What are red spots on the face?
Red spots on the face are common. They can be temporary, due to skin irritation for example, but can also be visible for longer periods of time. If they bother you greatly, red spots can be not only a cosmetic concern but also a source of insecurity. Sometimes it is involuntary blushing; in other cases, it is persistent, red spots that are visible throughout the day. In some skin types, red spots are accompanied by inflammation, bumps or pimples.
Possible causes of red spots
The skin turns red when irritated or flushed because blood vessels in the skin dilate. Red spots can have several causes. Blood contains many red blood cells, and when more blood gets close to the surface of the skin, that red color shines through the skin. This is why you see redness especially in areas where the skin is thin and there are many superficial blood vessels, such as the face and neck.
Specific causes of red spots include:
Acne
In acne, blockages of the sebaceous glands cause inflammation, which causes the redness. This can lead to temporary redness or scars that remain visible for longer periods of time.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often develops after the age of 30. Persistent redness, visible vessels and sensitive skin are typical. Factors that can aggravate rosacea include:
- heat and sports
- emotions and stress
- sunlight and temperature fluctuations
- alcohol, spicy food and certain cosmetics
Other causes
In addition to acne and rosacea, eczema, allergic reactions or sun damage can also cause redness. It is important to have the correct diagnosis made by our skin therapists. They specialize in recognizing and treating all types of red spots.
Characteristics of facial redness
The characteristics of facial redness vary. Possible characteristics are:
- frequent flushing or persistent redness
- visible small blood vessels (rosacea)
- a burning or stinging sensation in the skin
- inflammatory bumps or pimples
- redness that worsens with external triggers such as temperature changes
Treatments for facial redness
Camouflage and skin-friendly makeup
With mineral makeup, red spots can be camouflaged well without clogging the skin. Our skin therapists are happy to advise you on this and camouflage treatments are in many cases (partially) reimbursed by health insurance.
View our range of mineral makeup here
Medical and cosmetic treatments
Although rosacea cannot be completely cured, there are several treatment options that can significantly alleviate symptoms, such as:
- Medicated creams or gels: for reducing inflammation and redness.
- Skin improvement products for home use: specially tailored to sensitive and red skin.
- Professional treatments at Ivy clinics: our skin therapists are happy to advise you on which options are best for your skin.
Free skin analysis and personalized advice
Want to find out the cause of your red spots and advice on how best to reduce them? Make an appointment for a free, no-obligation consultation. During this consultation, our skin therapists will assess your skin and draw up a personal treatment plan for you.
