, it’s packed with vitamins A, C, and E, plus antioxidants and essential fatty acids, all of which are good for the skin. These elements hydrate dry, itchy skin and reduce the appearance of scars and redness.

Rosehip oil also has retinoic acid in it, which is known to brighten skin. This oil can be added to the creams you already own, or it can be used alone after your face has been cleansed.

A good-quality rosehip oil will have no other ingredients except for vitamin E to help prevent it from going rancid.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar

The malic and lactic acids found in apple cider vinegar help soften and exfoliate the skin, reduce red marks, and treat acne.

An effective way to get rid of red cheeks and redness on the face from acne is with vinegar. The malic and lactic acids found in apple cider vinegar help soften and exfoliate the skin, reduce red marks, and treat acne.

You can make a toner at home using apple cider vinegar. It can be applied every night after cleansing to help keep redness at bay.

All you have to do is mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar in a container with a lid, and shake it up well. Then, apply some of the solution to a cotton pad or a makeup pad, and swipe it all over your face or wherever there is redness and inflammation.

The downside is that you might smell a little bit like vinegar, but it’s effective!

5. Cucumber Mash Mask

Cucumber Mash Mask

Cucumber is soothing and hydrating, and can reduce redness on the face from acne, eczema, and other skin issues.

Cucumber is an old remedy for troubled skin, and it’s a much-used ingredient in many beauty products. The water in it is soothing and hydrating, and it can reduce redness on the face caused by acne, eczema, and other skin issues.

It’s safe to use on severely damaged skin, but not on open wounds. In fact, nothing should be applied to open wounds without first discussing it with a doctor.

To make a cucumber mask (and this works for any part of the skin, not just the face), take two cucumbers and blend them up. Apply this mash wherever your skin needs it. Allow it to sit for up to 30 minutes and then gently wipe it off.

6. Bentonite Clay

bentonite clay

Bentonite Clay has been used for hundreds of years to draw out impurities from the body.

Redness on face due to acne can be helped by using a bentonite clay mask. The clay has been used for hundreds of years to draw out impurities from the body, and it can sooth damaged skin. And, this mask is simple to make.

Buy a bag of powdered clay from a health food store. Add one tablespoon of water to three tablespoons of powder and combine until blended. Then, add more water until you have a smooth paste that won’t drip down your face.

Apply it wherever your skin is red and irritated and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then, gently wash it off. This treatment can be done a few times a week.

7. Oatmeal

oatmeal

The FDA cites oatmeal as an effective element for relieving dryness and inflammation, including rashes and eczema.

As far back as 2000 BCE, people knew about the soothing properties inherent in the simple oat grain. And the FDA cites oatmeal as an effective element for relieving dryness and inflammation, including rashes and eczema. It’s no wonder then that finely powdered oatmeal is added to commercially produced body soaks, moisturizers, and soaps. But you can make your own oatmeal treatments for a fraction of the cost.

So, now you’re probably wondering how to get rid of redness on the face using oatmeal at home. The best way to do this is to soak in oatmeal by taking a cup of oatmeal and adding it to a warm bath. Swish the water around a bit to help it dissolve; then, sit in the mixture for 20 minutes.

An oatmeal mask is another solution that’s easy to make. Simply add water to oatmeal, enough so that you have a paste, and apply anywhere there is redness. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, and then rinse it off.

8. Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey

Packed with amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, and flavonoids, Manuka honey is an important part of treating and managing skin problems.

Cheek redness can be embarrassing for some people, but the remedies listed here can help reduce the redness and inflammation. And one excellent balm for this is manuka honey.

Packed with amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, and flavonoids, as well as having antibacterial properties, this dark, rich honey is an important part of treating and managing skin problems that cause redness on the face and body. And making a mask from this honey is simple to do.

Take one tablespoon of honey and cover your face or the affected area exactly as you would when putting on any other mask. Leave it on for 20 minutes; then, gently wipe it off with a warm facecloth.

9. Green Tea Soak

A staple in many natural beauty regiments is the use of green tea, both as a drink and as a topical application. Redness in the face caused by inflammation, bacterial strains, and damaged skin cells may be alleviated with the tea’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and astringent properties.

Steep two to three green tea bags in boiled water for two minutes before placing it in the refrigerator to be chilled. Soak a cloth in the chilled green tea and place on your face.

10Petroleum Jelly

For more than 140 years, petroleum jelly has been a household name under the “Vaseline” product market. It is a combination of waxes and mineral oils with its primary component being petroleum. Petroleum jelly is used to form a water-protective barrier to maintain the moisture of the skin. It may also reduce redness in the face.

Holistic dermatologist and integrative medicine practitioner Dr. Alan M. Dattner warns that excessive use of the petroleum jelly may cause pores to clog and worsen acne. He suggests if this jelly-like substance is used, the “Vaseline” brand is one of the purest forms to use.

To reduce facial redness, apply petroleum jelly all over face every night at bedtime. Rinse it off in the morning.

11. Cold Compress

According to a clinical study published in Extreme Physiology and Medicine, using cold water may reduce inflammation and redness in the face and soothe any irritation.

Soak a cloth in a bowl of ice-cold water and wring out the excess water. Apply the cloth to the face and leave it for five to 10 minutes. The cloth may also be placed in the freezer for a few minutes after being dipped into the water. Repeat process twice daily.

Whether the inflammation, redness, or irritation is caused by an underlying health condition or as a reaction of the skin to harsh facial chemicals, home remedies for redness on the face may be the best treatment.

The skin can become easily afflicted by environmental pollutants such as smoke and the ingredients of some skincare and beauty products. Redness on the face may also be caused by a chronic skin condition such as rosacea or even the inflammatory disease lupus.

The natural healing components of plants and everyday edibles may help to reduce inflammation, irritation, redness, and pain induced by such skin conditions.

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