The extra delicate skin of the face can flare up for all kinds of different reasons - rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, acne, anxiety, hot flushes - but generally inflammation of one sort or another is the culprit behind hot, red, itchy faces.

With that in mind, here are our five top ways of reducing redness on the face:

Detox your toiletries

Over-exfoliation; overuse of cosmetic retinol; perfumed toiletries; harsh preservatives, synthetic irritants... even some essential oils can cause sensitivity and inflammation. Keep it simple, keep it gentle. 

Keep the temperature down

Only bathe every few days and keep water luke-warm not hot. Try to avoid overheating, sweating, intense exercise, and sit away from radiators. Instead, try ice packs, fans (handheld & on your desk), cooling aloe, cool damp face cloths.

Dodge the soap

Soap can damage the skin, so wash with a soap-free cleanser and use SLS-free shampoo.

Be steroid aware

As a rule of thumb, steroids should not be used on the face, except very sparingly, in low dosages and for limited time.

Topical steroid withdrawal does unfortunately seem to cause facial redness even if you’ve not used them on the face, so seek support from ITSAN and from your GP if you want to stop using them.

Feed your face

Feed the skin on your face with essential nutrients. A good emollient will protect inflamed skin from external irritants, but it’s worth choosing one (like Skin Salvation or Intensive Facial Oil) that will add vital anti-inflammatory and regenerative nutrients as well.

Top of the list is rosehip oil, although hemp, borage and flax are also rich in the essential fatty acids that fragile skin needs.

Recommended products to reduce redness on your face

Balmonds Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil
with rosehip and calendula

Balmonds Intensive Facial Oil
with rosehip, calendula, lavender & chamomile