Facial flushing tips

[ar_12345]

Hi, I suffer from facial flushing and I have triggers such as in a hot room and in the sun. Hot food and drink and alcohol. Also when I exercise. I know it's probably never going to be cured but if anyone has advice for how to reduce it or any treatment that worked for them to minimise it? I would be grateful for advice as it effects my self esteem so much. Thanks

[EvaChangingFaces Partner]

Hello ar_12345 and welcome to the Changing Faces community! Thank you for posting here and sharing a little bit about your story. Sorry to hear that your facial flushing is affecting your self-esteem and hopefully you'll find this a safe and supportive space to continue sharing your thoughts and experiences as you're going through your journey.

There are members here with all different forms of visible difference and it can be surprising how much people with a different type of condition can connect with you over shared thoughts or worries.

I'm also including a link to the self-help resources page on the Changing Faces website, just in case you think it might be helpful: changingfaces.org.uk/advice...

Take care,

Eva - ChangingFaces

[MaveB]

Hi ar-12345 👋,

I'm sorry to read you are struggling with facial flushing and how it's affecting you, which I understand well. I also have a history of facial flushing, which for a few years I put down to my 'age'. But, facial flushing chronically persisted. In my own case it was a symptom of underlying Rosacea, which, at the time, I didn't realise I had. (details in my bio')

I think you might be on to something helpful, by realising what your personal triggers are. I learnt also that caffeine was a huge flushing trigger for me. I've managed to control the flushing better these days, just giving up caffeine was a huge help. In my own case too, it's my system's stress signal, so flushing peaks again when I'm in stressful situations. (I'm an internaliser, I don't shout or slam doors I keep it all inside.)

Have you managed to have a chat with your GP at all to see if you can begin to work out any underlying cause?

Best wishes,

M

[Capybaraplant]

Hi, I have exactly the same issue and am currently doing counselling with Changing Faces to try and reduce my erythrophobia, because it affects every part of my life. I get severe anxiety and panic attacks when I feel the redness coming on. It's an ongoing issue but I'm currently doing a few things that 100% help me manage the redness, and anxiety around it. Firstly, I've always kept it almost as a secret that I go red, as I've been so embarrassed and ashamed of it and worried about what people will think. I've recently opened up to some of my closest people about how much it really affects me, and they have been fantastic. I'm even trying some exposure therapy with one close friend by going out to restaurants (a massive anxiety trigger) to try and get used to it in a safe setting, where I know she will understand if I need to take a moment or leave. Also, using the 1-1 counselling session provided by changing faces has been a big step in making progress towards accepting and not judging myself. My counsellor is incredible.

I went to my GP about it, who has prescribed Propanolol, which doesn't get rid of the flushes and redness, but absolutely reduces the fight or flight response, and therefore massively lessens the likelihood of me flushing. I take 20 - 40mg first thing in the morning depending on how stressful I think the day ahead will be. I managed to get through a big presentation recently, and the propranolol was a lifesaver there!

Finally, in terms of the anxiety, I'm trying all of the classics - breathing techniques, yoga and mindfulness, holding my head up high and not hiding when I feel the panic coming on, trying my best not to avoid situations that normally give me anxiety. It's definitely a work in progress but it's starting to get a little easier the more I do it.

In terms of the redness, I use 3 things on days that I want some coverage - firstly Azeleic acid (even on days without makeup). I use the Beauty Pie 'Happy Face' which is specifically to calm redness and build the skin barrier. I've noticed a huge difference to the general state of my skin since using it, in terms of redness, but also just my general complexion.

Secondly, a green concealer - I use the Collection Perfection colour correcting green concealer. Just a small amount either in the most red areas, or sometimes all over my face. It's incredible.

Finally, a full coverage foundation. I currently use Rimmel Londons 24hr foundation, but they've changed the formulation and the new one is patchy, so I need to find an alternative.

I'd love to get to a point where I don't feel the need to wear makeup at all, but at the moment, they really help while I'm working on accepting my skin.

The last thing I've been doing lots of recently is following Instagram accounts of people sharing rosacea and skin redness, to remind myself just how many people have exactly the same thing. There's a Facebook group called 'iBlush' which is brilliant. A whole community of people with such similar experiences and so supportive.

Apologies for the absolute novel I've written, but that's my experience of it all currently. I hope some of its helpful, and if you've got any tips, I'd love to hear too!!

All the best, and keep shining x

[EvaChangingFaces Partner in reply to Capybaraplant]

Hi Capybaraplant and welcome to the online community of Changing Faces! Thank you for sharing a little bit about your journey with erythrophobia here and how it affects you as well as different things you're trying to help you manage the symptoms and the effect it has in your day-to-day life.

It's so lovely to read about all the different ways you're supporting yourself and thank you for sharing some of the strategies that you use to cope with these feelings as I think people could benefit from reading about your experience. It's also clear that you have developed a lot of resilience and skills through this journey and sounds like you have people people around you who have been able to be there for you as well.

Please continue using this forum as a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings and connecting with others over similar experiences of living life with a visible difference.

Take care,

Eva - ChangingFaces

[Circuitbreaker Community Ambassador]

no need to apologise for a lengthy post! Its great to see people saying what works and what they have tried. Obviously different things work for different folks, but great to ideas being shared! Nice one!!