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Disclaimers:
This post contains graphic images that may be disturbing to viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Any writings, given or implied by any member of Eternal Skin Care are not to be taken as medical advice. For aesthetic purposes only, these are not a replacement for your physician's direction.
When you think about skin redness, you might think about a pimple that's just starting to form or a rash on your chest. But skin redness can have a much bigger impact not just on your physical well-being but also on your health.
It can affect your mood, too—you may feel embarrassed when your face turns red in front of other people, for example. You might also be afraid that the redness is a sign of something more serious, such as an allergic reaction or an infection.
But what is skin redness exactly? And why does it happen?
Skin redness is a common condition that can have many causes. Redness typically indicates an inflammatory response to an irritant or injury, usually by the body's immune system. It can look like a variety of things. The redness itself is often noticeable on the surface of the skin, but it can also occur deeper in your pores or under the skin's surface.
Once you notice the redness on your skin, you might be tempted to treat it at home. But if the redness doesn't improve within a few days, or gets worse, it's time to see a doctor to know what really the cause is and to get proper treatment. You should also see your doctor if the redness is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, and/or swelling in the area around your eyes or mouth.
Causes of Redness
Redness on your skin can be caused by a variety of factors:
- Sunburns are another common cause of redness on your skin because they're caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Sunburns can occur anywhere on your body but tend to be more noticeable in areas like your face and legs where there are more layers of skin than elsewhere on your body.
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Caused by Sunburns |
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- Redness caused by Acne is most often due to inflammation. This is because acne lesions are caused by blocked pores, which can cause the surrounding skin to become inflamed. Inflamed skin has a tendency to look red and irritated.
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Acne Scar |
Cystic Acne |
- Allergic reactions often cause a skin rash that is red in color and appears as small bumps or hives. This type of redness is typically clustered around areas where your body has come into contact with something you're allergic to (like a bee sting). It can also appear on your face after eating certain foods such as peanuts or shellfish.
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- Inflammation occurs when your immune system releases chemicals to fight off an infection or injury, causing small blood vessels in the affected area to leak small amounts of blood under the skin's surface. This causes redness because the blood vessels are closer to the surface, allowing them to show through. Inflammation is often accompanied by swelling and pain in addition to redness.
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- Redness is a common symptom of Eczema. It is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become inflamed and itchy. It can be triggered by external triggers like a change in temperature, stress, or dry skin, or internal triggers like allergies.
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- The skin redness that people with Rosacea experience is caused by the dilatation of blood vessels in the face. This happens because of the abnormal functioning of the facial nerves, which control the muscles that dilate and constrict blood vessels. The symptoms of rosacea include flushing, burning and blushing. The signs are most visible on the cheeks, nose and forehead. This is because these areas have a lot of blood vessels close to the surface of the skin.
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- Skin Redness can also appear when you use products on your face that contain irritants or allergens, it can cause inflammation and lead to a red rash or flushing. This is especially true for products with fragrances, parabens, alcohol, and dyes. So always carefully check the list of the ingredients of the products before using them.
- Some ingredients like Retinol, AHA, BHA, and Vitamin C can also cause redness. If you're prone to redness, try to avoid these ingredients whenever possible. If you do have to use them, make sure to patch test to make sure you are not allergic to them and carefully read the instructions on how to use the products. If a beginner, start from a low concentration to see how the skin reacts to it. When the skin gets used to the product you can gradually step up the concentration and the frequency of application.
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Depending on the cause of your skin's redness, there are a variety of ingredients that can help
If it's due to an allergic reaction, try using aloe vera juice or oatmeal paste to soothe the area and reduce inflammation. If your skin is flaky and peeling, try using coconut oil—it will help moisturize your skin while nourishing it with vitamins. If you have acne-induced redness, look for products that include salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. And if the issue is dryness, be sure to keep your skin hydrated with an oil-free moisturizer that contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
When it comes to eczema, the first thing you should know about the ingredients you need to use is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best thing you can do is to talk to your doctor and figure out which products are right for your skin.
If you want to get started on your own, however, here's a list of common ingredients that help with eczema:
Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe Vera gel is a great moisturizer that's gentle enough for even sensitive skin types. It helps relieve itching and inflammation, so it's perfect for anyone with eczema. |
Beewax: Beeswax helps to seal in moisture and protect against water loss over time (which can lead to dryness). It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and swelling associated with eczema outbreaks. |
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Calendula: Calendula oil is full of antioxidants that fight free radicals by removing them from the body before they can cause damage (including damage from environmental irritants like smoke or pollution). It also contains antihistamines that make it easier for your body to deal with allergens--which makes it a great choice if you have both eczema and allergies! |
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As for rosacea, there is no exact cure for it but there are ways that can help lessen its symptoms. Here are some ingredients that can help:
- Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It's been used to treat skin conditions like acne and rosacea. It works by killing the bacteria that cause inflammation in people with rosacea. It also helps to reduce the appearance of redness by improving circulation in your skin cells. This makes your face less inflamed and flushed than it would be.
- Niacinamide is an important vitamin that has a lot of benefits, especially for people with rosacea. When it comes to treating rosacea, it can help to reduce redness, flushing, and inflammation. It does this by improving the way your skin cells work. It is also an antioxidant and helps to protect your skin from environmental damage. The best part about niacinamide is that it doesn't cause side effects like skin irritation or dryness like some other treatments to do. That's why it's a good choice for people with sensitive skin who want to treat their rosacea without having to deal with any of those issues.
- Ceramides are one of the most frequently recommended ingredients for treating rosacea. They are natural lipids that help maintain the moisture balance of your skin. They are present in all cell membranes and play an important role in keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. The problem occurs when there aren't enough ceramides in your body or they don't function properly. This leads to dry skin with cracking around the eyes, lips, or nose area which can lead to irritation or inflammation of these areas when exposed to sunlight or cold weather conditions (when humidity levels drop).
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Redness can be a symptom of many different things, and it's important to understand the causes behind your specific condition so that you can treat it effectively. But remember: no matter what you do, it's always best to consult a dermatologist for a consultation and evaluation of any red areas on your skin. They'll be able to help you figure out what's causing your redness, and what steps you can take to get back to looking like yourself again.
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