Why Does My Face Go Red?

There are many reasons why your face turns red. These reasons include strong emotions, exercise, drinking alcohol, and rosacea. When your face turns red, the blood vessels in your skin widen. When that happens, more blood reaches your face. Also, your cheeks feel hot, but it disappears after a short time.  

One of the most common reasons you blush is embarrassment. Blushing is part of the flight-or-fight response from your nervous system. Adrenaline starts pumping your heart faster and your breathing increases. Energy is redirected to your muscles to get them ready for action. The adrenaline also causes your blood vessels to dilate, and this is the root of blushing.  

To put it simply, the adrenaline causes more blood flow to your cheeks. That is the physical reason for blushing, but not the emotional one.  Sometimes the reddening occurs in other parts of your body as well. Reddening, or blushing, is an involuntary response from your body.

Strong emotions can cause blushing, including crying, feeling self-conscious, and being angry. You may blush when receiving a compliment or hear a flattering remark. You may blush if you are the center of attention, or when making a speech or other presentation.  

Remember, it is involuntary, and does not mean you cannot handle the situation. Even though reddening is harmless, it can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as hypertension or even a heart attack.

Exercise 

The heat alone on a summer day can make your skin turn red. When you exercise, your body gets hotter. Your body cools itself off by sweating and by sending more blood to the surface of your skin.  

However, if you notice other sensations besides your face getting red, like dizziness, nausea, or fatigue, your body may be overheating. To avoid this, wear clothes made of natural fibers and don’t let yourself get dehydrated. If you are feeling very hot, pour water on your head. 

Alcohol

Alcohol causes your arteries to widen, but you may also have a genetic predisposition to this happening. Doctors call this “Alcohol Flush Reaction” and it is caused by your body not being able to properly break down alcohol.   

A number of molecules break down alcohol in your liver and one of them is called alcohol dehydrogenase. As it becomes less able to do its job, toxic substances enter your blood stream and this can cause flushing. This is a genetic condition, especially in people of South East Asian descent. That’s why it is also called the “Asian Flush.”   

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition which causes facial redness. Symptoms include:

• A tendency to blush or flush easily
• Redness on all or part of the face
• A large, red nose
• Many tiny blood vessels on the face
• Bloodshot eyes
• Skin eruptions
• Burning feeling on the face

Certain conditions and substances can trigger a flare-up. 

There is no cure for rosacea, but here are some things that may help. Avoid exposure to the sun and use sunscreen, avoid exercise in hot weather, reduce stress, and limit spicy foods, hot drinks, and alcohol. Triggers can vary among people, like hot baths, wind, cold weather, and certain skin products, so be aware of your own triggers and try to avoid them.