Why Your Face Turns Red When You Exercise
The positive: After exercising, having a red face is a completely typical reaction to physical activity. Everyone is aware that when we get hot, we sweat to cool down, but while our blood flow increases, our bodies also undergo vascular changes that can cause flushing or a red face. According to Blair Murphy, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, “the flushing that happens post-workout is due to the dilatation of superficial blood vessels in facial skin.”
In essence, some persons experience this cutaneous flushing after exercise because they have more capillaries. The capillaries open up to let more oxygen reach the working muscles while also pushing heat to the surface to prevent overheating while your blood is being circulated more quickly to increase oxygen intake.
According to Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, “We all flush when we exercise, but it’s more obvious in individuals with fair complexions as the skin pigment in darker skin tones can sometimes disguise more mild flushing.” He continues, however, by pointing out that some individuals “genetically have a more strong network of microscopic blood veins feeding their capillaries, making the redness more prominent.”
How to Minimize Face Redness Following Exercise
While there is no real way to prevent flushing, it can be treated by using laser treatments to lessen symptoms and stop flare-ups. According to Dr. Murphy, “Pulsed dye laser therapy can obliterate the superficial cutaneous blood vessels, which greatly lessens the redness experienced post-workout.”
Try this quick remedy first before getting laser therapy if you’re more dedicated to keeping your skincare routine straightforward. Shuting Hu, PhD, a cosmetic chemist and the founder of Acaderma, advises bringing anti-inflammatory skincare products like cooling mists before going to a workout in order to keep your core temperature lower. During and after exercise, spritzing your face will help to minimize redness and help the skin regain its normal equilibrium.
After working out, you can also use a cold, damp towel on your face to loosen up the skin. Apply a gel moisturizer afterward to help cool down your skin and reduce inflammation. You can also add a dab of hydrocortisone lotion to relieve the inflammation if your facial redness just won’t go away; just be careful with how much you apply as it is a topical steroid.
