Causes
Your body temperature increases while exercising, which causes your blood vessels to dilate in order to lower your core temperature. The redness is caused by an increase in blood flow during exercise that rushes oxygenated blood to your skin's surface. Your body's natural cooling mechanism also comes into play on hot summer days and while eating spicy foods. Menopause and medications that cause your blood vessels to dilate can also cause flushed skin. The cause of rosacea is
Treatment
Be aware of what is causing the redness of your face. If strong emotions, such as anger or embarrassment, are causing redness, exercise can help. Exercise cannot cure a red face, but it does release "feel good" chemicals called endorphins that can improve your mood and reduce stress. If you're red from hot weather, cool down by splashing cold water on your face, finding an air conditioned area and drinking plenty of fluid. Rosacea is usually treated by topical medications of metronidazole, benzoyle peroxide and azelaic acid. Oral antibiotics and laser treatment are also used for rosacea. If you wear makeup, foundations with a green or yellow tint can counter the redness.
Prevention
Avoiding what triggers your red face is the best method of control. You can't avoid exercise because of the health benefits it provides, but you can avoid strenuous exercise that will cause your body temperature to rise more drastically. Moderate-intensity aerobic activity in an air-conditioned environment will help reduce the redness of your face. If you have rosacea, use your medication as prescribed and always wear SPF 30 since the sun can trigger your redness. Learning stress-management techniques can also help control rosacea.
Considerations
In hot temperatures, skin redness can also indicate heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke occur when your body temperature reaches 104 degrees. You may have heart palpitations, shortness of breath and mental confusion and possibly lose consciousness. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs are present with a red face. Staying hydrated is the best way to prevent overheating. Drink 20 oz. of fluid two hours before physical exertion, 16 oz. 15 minutes before exercising and up to 8 oz. every 15 minutes while exercising.
