Rosy skin may not always be a sign of a serious medical issue, but it can be an annoyance. So, we’ve dug into the potential causes and treatments that can help you reduce that persistent redness.

Here, we’ll share some expert-approved advice on tactics that may help get your skin back to its calm, clear, and radiant self. Let's dive in!

Why is my face so red?

Are you wondering why your face is sporting that rosy glow a bit too often? Having a red face can be a sign of various things—both harmless and potentially serious. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of blood flow changes in your skin. This could be due to benign issues like rosacea, contact dermatitis, or even reactions to the sun. But before you shrug it off, redness can also indicate something more, like drug allergies or cardiac issues.¹

Your face may also be red because of something called flushing, where your face turns red and warm. It’s often related to endocrine disorders and can range from temporary flushes to a more persistent redness with tiny blood vessels showing up.²

Scientifically proven ways to reduce facial redness 

So, what can you do to dial down the red? Let’s take a look at some scientifically backed treatments that might help. 

Topical creams

There are some well-researched topical creams that may help reduce facial redness. First up is brimonidine topical gel at 0.33%. It’s not just a tongue-twister; it’s also a gel that can help reduce the facial redness you’ve got going on, specifically if rosacea is your issue. What it does is cause your blood vessels to constrict, which leads to less redness.³

Another option is oxymetazoline 1% cream. The studies on this ingredient are encouraging, suggesting it’s a safe and effective treatment for persistent facial redness. It’s also an essential component of combination treatment regimens for rosacea.⁴

If you’re wondering what would be the best fit for you, it's a good idea to consult with a dermatology provider.* A skincare expert can help you tailor your treatment so you get a personalized treatment designed just for your skin concerns.

Botulinum toxin injection

Botulinum toxin injections, or as most people know it, Botox, isn’t just for erasing laugh lines; it’s also an up-and-coming option for tackling facial flushing and redness.⁵ The injection goes just beneath the skin, and it may be combined with other treatments for a more comprehensive approach. Remember that this treatment is still somewhat new for treating redness, and more research is needed to grasp how effective it is. 

That said, the early returns seem very promising. For example, a study showed that three patients with stubborn rosacea significantly reduced their redness and flushing after getting Botox injections.⁶

So, if your facial redness is proving to be a tough nut to crack, maybe it’s time to chat with your dermatologist about potentially adding Botox to your redness-fighting arsenal. 

Lasers

Lasers are becoming a popular go-to for reducing facial redness and visible veins.

Different laser options should be considered based on what you’re dealing with. Pulsed Dye Laser, for example, is good for small, surface-level blood vessels causing redness.⁷ KTP laser might be your best bet for more prominent veins or red spots. And if your redness comes from acne scars or post-inflammatory erythema, fractionated Lasers could be right up your alley.⁸ 

As always, these laser treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all, and there’s still ongoing research about their effectiveness, especially for newer types like picosecond lasers.⁹ It’s essential to consult a skincare professional for advice tailored to your specific skin type and condition. 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is another light-based therapy you might want to consider. IPL uses various wavelengths to focus on different pigments in the skin, making it versatile enough to tackle facial redness and those delicate, spider-like veins called telangiectasias.¹⁰

Here’s the cool part: IPL has shown promise in reducing the blood flow that leads to erythema, especially if you’re dealing with rosacea. But, a heads-up for those with darker skin tones: IPL must be approached cautiously.¹¹ It’s always best to consult a professional to determine if this treatment suits your specific complexion and condition.

Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency (FMR)

Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) is another option that helps with post-inflammatory erythema (the fancy term for redness following acne).¹²

In a study where they pitted this treatment against the traditional route of antibiotics and topical creams, guess what? The FMR group had noticeable improvements in redness and inflammation without major side effects.¹³

If you’ve waved goodbye to acne but are still dealing with its red-faced aftermath, this could be a treatment worth discussing with your dermatologist.

Treating redness caused by rosacea 

If you’re grappling with rosacea and its signature red flush, you’re not alone. The first order of business? Get to know your triggers. We’re talking about things like too much sun, a spicy meal, or even that glass of wine you may enjoy at dinner.¹⁴ Once you’ve got your list, avoidance is key.

