7 Reasons Your Face Is Red

Looking in the mirror and noticing that your face has become red, blotchy, or irritated can definitely be alarming.

If you haven’t been diagnosed with an associated skin condition, you rightfully want to know the cause of this discoloration and how to treat it.

So, what can agents and dermatological issues can cause facial redness?

Keep reading to learn seven reasons your face is red.

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis presents as a rash on the face and may cause skin to appear oily or dry and scaly.

It is best managed by a board-certified dermatologist who can recommend a customized approach to treatment.

2. Rosacea

If you blush or flush easily and notice broken blood vessels on your face, you may have rosacea. This is a chronic skin condition that typically waxes and wanes.

However, as it progresses, it’s possible for redness to remain, despite the passage of time or removal of the trigger.

Rosacea cannot be cured, but there are a number of medicinal and treatment options to reduce redness and even skin tone.

3. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is another one of the possible reasons your face is red.

Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by a skincare product, soap, hair dye, detergent, or other agent that irritates the skin.

Comparatively, fragrances, poison ivy, and latex are a few of the known culprits of allergic contact dermatitis.

This kind of redness typically resolves once the skin is no longer subjected to the offending substance.

4. Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by a sudden rash and red, dry, scaly, and itchy skin.

It cannot be cured, but a dermatologist can offer solutions to help alleviate symptoms.

5. Psoriasis

This skin condition occurs when skin cells turnover at an extremely rapid rate and build up on the skin’s surface.

Scaly patches form as a result.

6. Spider Veins

Thin broken capillaries on the face are also known as spider veins. They typically occur from photodamage and can be eliminated with various light-based treatments.

7. Reaction to a Medication

Photosensitivity is a side effect of certain medications and can cause a sunburn-like reaction. So, if you are taking a new medication, it could be one of the reasons that your face is red.

If you are suffering from a skin condition or facial redness, please call our office today to schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Eliot Battle.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.