Facial Redness and Flushing

Facial Redness and Flushing

Q: What causes facial redness and flushing?

A: Facial redness and flushing are most commonly due to rosacea, a skin condition that often begins in teenage and early adults years with a tendency to flush easily. Over time, this can worsen, leading to persistent redness and skin that reacts (goes red or burns and stings) to many skincare products. Common triggers include:

• Sun exposure and temperature changes (e.g., year-round ocean swimming, ice baths)
• Blood pressure medications that dilate skin blood vessels
• Incorrect skincare (e.g., harsh cleansers, products containing alcohol or witch hazel, usings strong anti-aging skin products)
• Hormonal changes such as menopause, which can trigger or worsen rosacea

Q: How does rosacea typically progress?

A: Rosacea often starts as occasional flushing but can develop into persistent redness that becomes more noticeable over time. The skin may become more sensitive and reactive to skincare products, environmental changes, and even stress or diet. If untreated, visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) and pimple like lumps and bumps can appear. Occasionally rosacea can progress to cause a large and lumpy potato nose or rhinophyma if not well controlled. 

Q: What skincare routine is recommended for managing facial redness and rosacea?

A: An effective skincare routine should focus on gentle products that support the skin barrier while reducing inflammation. Key considerations include:

1. Gentle Cleanser: Fragrance-free, moisture replacing and formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh or exfoliating cleansers.
2. Moisturizer: Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic products with:
   • Ceramides and essential fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid) for barrier repair
   • Glycerine for hydration and repair
   • Oat oils and niacinamide for calming and anti-inflammatory effects
   • Avoid thick, heavy creams that can make the skin feel hot and worsen flushing.
3. Sun Protection: Use a sunscreen that is:
   • A combination of mineral blockers (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and modern chemical filters known for non-irritating properties (pure mineral sunscreens are often too heavy for those with rosacea)
   • Fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin
4. CC Creams: Can help cover redness while providing sun protection.

Q: Which lifestyle factors can worsen facial redness and flushing?

A: Several lifestyle and dietary factors can trigger or exacerbate redness and flushing, including:

• Spicy foods and alcohol (increase blood flow to the skin)
• Histamine-rich foods that can cause itchy, red skin and flushing (such as processed meats, aged cheeses)
• Extreme temperatures (hot showers, saunas, cold winds, ice baths)
• Stress and anxiety, which can trigger flushing

Q: What treatment options are available for rosacea-related redness and flushing?

A: At Kingsway Dermatology and Aesthetics, we offer several advanced treatments to manage redness and flushing:

1. Laser Treatments:
   • V Beam Prima Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL): Targets both the visible blood vessels and the increased number of smaller vessels responsible for redness and flushing. 
   • Nordlys IPL: Effective for targeting the deeper feeding vessels, repair supporting collagen to reduce vessels, diffuse redness and pigmentation.
   • Nd:YAG Laser: Targets deeper blood vessels for comprehensive redness management.
   • Typically, a series of 3 treatments that combine all 3 devices is recommended for optimal results.
   • Vascular laser also helps reduce the acne like lesions of rosacea and skin sensitivity. 
2. Matrix RF Microneedling:
   • Works on the blood vessel or collagen layer to:
     • Normalize circulation
     • Increase collagen support
     • Reduce inflammation associated with rosacea
     • Targets the skin oil glands that also play a central role in rosacea
   • This helps reduce redness, flushing plus pimple like lesions and early rhinophyma

Q: Can topical rosacea creams help with redness?

A: Topical creams designed for rosacea can be effective, but those specifically for redness and flushing can destabilize sensitive skin, potentially leading to rebound flushing. It’s important to:

• Use products specifically formulated for rosacea-prone skin
• Introduce active ingredients gradually to minimize irritation

Q: Are there any beneficial active ingredients for rosacea-prone skin?

A: Yes, but they must be used cautiously and sparingly:

• Mandelic Acid: The most tolerable of fruit acids for rosacea beneficially targets the sebaceous glands and the blood vessels important to rosacea causation. Introduce slowly and use sparingly, not daily.
• Retinoids: Can be beneficial but should be used very sparingly (1-2 times a week). Overuse can worsen redness and skin sensitivity.
• Niacinamide: Anti-inflammatory that also strengthens the skin barrier.

Q: What precautions should be taken when using skincare products on reactive skin?

A: When managing reactive skin, it’s important to:

• Introduce new products gradually
• Expect possible transient burning or stinging, especially with severe rosacea
• Be prepared for some trial and error to find the most suitable products

Q: How can Kingsway Dermatology and Aesthetics help with managing facial redness and rosacea?

A: At KDAA, we provide:

• Personalized skincare consultations to tailor a regimen suited to sensitive, rosacea-prone skin
• Advanced laser treatments including V Beam PDL, Nordlys IPL, and Nd:YAG laser for redness and blood vessels
• Matrix RF Microneedling for circulation normalization and collagen support
• A team of dermatologists with specialized expertise in medical dermatology, skin cancer management, and cosmetic treatments.

If you’re experiencing facial redness or flushing and would like a personalized assessment or to learn more about our treatment options, feel free to schedule a consultation at Kingsway Dermatology and Aesthetics.