What’s causing the redness on my skin?

Not sure what’s causing red skin, blemishes and extra sensitivity? We look at some of the many causes behind skin that just flares up – seemingly for no apparent reason.

You’re using too many exfoliating products. Moisturisers, scrubs, and astringent toners with glycolic acid are problematic. Overly vigorous exfoliation with these products can also traumatize the superficial blood vessels of the skin and make them more prominent, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. If you overexfoliate, you’ll have to backtrack into laser treatments or color-correcting green tinted moisturisers to correct or mask the dilated capillaries.

You’re stripping your skin instead of protecting it. Rather than exfoliating, start by repairing the barrier. Look for products with skin-repairing ceramides to seal the cracks between skin cells.

You cover up redness by tanning. Many people with reddened skin will try to work on a ‘perfect tan’ to help mask the appearance of redness. This is the exact opposite of what works best. Lots of facial redness can be attributed to rosacea, which actually flares tremendously with sun exposure. It’s tough to get rid of redness quickly, but adding a daily moisturizer with SPF of 30 or more that doesn’t irritate your skin is a great way to reduce the flaring that comes from sun exposure.”

(Thanks to the good folk at Allure for the suggestions)

If you suffer from sensitive or red skin, try Dr. Hauschka Revitalising Mask. This is for all skin types, especially blemished or sun burned skin or enlarged pores.

Revitalising Mask offers soothing care and renewal to all skin conditions. The appearance of redness or blemishes is diminished, pores are visibly refined and skin appears even and toned.

This soothing formula includes quince, anthyllis and chamomile clarify and balance blemished, large-pored skin, while cooling and hydrating sunstressed skin and skin prone to couperose. Nurturing jojoba, apricot kernel and wheat germ oils help the skin maintain moisture for skin that looks and feels instantly refreshed and toned.

This product suits all skin conditions, especially blemished or sun burned skin or skin prone to couperose and enlarged pores

Once or twice each week, apply a generous amount of Revitalising Mask to the face (include eye area), neck and décolleté, if desired. Remove after 20 minutes with a warm, damp cloth. For optimum skin care results, we recommend deep cleansing with Clarifying Steam Bath and Clarifying Clay Mask prior to use.