You first noticed redness on your forehead, nose and cheeks a week ago and have upped your skincare routine in an effort to get rid of it. So far, nothing you've tried has worked. You cover it up with foundation and then start to wonder if maybe that’s what’s causing the problem. So you switch to another product made for sensitive skin hoping that will clear things up. Two weeks later, the problem is still there. 

Now what? How do you treat persistent facial flushing?

What Is Facial Flushing?

Facial flushing, also known as rosacea, is a chronic skin condition of the face that afflicts 16 million Americans. It’s cyclical in nature, with sudden flare-ups of symptoms that can stick around for months at a time. There is no cure currently, but effective treatment options are available.

More women suffer from facial flushing than men. The American Academy of Dermatology reports rosacea typically strikes fair-skinned women between the ages of 30 and 50. However, researchers note cases occur in both men and women of all skin types and ethnicities.

What Causes Facial Flushing?

The exact cause of rosacea has not been identified, but it’s likely due to a mixture of environmental factors and good old inherited traits. Flare-ups can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Skincare products
• Cosmetics
• Spicy food
• Hot tea or coffee
• Alcoholic beverages
• Wind or sunlight
• Exercise
• Blood pressure medication

Rosacea can also be caused by bacteria on the skin or the Demodex skin mite.

Consulting with a dermatologist can help you determine exactly what’s causing the redness on your face. At Nava MD, we offer the convenience of an online consultation with a dermatologist who can analyze your skin and symptoms and prescribe a custom solution to treat your problem, if appropriate.

How Do You Treat Persistent Facial Flushing?

The best treatment for rosacea is a combination of prescription medications to reduce facial flushing, plus lifestyle changes to prevent future flare-ups.

Research shows that topical skincare treatments can work, especially those customized for the irritations to your skin. Here are three prescription ingredients that may be helpful in treating rosacea:

Niacinamide 

For redness due to inflammation, a topical cream including niacinamide can calm the skin and restore balance. Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B.

Metronidazole 

If bacteria on the surface of your skin has caused redness on your face, a daily dose of cream containing the antibiotic metronidazole may help. You may see improvement as quickly as after a single dose.

Ketotifen 

An allergic reaction to an unknown trigger can cause red blotches to appear on your face. The topical antihistamine ketotifen may stop the reaction and reduce redness.

Where Do I Get Rosacea Treatments?

At Nava MD, we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to treating rosacea. Instead, we design a customized solution to treat your facial flushing. It starts with a free consultation with one of our U.S. licensed physicians to determine the cause of the redness on your face. A custom skincare treatment is prescribed, if necessary, and mailed directly to your home. Replenishment orders are sent monthly or as often as you need them.

What Can I Do To Prevent Flare-Ups?

To prevent future rosacea flare-ups, dermatologists recommend following a daily skincare routine designed to protect your skin from possible triggers.

1. Use Rosacea-Friendly Skincare Products

It may be time to break up with the skincare products you’re used to, as they may be causing your facial flushing. Instead, choose from products designed for sensitive skin that are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. To reduce the chance of skin irritation, avoid products that contain:

• Alcohol
• Glycolic acid
• Lactic acid
• Camphor
• Menthol
• Sodium laurel sulfate
• Urea

It may help to select a cream formula instead of a gel or lotion. Do not use aggressive soaps, facial scrubs, toner or astringent.

It’s a good idea to test a new product first to see if it will work on your skin. Dab a small amount on a portion of your face not affected by rosacea and observe it for the next three days to see if your skin shows any sign of stinging, burning, or redness. If nothing appears, the product is likely safe for your skin.

2. Wash Your Face Twice a Day

In the morning and at night, gently wash your face with a sensitive skin cleanser. Use your fingers, not a washcloth, and apply the cleanser in a circular motion. Rinse in lukewarm water and dry with a clean towel made of cotton.

3. Moisturize Daily

No matter your skin type, it’s important to apply a rosacea-friendly moisturizer to your face twice a day to keep it healthy and hydrated. This step can also boost the results of any topical treatment you’re using to heal your facial flushing.

4. Apply Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Daily

One of the most frequent causes of a rosacea flare-up is sun exposure. That’s why daily sunscreen is so important, even when it’s cloudy outside. Again, it’s important to choose a formula designed for sensitive skin that’s labeled fragrance-free. To minimize the possibility of skin irritation, select a product that:

• Offers broad-spectrum protection
• Has an SPF of 30 or higher
• Contains titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide

5. Choose Multi-Function Makeup Products

The fewer products you put on your face, the better for your skin, making multi-function products an ideal choice when available. Using a foundation that also contains sunscreen, for example, may be helpful.

Our dermatologists recommends those suffering from facial flushing use mineral makeup, as it does not generally contain ingredients that irritate the skin. Formulas are available that tone down and cover the redness and offer sun protection. Applying these products with an antibacterial brush protects your skin from harmful bacteria too.

Getting rid of that aggravating redness on your face may not be something you can accomplish on your own, and a consultation with a dermatologist for a diagnosis and a prescription treatment can calm and clear up your skin. You may also need to change your daily skincare and makeup routine to include products designed for sensitive skin. Avoiding dietary or environmental triggers that cause your rosacea can also keep your face healthy and redness-free.

Clear skin is just a click away. The dermatologists at Nava MD know how to treat persistent facial flushing, and we’re ready to help you get your face back to normal. 

Start your online consultation today.