Have you looked in the mirror lately and wondered: 'when did my face get so red? why do I have all these broken capillaries, now?' If you look closely, you'll notice that redness in your cheeks, across the bridge of your nose - can either be due to flushing and/or broken capillaries. Both of these symptoms have to do with an inflammatory response from your body.
According to medlineplus.gov, and inflammatory response occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat, or any other cause. The damaged cells release chemicals including histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins. These chemicals cause blood vessels to leak fluid into the tissues, causing redness and swelling. This helps isolate the foreign substance from further contact with body tissues. In regular words, your body sends a mini-army to fight off invaders, and sometimes our face gets the brunt of it.
In my case, I have systemic Lupus, which means my immune system overreacts to everything... making my face nice and rosy, when I don't want it!
Ok, so what can be done? Hydration, diet, and lifestyle are the most important factors for skin health, however skincare products + regimen can have a massive impact, too. Check out the highlight reel of ingredients to look for (and watch out for) to alleviate unwanted redness.
Step 1:
Mineral-based, non-toxic SPF moisturizer
First and foremost, preventing inflammation and redness starts with protection from the most powerful potential irritant - the Sun. If a lightweight SPF moisturizer is not already part of your morning routine, change that ASAP (it should be SPF 30 at least). It may take a few attempts to find a compatible product, since everyone's skin is different. Until we release our SPF Tinted Moisturizer, here are a few of our favorite nontoxic products for those with normal + sensitive skin:
SPF 30 OIL-FREE MOISTURIZER by Juice Beauty
GUARDS UP
DAILY MINERAL SUNSCREEN BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 35 by Versed Skincare
SQUALANE + ZINC SHEER MINERAL SUNSCREEN by Biossance
Step 2:
Azelaic Acid
Not only is this naturally occurring acid derived from grains, it's also great for sensitive skin, and it's been clinically proven to substantially reduce redness associated with rosacea (a skin condition causing facial redness, irritation, inflammation, and sometimes scaling). Azelaic acid is prescribed by dermatologists to treat the following skin conditions:
rosacea
acne + acne scarring
hyperpigmentation
skin brightening
It's safe for daily use and is often prescribed to be used for extended periods of time, given its gentle efficacy. It's also a common recommendation as an alternative to using an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) for those with reactive skin, or those using multiple products so as not to irritate the skin.
We happen to carry a nontoxic Vitamin C Serum with azelaic acid, which has become a staple in my AM skincare routine.
VIT C PIGMENT PERFECTING SERUM by eNVy formulations
Step 3:
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD derived from hemp, has become a 100% legal and effective ingredient in skincare since 2018. CBD is being used clinically to treat acne, with success, and has been proven to reduce inflammation and excess oil generation. The research on this ingredient is still in its early stages, since the legality of its use was only formalized in the US in 2018. What I can say, having Lupus and noticeable redness and tons of broken capillaries in my cheeks and across the bridge of my nose, is that using our CBD Charged Serum daily, over the last year, has made a tremendous impact in my facial redness. I rarely get flushed and red, and I have few to no broken capillaries; it's a game changer for me, and our customers feel the same.
Every morning, after washing and toning, I slather on my Vit C Pigment Perfecting Serum and follow-up with our CBD Charged Serum, for a consistently hydrated, radiant complexion.
CBD CHARGED SERUM by eNVy formulations
Now you're informed and ready - protection + healing is the way to reducing redness and inflammation. But wait! There is another more very important detail... patience + consistency. Your skin replaces itself every ~27 days, so new treatments will take time to work, and a routine is inescapable. If you don't already, think of a skincare routine as a moment for you, to treat yourself, care for yourself, and embrace the popular practice of "self care". It's the only skin-suit you get, you may as well take care of it!
Thank you reading and I'm looking forward to sharing more as we grow. Please reach out with any comments/questions!
- Jessica 🖤