Skin Redness: 7 Ways to Calm, Control, and Conceal It

Skin redness can be an alarming sight to wake up to. It can make one self-conscious and, if prolonged, decrease self-confidence. After consulting with a dermatologist, managing the redness at home is the next step. These gentle practices can help calm skin redness and allow you to go about your day-to-day activities unhindered.

Anyone can experience skin redness since it’s caused by common triggers such as sunburn, acne, and hot flashes. However, there can be other less obvious causes, as cited in the American Academy of Dermatology. These include seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, allergic reactions, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and a reaction to a medication. These conditions can cause redness, rashes, dry patches or flaking, and itching. When left untreated, these symptoms can get worse, and your skin can become inflamed.

Calm your skin redness by avoiding irritants and caring for your skin using gentle products and materials. Here are seven ways to do it at home.

Hot water is notorious for drying out the skin. If your skin is already red, prevent further ruddiness and skin irritation by washing only with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water even in the shower since being in an enclosed, hot environment can have the same effect.

Some people experience skin redness as a reaction to certain ingredients in skincare, laundry, and even household cleaning products. This condition is called contact dermatitis. Since it can be an allergic reaction, consult your dermatologist ASAP. Meanwhile, avoid fragrances and products with any fragrance, alcohol, and harsh exfoliants such as acids.

Red, irritated skin can also be sensitive. Physical touch can aggravate the condition, so handle your skin with care. Avoid mechanical scrubs and even cleaning brushes, no matter how “gentle” they claim to be. Do not rub your skin with a towel and pat dry instead. Wear soft clothing and use smooth beddings. Avoid scratchy fabrics such as knits and wool, which can snag at dry areas of your skin and cause irritation.

Similarly, you don’t want your hair to touch your face, since this can cause irritation as well. Your hair can also hold product residue from conditioners, hair masks, serums, gels, and oils that can have harsh ingredients. Protect your skin by wearing a headband (a soft cloth band would be best for prolonged use), or tying your hair in a bun away from your face.

Skin redness can also come with dryness and flaking, which can be alarming and uncomfortable. Do not pick at your skin. Instead, discuss your condition with your dermatologist to ensure that you use the right product for your dry areas. Usually, a rich, unscented moisturizer can help repair the skin barrier while soothing your face and providing comfort. 

The last thing irritated skin needs is layers and layers of makeup. It might be tempting to cover everything with foundation and concealer, but unless you’ve checked your makeup for irritants, you can’t be sure they won’t harm your skin. They can also clog your pores, which might result in more issues. Protect your skin from further pigmentation with a brightening sunscreen like POND'S UV Bright Sunscreen.

Finally, protect your skin from even more redness by staying away from direct sunlight. If you are expecting sun exposure, apply a generous amount of sunscreen like POND'S UV Hydrate Sunscreen. It protects the skin from UV rays while hydrating the skin. Don’t forget to use sunscreen even when indoors.

Skin redness is commonly a result of irritation, so handle your skin with care while it recovers. Use gentle products, avoid friction, and protect your face with SPF. If the redness persists, consult your doctor and make sure to get checked for possible underlying conditions.