Overview
The skin on your face is very delicate and prone to injuries. When your facial skin is irritated or injured due to cuts, abrasions, allergies or the application of chemicals (cosmetics), it becomes inflamed or red. This redness is a healing process called inflammation in which your white blood cells (leukocytes) rush to the areas of injury. During the healing process, your face can remain red for several days; however, there are methods you can try to make face redness clear up.
Step 1
Use a good over-the-counter steroid cream. A clobetasol propionate cream or hydrocortisone cream helps to clear up facial redness. Steroid creams work by healing the blood vessels under the skin that have been injured due to irritations or scarring. Read and follow the package directions before applying a steroid cream on your face.
Step 2
Apply silicone pads or gel to the reddened areas of your face. Silicone works by lessening the redness caused by skin irritations, scars and other skin problems. You can purchase silicone pads or gels at any large chain drugstore.
Step 3
Dab aloe vera gel on reddened facial areas. Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can remove irritation and redness due to skin injuries. You can purchase aloe vera gel at any health food store. Look for aloe vera gels that don’t contain alcohol or chemical additives since these can further irritate your face.
Step 4
Slather on sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher one hour before heading outdoors. Reddened facial skin can get itchy and irritated when exposed to too much sunlight. Reapply the sunscreen after swimming or exercising.
Step 5
Consult a dermatologist. If you have prolonged facial redness and pimples, you may have rosacea. Rosacea is a common long-term skin condition that is frequently mistaken for acne. It involves enlargement (dilation) of the small blood vessels in your face called capillaries. Common causes include genetic factors and bacterial infections. Your dermatologist will assess your facial skin and provide information on the latest treatments.
About this Author
Frank Dioso is a trained clinical laboratory professional, working for prominent diagnostic laboratories and research institutions such as Quest Diagnostics and California Clinical Trials. He has ghostwritten clinical trial reports for confidential pharmaceutical drugs, and is currently contributing his medical knowledge to websites such as eHow and LIVESTRONG.
