What causes skin flushing?

Skin flushing occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin dilate. Depending on your skin tone, this can cause areas of the skin to temporarily redden or become discolored.

While skin flushing is a common reaction, it may make you feel self-conscious. It can be caused by several factors. Read on to find out more about what causes skin flushing and how you can manage it in your day-to-day life.

What is flushed skin?

Flushed skin is the momentary reddening of the face or surrounding area (typically the neck and upper chest). It makes those with a paler complexion appear redder due to increased blood flow. Those with a darker complexion may notice a subtle discoloration instead. Your face and the surrounding areas may feel warm when your skin flushes.

This is simply your body’s natural response to certain triggers, and in most cases, it’s not something to be concerned about medically. In rare cases, it may be linked to an underlying health condition.

While similar to blushing, flushing can be more intense, making it noticeable and sometimes unsettling.

What causes skin flushing?

Skin flushing is caused by increased blood flow. As more blood flows to a particular area of skin, the blood vessels expand to accommodate this. The skin appears more flushed as a result.

There are multiple causes of skin flushing, including:

• Emotions: Embarrassment, stress, and anger can cause flushed skin. The sympathetic nervous system plays a role in blood vessel diameter, among other physical reactions like sweating and heart rate.
• Temperature changes: Being in a warm environment can cause a red complexion as your body cools itself. Blood vessel dilation releases heat, making the skin flushed.
• Food: Eating spicy foods can trigger flushed skin as your body responds to the heat. Some foods may also prompt the release of inflammatory chemicals, contributing to a red complexion.
• Drinking alcohol: Alcohol can cause flushing due to a type of intolerance. This is where certain enzymes are unable to metabolize alcohol as efficiently. Even drinking a small amount can turn a person's face red or pink.
• Exercising: Increased blood flow and dilation of the blood vessels can cause us to appear redder when exercising—this is due to the body attempting to cool itself down.
• Skin conditions: Flushed skin can be associated with conditions like rosacea, which often causes redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin, along with visible blood vessels in places. Other conditions, such as eczema and allergic reactions, can also lead to a flushed appearance.
• Medical conditions: From menopause to high fever, various medical conditions can cause a flushed complexion as the body responds to changes in temperature or hormonal shifts.
• Taking medication: Certain medications can increase your susceptibility to flushed skin, as they may affect blood flow or prompt other reactions in the body.
• Genetics: Genetics can play a role in flushed skin, whether it’s linked to specific skin conditions or underlying medical factors.

Rosacea vs flushing

Although flushing and rosacea both involve facial redness, flushing is a temporary reaction, whereas rosacea is a chronic skin condition.

Having rosacea means you suffer from persistent redness—and it can also make you more prone to flushing. Often, the condition is accompanied by symptoms such as visible blood vessels, eye irritation, stinging sensations, or bumps and pimples. There are four different types of rosacea, each with varying symptoms: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular.

Some of the causes of rosacea overlap with those that lead to flushing. For example, stress, exercise, and drinking alcohol can all contribute. However, additional causes of rosacea may include immune system issues, blood vessel abnormalities, genetics, or even microscopic mites being more abundant on the skin. 

If left untreated, rosacea can worsen over time, with persistent redness and other symptoms becoming more obvious and permanent. This is not the case for flushing.

Treatment for rosacea usually includes a combination of managing known causes, applying medical treatments directly to the skin, or taking oral medications such as oral antibiotics. A gentle skincare routine designed to reduce irritation can also help manage the condition.

If you suspect you may be suffering from rosacea, rather than flushing, it's best to speak to a dermatologist for more tailored skincare advice.

How can I manage flushing?

Understanding what causes your skin to become flushed is key to managing it. It means you can avoid certain triggers, perhaps by drinking less alcohol or removing yourself from hot environments where possible.

Managing anxiety or stress through relaxation techniques can also help reduce flare-ups. Meanwhile, many people wear specially formulated make-up with a green tint to offset any redness. If you notice the onset of flushing, you can help alleviate it by cooling down—remove a layer of clothing, drink cold liquids, or apply a cold compress to the affected area for relief.

Some people investigate more comprehensive procedures, such as laser treatments designed to target visible blood vessels. This may help to reduce persistent redness. Otherwise, oral medication, topical medication, or even surgery may be an option. You should always consult an expert if you are considering these types of solutions.

If you experience recurring flushing symptoms, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare specialist or a dermatologist.

What does flushed skin mean for your skincare regimen?

Another way to help manage symptoms of flushing is to adopt a skincare regimen that targets redness. This involves embracing a routine suited to sensitive skin, helping prevent further flare-ups. Look for calming botanic ingredients that help avoid irritation, such as chamomile, green tea, or aloe vera.

When selecting products, consider a gentle serum like Rozatrol®. Thanks to its soothing properties, it is clinically shown to relieve symptoms of redness and rosacea-prone skin. A great choice for those with oily or blemish-prone skin, Complexion Clarifying Serum is clinically shown to reduce visible redness and surface oil for a clearer, more balanced complexion. Otherwise, instant cooling from a soothing facial mist containing nutrient-rich plant extract and antioxidant can help calm visible redness by up to 68%.

Relieving the skin from redness and protecting the skin barrier go hand-in-hand. The Redness Relief + Barrier Defense Program is a system of products that work in harmony to improve skin barrier function, while combatting factors that can lead to skin sensitization and redness.

Calm flushed skin with ZO®

At ZO®, we care about helping you feel more confident in your own skin. Create a tailored regimen using our finder tool, which allows us to pair you with the most effective products for your skincare goals.

You can ask us for advice at any time, whether it's about our products or where to start on your skincare journey to reduce redness from flushing. Get in touch to speak to one of our experts or find your local ZO® Partner.