Ate too many spicy tacos? Drank a little too much vino? Did someone just embarrass you? All of the above circumstances could cause a sudden reddening that covers the face, neck, or upper chest called skin flushing or blushing. To calm down your appearance, home remedies for flushed skin can help.
Causes and Symptoms
Common causes of flushing include extreme emotions (such as anger or embarrassment), eating hot or spicy foods, skin conditions (like rosacea), and exercise. For instance, flushing of the cheeks and skin is normal during and after a workout. When exercising, the body is performing at an accelerated rate that creates heat. Your body works to maintain an even internal temperature and one of the ways it accomplishes this is by sending blood as close to the surface of your skin as possible. This is what causes the reddened skin.
Other causes of flushed skin include
- Drinking alcohol
- Certain medications (such as for high cholesterol and diabetes)
- High fever
- Menopause
- Rapid changes in temperature
Flushed Skin Home Remedies
Knowing the triggers that cause your flushed skin in the first place is an effective approach towards avoiding and treating the condition. When you feel a rush of blood coming to the surface of the skin, you may want to reach for or initiate one of the following home remedies for flushed skin:
Cucumber
Slices of fresh cucumber have a cooling effect on the skin that can help with flushing – especially when you have sensitive skin.
Ease Off of Caffeine
Quitting your caffeine habit cold turkey can cause your blood vessels to overly dilate, which can lead to flushed skin. Weaning yourself off of your coffee, tea and cola consumption will produce much better results.
Petroleum Jelly
In the wintertime, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to help prevent flushing associated with blood vessel dilation in response to the cold.
Sunscreen
On warm days, apply a layer of sunscreen to block the warmth that can lead to flushed skin.
Clothing Layers
Do not overdress during warm weather days or you run the risk of flushed skin. In the wintertime, do not underdress.
Sensitive Skin Products
The chemicals found in many skin care products can cause redness and irritation. Avoid using harsh soaps and other items to avoid flushed skin.
Aloe Vera
Break open a leaf of an aloe vera plant and spread the gel over flushed skin.
Supplement Watch
Choose your supplements wisely, as a common side effect is flushing of the skin. For example, niacin supplements are notorious for producing this effect.
Green-Tinted Cosmetics
To hide the redness of flushed skin, choose makeup with a greenish tint to offset the color.
Avoid Certain Alcoholic Beverages
If you fear flushed skin, avoid the foods and drinks that tend to trigger your discoloration. Alcoholic beverages are known for causing blood vessels to dilate. Note the kind of drinks that cause this type of reaction – it’s not the same for everyone.
Pass on Spicy Foods
Jalapenos and hot sauce could turn your skin red, so it’s suggested to be mindful of foods that contain ingredients with a reputation to dilate blood vessels.
Cool Your Food
Before eating a meal, make sure that your food is not tongue-burning hot. Foods and beverages full of heat can trigger the dilation of blood vessels close to the surface of your skin. Therefore, before you dig into that fresh tomato soup, blow on the spoon as a precaution.
Ice
Temporarily stop flushing of the skin by sucking on an ice cube or ice chips, which helps reduce the heat responses of your body.
Breathing Techniques
There are ways to breathe that can reduce the severity of facial redness associated with emotions. Try to deeply inhale, hold your breath until the count of five, and then slowly exhale for a five-count. Repeat this breathing exercise for 10 times.
Oatmeal
Apply a skin lotion made with oatmeal to rejuvenate the skin and combat facial redness.
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