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Facial redness refers to red cheeks or visible blood vessels which form on the surface of the face. These conditions are caused by superficial blood vessels in excessive numbers. An excess of very small blood vessels gives a generalised redness appearance whereas larger blood vessels, which are termed broken capillaries, present as lots of red lines on the skin’s surface.

For more information see Broken Capillaries.

What causes facial redness?

There are many factors which cause facial redness:

1. Genetics result in a tendency of facial redness to run in the family. This happens to be particularly prominent in those who have a Celtic background.

2. Environmental damage can also be a cause. Things that inflame your skin can accelerate the appearance of facial capillaries. In Australia, excessive sun exposure is a major factor as well as wind. Excess cold exposure can also cause skin inflammation with resultant facial redness.

3. Rosacea is a common skin condition which typically affects the face and can flare up intermittently. It can also be associated with acne.
   For more information see Rosacea

4. Some medications have side-effects which cause facial redness. This includes a prolonged use of topical hydrocortisone creams and cortisone tablets.

5. Congestion can also cause facial capillaries, particularly around the nose. Congestion is caused by conditions such as hay fever, rhinitis and sinusitis.

What aggravates facial redness?

Facial redness is accentuated by an increase in body temperature. This is because when body temperature rises, blood flow increases to the surface of the skin. Exercise, alcohol, spicy foods, saunas and hot baths are good examples of things that can aggravate facial redness.

How is facial redness treated?

The first step is to avoid the things that cause the facial redness in the first place. If, for example, you have excessive exposure to sunlight, using an appropriate sunblock product is essential.

Other aggravating factors including alcohol, spicy foods and saunas should also be avoided or at least cut down on.

Treating and removing facial redness can be done with a vascular laser. The type of vascular laser which will be used depends on the severity and particular cause of facial redness.

What type of laser is used?

The Cosmetic and Laser Medical Centres have various vascular lasers including the Diode, Revlite and VBeam lasers, the choice of which depends on your particular circumstances.