Facial redness refers to a condition where the skin on the face appears flushed or red, this is often due to inflammation dilated blood vessels or underlying skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, eczema, sunburn and some autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus or psoriasis).  Read how the Skin Elixir Red Therapy Facial Radiance Wand can really help. 

There's seems to be a growing incidence of facial redness especially during peri menopause and menopause, we have products and tools that truly work to  reduce redness in the Skin Elixir armoury but what about food? In today's blog we explore 10 foods we can eat to alleviate facial redness?

1. Turmeric

Contains curcumin, which can help reduce inflammation and redness in the skin. How does it do this? Well, Curcumin inhibits the production of inflammatory molecules and enzymes and it also improves blood circulation which can reduce swelling and redness. In addition Turmeric has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from damage and promote healing.

2. Green tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help soothe the skin and reduce redness. These compounds including catechins and polyphenols can help reduce redness. The specific catechin, EGCG epigallocatechin-3-gallatehas been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory effects, helping supress pro-inflammatory molecules.

3. Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce facial redness. Specifically gingerol, an active compound in ginger which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory compounds namely avenanthramides which can help soothe and alleviate redness and itching related to conditions such as sunburn and eczema. It also has natural moisturising properties which can also contribute to a reduction in facial redness. 

5. Salmon

For the non vegans out there, Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids specifically (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which have anti-inflammatory actions, which can help reduce inflammation and redness in the skin. In addition Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy skin by promoting moisturise retention and boosting cell turnover reducing redness and improving overall complexion. Also a good source of vitamin E and selenium that can protect the skin from free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation) and reduce redness caused by oxidative stress.

6. Cucumbers

Cucumbers have cooling properties that can help reduce facial redness and soothe irritated skin. They hydrate skin making it more resilient and less prone to redness.

7. Aloe vera

Aloe Vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties namely polysaccharides and glycoproteins, which can help reduce redness and inflammation in the skin. Similar to cucumber, aloe vera has a cooling effect which can soothe irritation and reduce redness. It is also highly moisturising.

8. Chamomile

Consuming chamomile tea or using it topically can help reduce facial redness and calm irritated skin. The anti-inflammatory compounds chamazulene and bisabolol can help to reduce inflammation. It is incredibly healing for skin helping to promote the regeneration of skin cells. It is rich in flavonoids antioxidants which help protect the skin from oxidative stress and is also calming and soothing.

9. Berries

Berries are packed with antioxidants that help protect the skin and reduce redness and inflammation.

10. Leafy greens

When it comes to addressing facial redness we cannot go wrong with increasing our intake of leafy greens. Vegetables such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard are rich in antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties they help to promote healthy blood circulation and reduce inflammation which in turn reduces facial redness. High in vitamins and minerals especially A and C  which combined work to improve overall skin health.

 As we can deduce here, in all likelihood a great skincare regime and an anti inflammatory diet is the best approach to reducing facial redness.

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