When it comes to skincare, think gently. Go for cleansers, sunscreens, and moisturizers that are notably gentle for your skin. In more serious cases, you may need to take medication, and that’s where systemic treatments enter the scene. Drugs like propranolol and clonidine can help keep flushing at bay.¹⁵ Then, antibiotics like doxycycline and azithromycin can help against inflammatory lesions. You can apply ivermectin, metronidazole, and azelaic acid at the topical level.¹⁶ 

Oh, and by the way, you can find these topical ingredients in our Curology treatments!

Remember, it might take a tag team of therapies to pin down your rosacea, so make sure you get tailored advice from a dermatology professional.

Treat rosacea with Curology 

If you’re grappling with the redness and discomfort that come with rosacea, try Curology as a treatment option. We offer tailored skincare solutions, including topical treatments that contain active ingredients such as ivermectin, metronidazole, and azelaic acid—all known to be effective in treating rosacea symptoms. These topicals can help combat inflammatory lesions and keep redness at bay.

The process is simple. You’ll start by consulting with a Curology dermatology provider, who will evaluate your specific needs and recommend a custom treatment plan. Your provider will then monitor your progress and adjust your treatment regimen as necessary, ensuring optimal results.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

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Don’t let rosacea keep you from feeling your best. Get started with Curology’s formula* specifically tailored for rosacea and discover a treatment that works for you.

P.S. We did the homework, so you don’t have to:

1. İkizoğlu, G. Red face revisited: Flushing. Clin Dermatol. (November-December 2014).

2. Hannah-Shmouni, F., et al. Flushing in (Neuro)endocrinology. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. (September 2016).

3. Anderson, M.S., et al. Spotlight on brimonidine topical gel 0.33% for facial erythema of rosacea: safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability. Patient Prefer Adherence. (2017, July 6).

4. Del Rosso, J.Q. and Tanghetti, E. Topical Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Cream 1% for the Treatment of Persistent Facial Erythema of Rosacea in Adults: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (March 2021).

5. Luque, A., et al. Botulinum Toxin: An Effective Treatment for Flushing and Persistent Erythema in Rosacea. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (March 2021).

6. Luque, A., et al. Botulinum Toxin: An Effective Treatment for Flushing and Persistent Erythema in Rosacea. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

7. Loyal, J., et al. Updates and Best Practices in the Management of Facial Erythema. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. (2021, June 8).

8. Loyal, J., et al. Updates and Best Practices in the Management of Facial Erythema. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Ibid.

9. Loyal, J., et al. Updates and Best Practices in the Management of Facial Erythema. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Ibid.

10. Yepuri, V., et al. Light-Based Devices for the Treatment of Facial Erythema and Telangiectasia. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). (December 2021).

11. Yepuri, V., et al. Light-Based Devices for the Treatment of Facial Erythema and Telangiectasia. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). Ibid.

12. Min, S., et al. Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment for Acne-related Post-inflammatory Erythema. Acta Derm Venereol. (January 2016).

13. Min, S., et al. Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment for Acne-related Post-inflammatory Erythema. Acta Derm Venereol. Ibid.

14. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. (2023, August 8).

15. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. Ibid.

16. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. Ibid.

17. Anderson, M.S., et al. Spotlight on brimonidine topical gel 0.33% for facial erythema of rosacea: safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability. Patient Prefer Adherence. Ibid.

18. Del Rosso, J.Q. and Tanghetti, E. Topical Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Cream 1% for the Treatment of Persistent Facial Erythema of Rosacea in Adults: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

19. Luque, A., et al. Botulinum Toxin: An Effective Treatment for Flushing and Persistent Erythema in Rosacea. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

20. Loyal, J., et al. Updates and Best Practices in the Management of Facial Erythema. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Ibid.

21. Yepuri, V., et al. Light-Based Devices for the Treatment of Facial Erythema and Telangiectasia. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). Ibid.

22. Min, S., et al. Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment for Acne-related Post-inflammatory Erythema. Acta Derm Venereol. Ibid.

23. İkizoğlu, G. Red face revisited: Flushing. Clin Dermatol. Ibid.

24. Luque, A., et al. Botulinum Toxin: An Effective Treatment for Flushing and Persistent Erythema in Rosacea. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

25. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. Ibid.

26. Yepuri, V., et al. Light-Based Devices for the Treatment of Facial Erythema and Telangiectasia. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). Ibid.

Kristen Jokela is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Curology. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Kristen Jokela, NP-C