How to destroy redness

Cleanse the face with a gentle cleanser that does not contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients.

Facial redness is not just due to blemishes and acne caused by overactive oil glands. "Redness on the skin can occur due to several reasons that include harsh winter winds, dryness and allergies," describes Dr. Rolanda Johnson, P&G Beauty senior scientist. "This redness is a result of inflammation, an inherent healing process of the skin." While no one is immune to redness and breakouts, there are a few simple steps that can limit their frequency and make way for clear, healthy skin.

Instructions

How to Reduce Skin Redness

1. Gently massage mild cleansers on the face with warm, not hot, water. Vigorously scrubbing reddened and irritated skin can lead to increased acne and redness. "Cleansers remove unwanted residues, dirt, and makeup, but can also strip the skin of necessary moisture, too," explains Aimee O'Donnell, LUSH Cosmetics expert product trainer. "That's why adding water back into the skin with a toner is so important --- and the moisturizer acts a sealant to ensure the skin is protected throughout the day or night."

2. "Always look for ingredients with calming and soothing benefits like Linden Blossom, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Olive Oil, Almond Oil and Jojoba Oil. Essential oils also revitalize the skin and soften irritated, sensitive skin," according to Catherine Raubiet, National Education Director for Lierac Paris.

   Wash your face with fingertips and not a washcloth or sponge, because these can be too abrasive and cause increased redness.

3. Drink water throughout the day to maintain the skin's hydration and circulation. "When your body is overloaded with toxins, skin reflects that. Being the largest organ, your skin cannot repair itself if you do not take care of yourself," stresses Candace Standfield, Boots Beauty Advisor. "When you are properly hydrated, the skin is plumper and healthier, able to fight those free radicals, toxins and irritants that cause skin redness." Also, avoid spicy foods and drinking alcohol, because these things can bring on a flushed appearance.

4. Use mineral-based cosmetics that have less chance of clogging pores. Avoid heavy cream foundations and blushes. Remember to always remove makeup completely before bedtime.

5. Avoid greasy hair products, such as pomades or gels, which can clog pores when hair touches the skin on the face. "If skin is sensitive and acne prone, which can lead to redness and inflammation, limit the amount of hair and skin contact. Excessive contact of the hair to the face causes sebum from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft and deposit onto skin," says Dr. Johnson. Try and keep long hair pulled away from skin when sleeping, to prevent aggravating skin.

6. Squeezing pimples and blemishes increases the redness of the skin. Not only can this be painful, it delays the healing process and increases the possibility of scarring. Infected materials inside the pimples may also be pushed deeper into pores by squeezing, so resist the urge.

Tips & Warnings

• Stanfield recommends products that contain horse chestnut to help restrict capillaries from dilating, reduce redness and improve circulation. Shea butter is also recommended for its soothing properties and ability to strengthen collagen levels and repair damage.

References

• Catherine Raubiet; National Education Director for Lierac Paris
• Candace Standfield, Boots Beauty Advisor
• Aimee O'Donnell, LUSH expert product trainer
• Dr. Rolanda Johnson, Procter & Gamble Beauty Senior Scientist

Resources

• American Academy of Dermatologists
• Oil of Olay
• LIERAC
• Boots
• LUSH