Experiencing transient facial erythema post-exercise is entirely commonplace; however, its persistence can be bothersome, particularly when your schedule necessitates an immediate segue into your makeup routine. Given the modern hustle, it's not always feasible to allot downtime between your workout and subsequent engagements. In such scenarios, you might ponder the requisite amount of foundation to apply in order to even out your skin tone if the flushed visage remains unabated.

To elucidate strategies for ameliorating post-exercise facial redness, we consulted Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, and Dr. Jessie Cheung, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness. Below are their insights, accompanied by a selection of our preferred skincare products tailored to address facial redness.

Why Does My Face Get Red After Working Out?

“When we exercise and experience a rise in body temperature, our blood vessels dilate, which can result in redness and flushing,” elucidates Dr. Garshick. In essence, facial redness is a physiological mechanism for thermoregulation. Dr. Cheung further explicates, “Exercise elevates your core temperature as muscles convert energy into heat. Your body endeavors to maintain a safe core temperature by redirecting blood flow towards the skin to dissipate heat, in conjunction with perspiration. The superficial blood vessels in your face will expand, leading to flushing and redness.”

Facial redness post-exercise is ubiquitous, but Dr. Garshick and Dr. Cheung highlight its heightened prevalence in individuals with rosacea. Moreover, Dr. Cheung notes that “fair-skinned individuals may observe increased redness due to the lack of pigment to obscure their blood vessels.”

5 Strategies to Alleviate Facial Redness Post-Workout

Tip 1: Utilize a Facial Mist

Spritzing a facial mist post-exercise not only soothes and hydrates the skin but also aids in maintaining a post-workout radiance even as the redness subsides, as per Dr. Garshick. The SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist, a hydrating spray suitable for all skin types, is efficacious in mitigating visible redness.

Tip 2: Apply a Cold Compress

A cool cloth applied to the skin can significantly diminish redness and offers a refreshing method to cool down post-exercise. Dr. Cheung advises, “Cooling mists, a cool washcloth, and even ice packs will lower your surface temperature and constrict your blood vessels.”

Tip 3: Employ a Redness Corrective Product

Calming and hydrating products are paramount in reducing exercise-induced redness. Dr. Garshick endorses the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel, a soothing gel serum enriched with hyaluronic acid, cucumber, and other botanicals. It is apt for sensitive skin and can enhance the appearance of redness. Dr. Cheung suggests, “Any calming ingredient will help reduce redness. Look for antioxidants such as vitamin C, glutathione, curcumin, astaxanthin, and niacinamide.”

Tip 4: Consider Your Workout Environment

Preemptive measures can be taken before and during your workout to prevent subsequent redness. Dr. Cheung recommends, “Try exercising in a cool, non-humid environment away from the sun.” Additionally, wearing loose clothing can help prevent overheating. Essentially, consider ways to optimize comfort and minimize the risk of overheating.

Tip 5: Consult a Dermatologist for Long-Term Solutions

For those frequently battling facial redness and seeking a more enduring solution, scheduling a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is advisable. Dr. Cheung mentions, “Prescription rosacea creams contain vasoconstrictors that can help minimize redness.” Moreover, certain laser therapy treatments targeting broken blood vessels can offer more sustained relief from redness.