Nothing to Blush About: Fair Skin this Valentine’s Day

Whether you are planning a spectacular date or an awesome night out with your friends, you want Valentine’s Day to be perfect. Don’t let red, irritated skin keep you from embracing the amazing memories and gorgeous photos.

Why your face is red

There are numerous causes of skin reddening, so it is important to understand your skin and what may be causing the unnatural color. Exertion, dry skin, alcohol, and spicy food tend to give your face some color, but unless it is extreme, there is nothing to worry about. Skin irritations and allergic reactions, officially known as contact dermatitis, also tend to present themselves through redness, rashes, and itchy areas where the skin has contacted the irritant. Common irritants are poison ivy, fragrance, and latex. Certain medications also cause unsightly or uncomfortable reactions on your skin. If you notice that your skin reacts to a certain substance, avoid the irritant and the symptoms should fade. If the symptoms do not fade, contact your physician about your options.

What you can do

Maintaining a steady skin routine allows you to be in touch with your skin’s every need and whim. If your skin is exhibiting redness that seems to be a result of irritation or a lack of hydration, try products that contain calming ingredients such as green tea, cucumber, aloe, or vitamin C. Don’t forget to exfoliate around two to three times per week to prevent buildup and focus on any acne-prone skin. If you have sensitive skin, be careful of new perfumes or colognes that might cause a breakout, and avoid anything that could trigger inflammation: alcohol, coffee, spicy food, and products with irritating ingredients like fragrance, sulfates, formaldehyde, etc.. Had a sudden breakout or rash on the big day? Try products with a green hue to help color-correct any lingering redness, such as green-tinted primer. When applying makeup, pat on your foundation; rubbing exasperates the inflammation. A damp sponge works beautifully in this situation. Don’t be afraid to give your face a breather every couple of weeks from all the heavy makeup. Your pores are less likely to clog and become irritated if they can rest occasionally. If rashes or redness last more than two weeks, make an appointment with your dermatologist.

Some conditions to be aware of

While many causes of that annoying red skin are very common and harmless, here are some other causes we would encourage you to keep an eye on:

• Seborrheic dermatitis - This common skin condition causes a red rash, oily, dry, and scaly skin. Treatment usually consists of medication and/or a dandruff shampoo.
• Rosacea - If your skin is flushing easily and often, this may be the culprit. Though there is no cure, a treatment plan prescribed by your dermatologist can ease the redness.
• Atopic dermatitis - Commonly known as eczema, this condition causes your skin to dry out, itch, and scale. Though, like rosacea, there is no cure, a treatment plan can bring great relief and give you back some semblance of normalcy.
• Psoriasis - When the skin creates new cells too quickly, the old ones don’t have a chance to die off. Raised, scaly patches are left behind and can only be relieved through an individual treatment plan.
• Shingles - This disease causes a painful, blistering rash that tends to clear on its own. However, if the rash spreads near your eyes, there is a risk of eye-damage, so treatment is necessary. Contact your dermatologist immediately. Antiviral medications can help with protecting your eyesight and reducing the long-lasting nerve pain.
• Sezary Syndrome - This rare cancer can cause redness on parts of your body. To remove the skin irritation, the cancer must be treated.

Your skin is a sensitive organ and often the first part of your body to let you know when something is wrong. If you stick to a routine and pay attention to your skin’s needs and triggers, this Valentine’s Day will prove to be your best yet. Have questions or need some care recommendations? We’re happy to assist in any way we can, so set up an appointment with us today.