What Makes Your Face Red With Exercise?

Man doing push-up

The blood vessels in our skin help us maintain a normal temperature of 98.6° Fahrenheit (37° Celsius). Exercise increases blood flow in the body, and body temperature, which can cause a flushed, red face.

Body Temperature

WebMD defines body temperature as "the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat." It can vary by as much as one degree during a day, depending on how active we are.

Temperature Variations

The brain sends signals to the skin via the hypothalamus, which the Nemours Center for Children's Health Media calls the "brain's inner thermometer." If our body becomes too hot, blood vessels carry more blood to the skin's surface, causing us to sweat and cool off. If we become too cold, blood vessels reduce blood flow to the skin, keeping existing body heat inside.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise

According to the Mayo Clinic, aerobic exercise causes a chain of events in our body. We breathe faster and more deeply, increasing the oxygen in our bloodstream. Our hearts beat faster, increasing blood flow to the muscles. Our small blood vessels work harder, taking oxygen to muscles and carrying away carbon dioxide and lactic acid.

Result

With increased blood flow and body temperature from exercise, the blood vessels closest to the surface of the skin flow with warm blood. This can result in a flushed, red face, especially for fair-skinned people.

Other Causes

WebMD notes that redness may have other causes, including rosacea, allergies, acne, lupus, and perimenopause.

References

• WebMD defines body temperature as "the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat."
• The brain sends signals to the skin via the hypothalamus, which The Nemours Center for Children's Health Media calls the "brain's inner thermometer."
• According to the Mayo Clinic, aerobic exercise causes a chain of events in our body: we breathe faster and more deeply, increasing the oxygen in our bloodstream; our hearts beat faster, increasing blood flow to the muscles; our small blood vessels work harder, taking oxygen to muscles and carrying away carbon dioxide and lactic acid.