What Does It Mean When You Have Ruddy Skin?

If your skin is prone to flushing and redness, then you’ve probably heard the term ‘ruddy skin’ once or twice before. Ruddy skin describes facial redness, sort of like the flushing you commonly experience after a workout, except your face looks like this all the time. 

Facial redness is a common skin concern but it can be a pain to deal with, especially during the winter. If you’re looking for ways to minimize it for a more even skin tone, keep reading as we share everything you need to know about managing ruddy skin, including the right skin care products and makeup essentials to use to conceal it.

What Causes Ruddy Skin?

The truth is, there could be a myriad of reasons why face redness has become your new normal. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, many things can turn your face red, including sunburn, acne, and hot flashes. Beyond that, other causes of a ruddy skin color can include rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, allergic reactions, and skin cancer.

Since various skin conditions and illnesses may be a factor, it’s best to visit your dermatologist and determine what specifically is causing your ruddy skin. They can also help you determine how to manage it.

What Does Ruddy Skin Look Like?

As we mentioned above, ruddy skin is known for its reddish tone. If you notice any areas of skin that maintain a reddish appearance like your nose, under your eyes, your cheeks, or basically anywhere on your skin, that is an indicator that you have ruddy skin.

How to Manage Ruddy Skin

Now that you’re more educated on the basics of ruddiness, it’s time to take action. Follow our four tips below to help minimize the appearance of your ruddy skin tone.

1. Take Sun Protection Measures

By now, if you have even the most basic skin care knowledge, you know that sun protection is a must — ruddy skin or otherwise. Taking the proper sun protection measures can  protect skin from harmful UV rays, which exposure to can result in a painful sunburn that can make your ruddy skin appear even redder. As a good rule of thumb, wear SPF 30 or greater daily, like L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion.

2. Don’t Over Exfoliate Your Skin

Too much exfoliation can be a bad thing — and it can lead to flushed, sensitive skin. Depending on your skin type, you may be able to exfoliate daily, or you may have to save it for once a week. Avoid harsh scrubs because those can cause irritation and create micro tears or scrapes on the skin. Instead, try a gentle treatment, like L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner, which contains glycolic acid to gently buff away dead skin cells and reveal smooth, glowy skin. 

3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

One of the best things you can do for ruddy skin is apply moisturizer daily. Per the AAD, moisturizing hydrates by trapping water, which can reduce irritation and make your skin feel more comfortable. Try L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to lock in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. 

4. Avoid Irritating Skin Care Products

Redness can be a sign of irritation, so you want to be mindful that the skin care products you use won’t lead to flare ups. Consult with your dermatologist for more information, and always check with them before adding a new product or ingredient to your routine. 

How to Disguise Ruddy Skin With Makeup

Makeup is a handy tool when you want to conceal ruddy skin. Here’s how to apply your makeup to mask facial redness.

1. Start With Primer

Makeup primer helps create a smooth base for your foundation, and it extends the wear time of your makeup. For ruddy skin, use a primer, like L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Redness Eraser that neutralizes redness. 

2. Apply Full-Coverage Foundation

After applying primer to neutralize redness, opt for a full coverage foundation, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, to perfect your base. This formula has a natural finish and lasts for 24 hours without transferring. 

3. Conceal Where You Need More Coverage

Next, you’ll want to disguise any imperfections still peeking through with concealer. Reach for L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage to get the job done; it provides full, matte coverage and lasts 24 hours. 

4. Bronze and Complete the Rest of Your Makeup

If you have ruddy skin, you may not be the biggest fan of blush because it creates a flushed look similar to the one you’re trying to conceal. Instead, opt for bronzer, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer, to give your skin some color and dimension. 

Finish up with the rest of your makeup, and lock everything in with a setting spray, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray.

Next: The Best Drugstore Foundation for Mature Skin

Photo Credit: iStock