How to Tame Redness in Skin: What Causes it & What Can You Do About It?
This post is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice-if you’re experiencing pain or the redness in your skin does not go away, please see a doctor or dermatologist.
As the largest organ of the human body, your skin not only protects you from invasive bacteria and other external dangers but will frequently alert you when something is off or not right with redness and/or inflammation. This can be a sign of sensitive skin, underlying conditions, or environmental triggers.
Fortunately, gentle preventative care and natural remedies can effectively soothe and treat skin inflammation and redness. At Sage Stone Botanicals, we advocate for holistic, organic skincare solutions. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of skin redness and how to treat them with natural remedies (including a few of our favorite Sage Stone Botanicals products) to restore your skin's balance.
Understanding Skin Redness
Skin redness can stem from various causes, including temporary irritants like sunburn and allergic reactions or chronic conditions like eczema, rosacea, or infections. These trigger an immune response, causing inflammation, blood vessel dilation, and the resulting red, itchy, or irritated skin.
Chronic Conditions Associated with Skin Redness
Rosacea: A common inflammatory skin condition starting with flushing or blushing, advancing to persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps in the nose and cheek areas.
Psoriasis: An autoimmune disease causing red, itchy, and scaly skin patches, managed with topical treatments, light therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Acne: A prevalent skin condition marked by redness, inflammation, pimples, and blackheads.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A chronic condition that produces dry, itchy, red patches, often worsened by stress, allergens, and environmental factors, leading to recurrent flare-ups.
Other Underlying Medical Conditions: Skin redness can sometimes signal serious health issues like blood disorders or thyroid problems, requiring medical evaluation.
Infections: Some infections, such as chickenpox or fifth disease, lead to red rashes.
Common Triggers to Avoid Skin Redness
Addressing skin redness involves identifying and avoiding triggers. Irritant contact dermatitis, for instance, is caused by exposure to harsh chemicals in products like soaps and cleansers. Allergic reactions to substances like poison ivy or certain foods and medications can also cause redness. Common ways to mitigate these triggers include:
Avoiding harsh soaps with drying ingredients like sodium laurel sulfate.
Steering clear of skincare and makeup products containing irritating chemicals like aluminum, parabens, and phthalates.
Reducing consumption of highly processed, sugary, or spicy foods which can exacerbate inflammation.
Limiting alcohol intake, especially red wine, which can cause flushing.
Moderating exposure to hot showers, hard water, and excessive sun.
Stress releases hormones that can trigger flushing or inflammation and worsen skin conditions that cause redness, such as rosacea.
Natural Remedies and Skincare Solutions
Several natural ingredients and remedies can soothe and reduce skin redness:
Rose Hip Seed Oil: Celebrated for its health and beauty benefits since ancient times, rose hip seed oil, derived from wild rose bush seeds, is rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids. It hydrates, corrects dark spots, reduces scars and fine lines, promotes skin cell regeneration, and brightens and reduces inflammation. Because it’s packed with vitamins, like Vitamin A that works as a natural retinol, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, this oil can really do quite a bit for our overall health and wellbeing. Ideal for sun damage repair and blackhead prevention, it is featured in our OiLixer and Hand & Heel Creme to alleviate redness and irritation.
Aloe Vera: Known for its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, aloe vera gel provides immediate relief for skin irritations like sunburns and rashes. It soothes, reduces redness, and promotes healing. Our aloe-infused Hand & Heel Creme and Body Lotion products enhance skin recovery and comfort.
Sunflower Oil: With high linoleic acid content, sunflower oil soothes and reduces inflammation, making it ideal for irritated skin. It's also rich in vitamins E and A, boosting skin health and hydration. You can find this in our Body Wash, where Certified Organic Sunflower Oil offers dryness relief and protection.
Jojoba Oil: Resembling human sebum, jojoba oil, extracted from the jojoba shrub, is an effective moisturizer that doesn't clog pores, aids in reducing acne, psoriasis, and signs of aging. Its quick-absorbing nature makes skincare products like our OiLixer, Body Wash, Hand & Heel Creme, and Body Lotion an effective moisturizer for people with sensitive skin and allergies.
Coconut Oil: Known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil soothes dry, red skin and contains antimicrobial benefits to prevent infections. It's a key ingredient in products like our Body Wash to enhance skin health.
Vitamin E Oil: This oil's antioxidant properties protect against environmental damage and have anti-inflammatory effects that soothe irritation and promote healing. Our OiLixer, Hand & Heel Creme, and Body Lotion all contain Vitamin E oil to combat inflammation and aid in skin recovery.
Avocado Oil: Beneficial for those with eczema and psoriasis, avocado oil deeply moisturizes and helps heal skin, thanks to its rich content of fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E. It is included in our Hand & Heel Creme and Body Lotion.
Almond Oil: Almond oil, high in Vitamin E and magnesium, offers numerous skin benefits, including aiding in wound healing, reducing stretch marks, and treating chapped skin. It's featured in our Body Lotion for its light texture and nourishing properties.
Shea Butter: With its rich moisturizing properties and natural anti-inflammatory components, shea butter reduces skin redness and irritation. The certified organic shea butter in our Body Lotion and Hand & Heel Creme can be helpful treating skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Cocoa Butter: An emollient that heals and moisturizes skin exposed to harsh conditions, cocoa butter is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich, improving skin health and hydration. The certified organic cocoa butter in our Hand & Heel Creme and Body Lotion makes it a good choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
Hemp Seed Oil: This oil reduces redness and irritation with its anti-inflammatory properties and balanced hydration, thanks to its rich content of omega fatty acids. Found in our Hand & Heel Creme, it helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevents irritation.
Lifestyle Changes for Skin Health
Improving skin health also involves holistic lifestyle changes such as:
Hydration and Diet: Drinking plenty of water and eating anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants help improve skin from the inside.
Exercise: Opting for gentle exercise can reduce stress and prevent excessive flushing.
Environmental Adjustments: Using air purifiers and hypoallergenic detergents can minimize exposure to allergens. A shower filter can also be beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Managing skin redness involves a combination of avoiding triggers, using natural skincare products, and making informed lifestyle choices. With patience and the right care, including the effective use of natural skincare products, it's possible to achieve a more balanced and resilient complexion. This holistic approach not only soothes the skin but also enhances overall well-being, leading to a calm, confident appearance.
