You look in the mirror and what do you see? A red face staring back at you! This is often the first sign of trouble and is a clear indication that something in your skincare routine is at fault.
When you know what causes redness and how to treat it when it happens, then you’ll be armed with the right information to know what to do to take care of your skin.
What causes redness?
Redness is a clear sign of irritation. This could be because you’re having an allergic reaction to something you put on your face. Or, it could mean that whatever skincare products you’re using have damaged the moisture barrier of your skin.
The moisture barrier is a very important part of your skin that protects it from a dry environment and harmful particles in the air. When you damage this layer of the skin, it will look inflamed, swollen, and red.
How do you damage the skin’s moisture barrier?
As you know your skin is sensitive and has specific nutrients it needs to stay healthy and clear. If you don’t moisturize your skin enough, it will dry out and this can damage your moisture barrier, leading to redness or irritation.
When you use harsh chemicals or overuse exfoliants, you will continually damage your skin and make it more vulnerable to breakouts, infections, inflammation, and redness.
That’s why it is always important to read the ingredients in your facial cleanser. Ensure that the fewest possible ingredients are used and that there aren’t any sulfates in it.
How can I reduce redness?
Many times the answer is to stop your entire skincare routine for at least a week. This can sound like an extreme measure, but if your skin is already highly irritated, adding more things on could make it worse.
When you’re ready to resume your skincare routine, here is what we recommend you use:
A gentle cleanser like this one, that only contains 3 clean and naturally-derived ingredients – all perfect for sensitive skin. You will need something to clear your pores every day, so you can prevent any inflammation from returning.
An SPF moisturizer that protects your skin from sun damage. With sensitive skin, it’s especially crucial to have a layer of protection from UV rays that can accelerate premature aging and irreversible damage to your skin. Apply a small amount of an SPF moisturizer each morning before going outside for the day.
Rosehip oil that will give your skin natural oils and nutrients to soothe away the redness and irritation. Rosehip oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants which is why it has been used for centuries to naturally heal and repair skin damage. In the evening, after using a cleanser, apply a small amount of Rosehip oil on your face before going to bed.
Takeaway
Redness is a major red flag (no pun intended) that your skin is irritated. This is also a clear sign that something in your skincare could be to blame. Your face can become red if you have damaged your skin either by prolonged exposure to the sun, using harsh chemicals on your skin, or by not using the right (or enough) moisturizer.
To reduce the redness, you may want to stop using your skincare products for a few days until your face is no longer inflamed. And, then start back up with a gentle cleanser, an SPF moisturizer for the morning to protect your skin from sun damage, and a natural oil, like Rosehip in the evening to restore your skin’s natural moisture.
